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In congested urban areas like San Francisco, driving is rarely the easiest way to get around. Many people opt for alternative transportation methods, such as ride shares, bikes and scooters, and, in recent years, electric bikes.
Unlike conventional bicycles, electric bikes are accessible to people who may or may not be able to (or want to) pedal up the steep inclines characteristic of our city. They offer many of the same benefits as regular bicycles, including affordability, convenience, the ability to access scenic routes and an environmentally friendly alternative to cars.
However, they also present many of the same dangers as conventional bicycles, as well as a few new ones. With no seatbelt, no car frame and no safety mechanisms to speak of, bikes provide nothing to protect riders from suffering catastrophic injuries when they’re involved in wrecks. Cyclists’ losses aren’t limited to physical injuries; they often suffer devastating personal, social and financial consequences as well.
Luckily, individuals who sustain injuries in electric bike accidents have legal recourse. With help from an experienced electric bike accident attorney, injury victims may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. This settlement could cover a range of damages, including economic and non-economic losses stemming from the accident.
This article will explain everything you need to know about electric bike accidents, including common causes, resulting injuries, statistics and pertinent legal considerations.
Are you swimming in medical debt and other financial losses after a serious accident? The experienced attorneys at Delfino, Green & Green may be able to help you secure the settlement you deserve. Call our law firm at (415) 442-4646 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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Contact us online or call us today at 415-442-4646 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced e-bike accident attorneys in San Francisco.
Understanding Electric Bike Accidents in California
Electric bike accidents are far from rare occurrences in California. In fact, they happen so frequently and with such devastating effect that some Californians are calling for stricter state regulations in addition to the already significant legislation in place.
Electric Bike Laws in California
California law defines an electric bike as a “bicycle equipped with fully operational pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” It divides electric bicycles into the following categories:
- Class 1 refers to a low-speed electric bike that is pedal-assisted and equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the e-bike rider is pedaling. It stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2 refers to a low-speed, throttle-assisted electric bike equipped with a motor capable of propelling the bike but not of providing assistance after 20 mph is reached.
- Class 3 refers to a low-speed, pedal-assisted electric bike that has a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance as long as the motorist is pedaling and traveling under 28 mph.
All electric bike classes are exempt from motor vehicle financial responsibility, as well as from driver’s license and license plate requirements, according to CVC §24016.
Causes of Electric Bike Accidents
Although countless factors contribute to electric bike accidents, there are a few common causes that contribute to a disproportionate number of wrecks. Here are some of the most prevalent:
- Lack of proper training, inexperience
- Reckless driving, speeding
- Distracted driving
- Poor road conditions
- Inadequate maintenance
- Electric bike defects
Additionally, electric bike accidents can be caused by a variety of parties. They may result from a bike operator’s error, other drivers’ recklessness, obstructions and debris left by a construction company, a bike manufacturer’s error and even a government entity’s poor maintenance of roads. Determining fault isn’t always easy, but an electric bike accident attorney can investigate your injury case and help you pinpoint the liable parties.
Injuries Resulting from E-Bike Accidents
Just like with conventional bicycle accidents, electric bicycle accidents may precipitate a wide range of injuries. However, research suggests that e-bike accident victims are much more likely to sustain severe injuries, suffer internal injuries and face hospitalization than victims of conventional bike accidents. Other common e-bike injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, head and face lacerations and abrasions, spinal cord injuries and internal bleeding.
Legal Considerations After an Electric Bike Accident
If you’re recovering from serious injuries after an electronic bicycle accident, getting enmeshed in a legal battle is probably the last thing you want to do. However, it’s important to understand exactly what you stand to gain from pursuing an electronic bike lawsuit, and what you may lose by choosing not to.
Damages in an E-Bicycle Accident Claim
If you decide to pursue an electronic bike accident lawsuit, you stand to gain more than just one type of compensation. An electronic bike accident attorney can help calculate the full spectrum of your losses and pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Whereas economic damages refer to financial losses like medical bills, lost wages and cost of accident-related treatment, non-economic damages refer to intangible losses. These can include compensation for things like pain and suffering, lost quality of life, scarring and disfigurement, loss of companionship and more.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
In the days and weeks following your accident, you may discover that your recovery is going to be much more costly than previously imagined. You may realize you need continued medical treatments, physical therapy or even surgery. You may need to attend counseling to deal with the psychological trauma of your accident or be unable to perform your job in the same way.
An experienced personal injury lawyer understands this and takes into account future losses when calculating your settlement. With intimate knowledge of accident law and liability, they’ll be able to investigate your case and determine the at-fault party, as well as gather evidence and witness testimony to build the strongest accident case possible.
Ultimately, you should hire a lawyer because it’s a low-risk move with a high potential payout. Almost all personal injury and accident lawyers, including the attorneys at Delfino, Green & Green, offer their legal services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless and until you win a settlement. If you don’t receive a settlement, you don’t pay.
Electric Bike Accident FAQs
Despite their recent surge in popularity, electric bikes aren’t on everyone’s radar. If you have questions about electronic bike accidents, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below.
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike is an electric bicycle, meaning that it is a bicycle with a motor. However, unlike a motorcycle or dirt bike, an electric bicycle’s motor is designed to supplement the power generated by pedaling. Additionally, the motor on most e-bikes is capped at a certain speed (typically between 20 and 28 mph) and quits providing assistance when the bike hits that mark.
How safe is an electric bike?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. How safe it is for someone to operate an electric bike depends heavily on their location and environment, as well as factors like experience, maintenance, the roadways and more. It is important to note, however, that electric bike accidents tend to result in more severe injuries than those associated with traditional bikes.
How many accidents are there on electric bikes?
Electric bikes are a relatively new mode of transportation, and as a result, there is limited information on how many e-bike accidents occur each year. However, data does indicate that accidents involving micromobility vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards) more than doubled from 2017 to 2021, a trend that experts expect to continue.
What should you do if you suffer injuries in an accident?
Your first priority in any accident should be ensuring your own safety. After you’ve received medical attention and are feeling reasonably recovered, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced electric bike accident attorney before tackling other tasks. Your attorney can provide a wealth of valuable services that save you time and money in the long run.
Delfino, Green & Green: Trusted Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys in the Bay Area
At the end of the day, no one should be footing the bill for someone else’s negligence. If you were injured in an electric bike accident caused by someone else, it’s in your best interest to seek legal assistance. An experienced electric bike accident attorney from Delfino, Green & Green can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve to recover.
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