Electric Car Accidents Versus Gas-Powered Car Crashes

The potential distractions for even the most focused drivers seem to be increasing by the day, from smartphones to video systems, never-ending road construction, and other drivers facing the same challenges themselves. According to the National Safety Council, 2016 saw nearly 40,000 crashes across the U.S., many of them resulting from distracted driving. Texas mirrors the national trend, with accidents on the rise. In 2021, there were nearly 4,500 road fatalities, an increase over previous years.

The variety of vehicles drivers encounter on our busy roads is increasing as well. There are now over 52,000 electric vehicles registered in Texas, in addition to hybrid and gas-powered cars and trucks. (Nationwide, there are more than 5.4 million hybrid vehicles on the roads now.) If you’ve been in an accident involving an electric or hybrid car, it can be important to understand how they differ from traditional, gas-powered vehicles.

Are Crashes With Electric Cars Different From Gas-Powered Cars?

While EVs may be better for the environment in many ways, electric and hybrid cars tend to be heavier than similarly sized gas-powered cars. If you’re in a heavier car, you tend to fare better in an accident as your car pushes the other vehicle out of the way and subjects you to gentler deceleration forces. The occupants of the lighter car, on the other hand, are likely to be worse off than they would be if they’d collided with a car of the same weight.

Another factor that concerns many is the possibility of a catastrophic fire where EV crashes are concerned. While spectacular EV vehicle fires have captured much attention in the media, Forbes says it’s still too early to determine if the concern is overblown.

In addition, a 2020 study from the Highway Loss Data Institute found that electric vehicles had 20% fewer insurance claims than gas-powered vehicles. However, their claims tend to be of higher value. Researchers speculate that electric vehicles have better weight distribution, lower centers of gravity, and regenerative braking systems, all of which can lead to better crash outcomes than gas-powered vehicles.

Self-driving electric cars, which are increasingly popular across the country,  could change this picture, according to research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Yes! If you or a loved one have been involved in an electric car crash in Texas, the consequences could be just as financially and emotionally devastating. You don’t have to deal with insurance companies and medical bills alone. We can help. Manfred Sternberg and the skilled attorneys at Manfred Law are well versed in handling Texas personal injury matters. Contact us online or call us in Houston at (713) 547-5460 to schedule your consultation.