Hybrid vehicles and smart cars have excelled in providing an energy efficient solution to traveling. And while many drivers in Florida certainly take advantage of the improved gas mileage and safety features, these vehicles remain a personal injury concern for pedestrians, emergency personnel, and other motorists.
At the Shiner Law Group, our award-winning car accident attorneys have dedicated over 15 years to serving thousands of personal injury victims and their families throughout Florida, because we are committed to obtaining the favorable, substantial results you deserve. Our results-driven approach to the civil litigation process has allowed us to recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. When life happens, we’re here to help.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident, contact us by phone or visit us online to review your legal options in a free case review, as you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Shiner Law Group customizes its legal services on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
How Hybrids and Smart Cars Have Increased Pedestrian Injuries
Hybrids and smart cars are known for their low sound output when compared to standard passenger vehicles; however, an unintended result has been an increase in pedestrian injuries.
A study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute revealed that hybrids and smart cars are 20 times more likely to be involved in a pedestrian accident caused by the vehicles’ quietness. Like many car accidents, these incidents have the potential to result in serious injury and wrongful death, which can leave victims and families struggling with physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
Steps to Follow in the Event of a Car Accident
Whereas standard car accidents pose the risk of fires and gas leaks, hybrids and smart cars may be equipped with high-voltage electric systems used to power the vehicle. In the event of an accident, the vehicle’s battery pack can cause significant personal injury, particularly if emergency personnel penetrated the battery pack or any of the system’s capacitors.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a car accident, the Shiner Law Group identifies the steps you should follow to protect your legal rights:
- If conditions permit, move away from the scene of the accident. Not only may other cars collide into the damaged vehicles, but you can sustain further physical injury if you remain on a busy roadway.
- Gather evidence from the crash site. Cell phones can record picture or video evidence of the accident scene, which may capture critical evidence such as road scuffs or debris that may disappear with the passage of time.
- Recording the time, weather, traffic conditions, and other relevant information can help determine causation.
- Call emergency services. In a car accident, insurance companies will take advantage of victims by attributing medical concerns to preexisting conditions or downplaying the severity of injuries sustained. A proper medical examination will reveal the degree of injuries and help you quantify your damages.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney. With the benefit of legal representation, you can obtain peace of mind while recovering the financial compensation you deserve.
