- Does a car accident affect battery life/cause battery degradation?
Tesla’s battery management system, or BMS, monitors the battery’s temperature, voltage, and overall health. In the event of a car accident, the BMS will detect the impact and initiate a series of safety measures that protect the battery and you, the driver.
- What is the best way to optimize your battery life?
Smooth acceleration and deceleration, driving at moderate speeds, and anticipating traffic conditions can all help to optimize energy consumption in your Tesla. Avoiding rapid accelerations, along with abrupt braking of the vehicle will help, as these things will drain the battery faster and increase wear on various vehicle components.
- Do Electric Vehicles present a significant shock hazard when in an accident?
There is not much evidence of anyone being electrocuted in an EV after an accident. They all have built in power circuit cut offs when an accident is detected.
- Are driver-assist technology and autopilot as dangerous as the media portrays?
When used as intended with human supervision, it is substantially safer to use these technologies than without. Where it can become dangerous is when drivers modify or do not follow the instructions, such as when drivers fall asleep or fail to pay attention and rely solely on the technology without any supervision. There are no vehicles that are fully autonomous yet.
- Do Tesla vehicles Have Automatic Emergency Braking?
Yes. Automatic Emergency Braking can detect vehicles, pedestrians and objects in front of you and applies the brakes to mitigate impact. However, the driver remains responsible for braking at all times.
- What are Advanced Airbags?
Advanced Airbags are airbags that are able to fully inflate and protect passengers. This functionality is possible because the Model 3 design has less cabin intrusion, helping to preserve sufficient space for the airbags.
- What is Regenerative Breaking?
Tesla vehicles use regenerative (regen) braking, a braking mode that increases battery charge and available drive time by automatically applying the brakes when you take your foot off the gas. Rather than rolling to a stop, the car will rapidly slow down. While this will feel different than traditional braking methods, most people adjust after just a few miles.
You can adjust the braking style by selecting the car icon on the touchscreen to display Quick Controls, then select Driving. To mimic a gas-powered car, select Creep (creep forward) or Roll (roll freely). These actions occur when your foot is removed from the pedals. To maintain regen braking, select Hold.
- What is diminished value?
Diminished value is the difference in the value of a repaired vehicle vs. a similar vehicle that was not involved in an accident. You need to specifically claim this from the at fault insurance company - they won't offer it.
- How can I store and save dashcam footage after an accident?
You have three ways to save dashcam footage. First, if you have a USB in the vehicle already, you can set the Tesla to the Auto option which automatically saves footage if it detects any safety-critical event. Second, you can manually save it by touching the dashcam icon to save a recording of the most recent ten minutes of footage. Third, you can save it “On Honk” which allows you to save a recording of the most recent ten minutes of footage when you press the horn, but this option is only once either the Auto or Manual option is already enabled.
- What is proper maintenance for my Tesla?
Routine maintenance for a Tesla is essentially tires, wipers, and washer fluid. However, it should be noted that your tires will need to be changed more often than regular cars because of the torque.
- What body shop should I use if I’m in an accident? Where can I get replacement tires?
The Scott Law Firm understand that Teslas require special knowledge, so we will use our network to ensure we match you with someone who understands that.
- How do I prevent car accidents in an electric vehicle?
The tips for preventing car accidents in an electric vehicle are similar to preventing them in a normal vehicle:
- Always follow traffic laws
- Always abide by posted traffic signs and warnings
- Use proper signaling when changing lanes or turning
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition with all headlights, brake lights, and signals in working order
- Don't tailgate
- Pay attention to vehicles merging on and off the highway
- Slow for construction zones
- Avoid driving in bad weather
- Don’t play with the Toybox while you are driving
- It is also important that you avoid driving while tired or fatigued and never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs. These things can inhibit your ability to react to changing road conditions and lead to serious accidents and fatalities.
- What do I do if I am in a car accident in a Tesla or other electric vehicle?
If you have been in a car accident in an electric vehicle, contact the car accident and personal injury attorneys at the Scott Law Firm! Our personal injury attorneys specialize in electric vehicle crashes, and Partner and Attorney James Spokes is a Tesla owner and electric vehicle enthusiast.