Exploring Personal Injury Law: A Deep Dive into Electric Cars, Pedestrian Safety, and Insurance Companies

We explore some key issues around vehicle safety, pedestrian accidents, and insurance companies that may be of interest to anyone navigating these critical aspects of modern life.

Electric Cars and Roadway Safety

As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity, they present new challenges for roadway safety. A recent study found that modern-day guardrails and concrete barriers are not designed to withstand impacts from electric vehicles, which tend to be significantly heavier due to their battery packs. On average, EVs weigh 40% more than traditional gas-powered cars, making it difficult for current safety mechanisms to effectively prevent accidents.

Research out of the University of Nebraska revealed that in collisions, EVs could either move concrete barriers or pass beneath guardrails, posing significant dangers to drivers, construction workers, and other road users. While the occupants of the electric vehicles may remain unharmed thanks to the vehicle’s safety features, the lack of sufficient roadside safety infrastructure is a growing concern.

This is particularly concerning given the increase in the number of EVs on the road—now around 8% of all vehicles. Moving forward, we can expect engineers and safety experts to focus on creating stronger barriers capable of countering the higher weight and momentum of electric cars.

Pedestrian Safety and Vehicle Design

Another crucial issue gaining attention is vehicle design to better protect pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents have risen significantly, with the number of pedestrian fatalities increasing by 57% from 2013 to 2022. Many of these fatalities are caused by SUVs and trucks, which are more likely to inflict fatal injuries due to their higher hood lines and greater mass.

In response to these rising numbers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now pushing for new safety standards that include test procedures for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. These tests simulate pedestrian impacts to assess how well vehicles mitigate injuries in such collisions. If adopted, these changes could save at least 67 lives per year, bringing U.S. safety standards closer to those of Europe, where pedestrian safety has long been a design priority.

While this initiative is promising, pedestrian safety continues to be influenced by other factors like distracted driving and poorly designed streets. Pedestrian deaths may be further reduced by improving street design and combating driver distraction from in-car technology and smartphones.

The Truth About Insurance Companies

When it comes to protecting yourself financially after an accident, choosing the right insurance company is key. While it’s tempting to choose the company with the lowest premium, insurance is about more than just cost—it’s about finding a company that will handle your claim efficiently when it matters most.

A recent Consumer Reports study surveyed 40,000 consumers about their insurance claims experiences and revealed some surprising results. The companies with the best reputations for customer service and claim handling are not the ones most frequently seen in TV advertisements. In fact, popular brands like Allstate, Geico, and Progressive typically ranked near the bottom of the list.

Smaller, regional insurance companies like Erie Insurance Group and New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company scored higher for customer satisfaction. Another standout was Amica Mutual, which consistently receives top marks for handling claims with efficiency and care. USAA, a popular choice for military families, also ranked high for claim satisfaction.

The key takeaway? Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Make sure you do your research and find an insurance company with a strong reputation for handling claims fairly and efficiently. In the long run, a little extra premium cost may save you a lot of stress when the time comes to file a claim.

Electric vehicles, pedestrian safety, and choosing the right insurance company are all important issues that affect anyone who drives, walks, or uses the roads. As EVs become more common, we need to update safety infrastructure to account for their increased weight. At the same time, improving vehicle designs to protect pedestrians and choosing the best insurance company to protect you financially can make all the difference when accidents occur.

Stay informed, stay safe, and tune in to Injury Law Pod as we continue to break down the latest in personal injury law.