Modern vehicles are technological wonders – offering remarkable gas efficiency and safety features that challenge science fiction. However, some of these advancements have had unintended consequences.
For example, electric and hybrid cars are quieter than vehicles that run on diesel and unleaded fuel. As a result, pedestrians may not hear these cars approaching in time to take evasive action.
A pedestrian crash can have far-reaching effects. In addition to the initial pain, victims often face exorbitant health-care bills, and they may not be able to return to work.
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Texas, turn to The Robson Law Firm. An Austin injury lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Call 512-345-8200 today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit http://car-accident.usattorneys.com/texas/ to learn more about car accident injury lawsuits in Texas.
Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of quiet vehicles:
UCR Report Highlights Dangers of Quiet Vehicles
Drivers and passengers may enjoy the lack of engine noise in electric and hybrid cars; however, a report from the University of California, Riverside showed that these vehicles increase the risk of pedestrian accidents because they are harder to hear.
Quieter cars are particularly dangerous for people who are visually or hearing-impaired. Even if pedestrians follow traffic laws, they may not notice electric cars in parking lots.
The risk of a pedestrian accident is particularly high when hybrid car drivers run red lights or speed in residential areas, because pedestrians may not notice them until it is too late.
Several studies appear to support these concerns. According to 2011 research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a hybrid vehicle is 35 percent more likely to be in a pedestrian accident and 57 percent more likely to be in a crash with a bicycle.
Legal Requirements for Silent Vehicles
Some organizations have been lobbying for new laws that would reduce the number of pedestrian accidents involving electric vehicles. The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act mandates that electric motor-vehicle manufacturers include pedestrian alert features when the car is moving faster than 18 miles per hour. This sound must be easily recognizable as that of a vehicle in operation.
If you were injured by a drunk, distracted or otherwise negligent driver, contact The Robson Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses and non-economic damages.
An injury attorney in Austin will help you pursue the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, our legal team has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. We have recovered more than $26 million for our clients, and we have been representing the injured for more than 20 years.
Let us handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call 512-345-8200 today to schedule a free initial consultation.