E-Bike Accidents

Were You Injured in a E-Bike or Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles?

E-bikes, also known as electric bikes, have actually been around since the late 19th-century. However, only in recent years have e-bikes started to become popular, especially with kids and young adults. But as more of these bikes start to find their way onto roads and other areas, the result will also be more accidents. When accidents do take place, riders can choose to bring a personal injury lawsuit against a motorist who struck them, a bicyclist, or even a pedestrian. Whatever the situation, there will be numerous complexities involving evidence, eyewitnesses, and much more. Since cases involving e-bikes are still relatively new to many attorneys, always choose to hire a lawyer.

California E-Bike Laws

Since e-bikes are very popular in California as a form of transportation and recreation, the state has been determined to have legislation in place about their usage. Because of this, AB 1096 was passed in 2015 and thus created three different categories for e-bikes, depending upon their top speeds and whether or not they required pedaling. For example, a Class 3 e-bike, which would have a top assisted speed of 28 mph, can only be operated by a person age 16 or older, and anyone under age 18 must wear a helmet while on these bikes. If you have been involved in an e-bike accident, it will be vital the lawyer you work with has a knowledge of these laws.

Not Considered Motor Vehicles

Although e-bikes can reach speeds comparable to motor vehicles that are traveling at lower speeds, they are not considered to be motor vehicles by California. Therefore, those who are operating them do not need a special license or to register the bikes with the state. Also, liability insurance is not required, which can be a crucial element should you be involved in an accident. Since localities are allowed by the state to pass local ordinances governing the use of e-bikes, many different factors may come into play regarding your personal injury case. Therefore, hire a motorcycle injury lawyer to assist you each step of the way.

E-Bike Injuries

If you are injured while riding an e-bike or when struck by one, the injuries will likely be quite serious. Heavier and faster than a regular bike, it is estimated the force of impact from an e-bike can be as much as 45 times more than a regular bicycle. As a result, injuries such as broken bones, severe cuts, traumatic brain injuries, and back and neck injuries are very common. Should you incur any of these injuries from an e-bike accident, maximum cash compensation will be necessary to pay medical bills and other damages. Rather than have such an accident and later face serious financial difficulties, rely on the expertise of a lawyer from Grey Law to help you gain the compensation you deserve.

Who Can be Sued After These Accidents?

When an e-bike accident occurs, victims may be allowed to sue many different parties. The most common parties deemed to be responsible for liability include motor vehicle operators, pedestrians, and other e-bike operators. In addition, should it be discovered that the e-bike itself malfunctioned and this contributed to the accident, victims can also sue the manufacturer on grounds of making and distributing a defective product that posed an unknown danger to consumers. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, a variety of evidence will need to be examined, including eyewitness accounts of what may have happened. Rather than have a lawyer who knows little about e-bike laws handle your case, turn instead to an attorney for legal guidance on e-bike accident compensation.

Compensation for Your Damages

Since you were probably seriously injured in your e-bike accident, you will need substantial financial compensation for a variety of damages. The most common will include medical bills for current and future treatment, lost wages from your job, loss of companionship, and compensation for the emotional and physical pain and suffering you are enduring following your accident. Since it will be vital you get the maximum amount of money to pay these damages and provide you and your family with enough money going forward, never work with an attorney who simply wants to wrap up your case as fast as possible and urges you to accept whatever initial offer comes your way. Instead, work with your Los Angeles personal injury attorney that will fight until the end to ensure you gain maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Out-of-Court Settlements

While some cases involving e-bike accidents do make it to a courtroom, most will instead be settled out-of-court. However, this will mean your lawyer will be engaged in intense negotiations with insurance companies, most of which will be hesitant to pay you any compensation for your accident. Because of this, you will need an electric bike accident lawyer in Los Angeles residents trust to take on the insurance companies and beat them at their own game. To make sure this happens with your case, always hire the services of Grey Law.

Document Your Injuries

Whatever injuries you sustain in your e-bike accident, always make sure you get medical treatment as quickly as possible and have your injuries entered into your medical records by doctors and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for your treatment. By doing so, an insurance company will have less chance of claiming your injuries were not serious enough to warrant significant compensation being paid. If questions arise about this, your legal counsel can handle the matter quickly and with excellent results.

If you are a motorcyclist that crashed, or were struck due to the negligence of another driver and want to learn more, give us a call. Once you do, you will have a lawyer fighting hard to get you maximum compensation and protect your legal rights.