Question:
I was injured when I tripped and fell on an EV charging cable stretched across the sidewalk at night. Do I have a case?
Answer:
Electric vehicle charging cables can be a tripping hazard and you can make an injury claim.
The cables can pose a danger because EV owners who don’t have a driveway or garage may park their car on the street, against the curb, and stretch the cable across the sidewalk. Having a charging cable run from the house, across a sidewalk or pavement, and into an EV, poses a foreseeable tripping hazard to pedestrians.
Even if the EV charging cable is lying flat, it not always visually noticeable. Charging often takes place at night, which enhances the tripping hazard if the cable is not illuminated. Even during daytime, the cable can be hard to see because of shadows. The cable, if kinked, can present even more of a trip hazard.
Seniors or people with disabilities, including those who use mobility aids, are particularly vulnerable to tripping on a charging cable because of potential balance issues and impaired vision.
If you trip on an electric vehicle charging cable, you have a claim against the vehicle owner for negligence. The owner of the car could have put up warning cones, or used a cable guard cover with contrasting color markings and anti-trip sloped sides. The vehicle owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will cover the claim. If possible, get photos of the scene, showing the position of the cable and the lighting conditions at the time of your fall. If there are witnesses, make sure to get their contact information.
If you tripped on an electric vehicle charging cable and suffered serious injuries, call our firm for a free consultation. We’ll tell you if you have a case.