E-bikes already provide one of California’s most popular forms of travel, with millions sold in recent years. But with this booming popularity comes more accident danger. When you suffer injuries in an e-bike accident, you need a skilled California electric bike accident lawyer on your side to recover maximum compensation.
Statistics show that e-bike accidents are spiking, including electric bike fire accidents. Due to the high speeds that these gadgets can hit, a crash can be devastating. The injuries are likely far worse than those suffered in a pedal bike accident. You need to know:
How safe is an electric bike?
How many accidents are there on electric bikes?
What should you do if you suffer injuries in an accident?
Bisnar Chase is here to help. Our personal injury law firm has decades of experience handling all injury claims. We have a 99% success rate and have won more than $850 million for our clients. If you suffered injuries on an e-bike or any accident involving an electric bike in California, our firm would fight for you. Call (800) 561-4887 now for a free consultation with top-rated bicycle accident attorneys.
California E-Bike Accident Lawyer
What is an E-Bike?
Electric bikes (also known as E-bikes or eBikes) are taking over from traditional pedal-powered bicycles. They still have pedals but come with a rechargeable battery-powered electric motor that assists the rider.
The origins of the e-bike can be traced back more than 100 years. The first patent for a basic battery-powered bike came in 1895. Since then, the technology has massively advanced.
Sales started to take off in the U.S. in the late 1990s. But it is only in recent years that e-bikes have powered to the top of the transport charts. They are everywhere in California, used by everyone from commuters to schoolchildren.
Some cities have rentable e-bikes in docks as a form of public transport, similar to electric scooters. Many people are also now buying their own bikes, with both high-end and budget options available. The price ranges from about $600 to $8,000.
But electric bikes are not without risks. This page explores everything you need to know about filing an e-bike accident lawsuit. If you have questions about your e-bike injury, call us today for a free consultation. Our California electric bike accident lawyers have recovered almost a billion dollars for our clients in California. Call 800-561-4887.
Causes of E-Bike Injuries
E-bike accidents are becoming more and more common. According to insurance companies, they are the fastest-rising cause of injury claims in California.
But why are injuries related to e-bikes so common? The following are some of the top causes of accidents and injuries.
Falling off the bike. This could result from lost control, excessive speed, or uneven paths or roads.
Collisions between electric bikes and pedestrians.
Impacts with other bikes and scooters on paths and sidewalks.
Crashes with cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles on roadways.
Explosions caused by malfunctioning bicycle batteries.
The sheer speed of an e-bike can make a crash more likely than with a pedal bicycle. The higher speeds also make personal injury outcomes more likely.
Any accident could result from the negligence of the bike rider or the careless actions of those around them.
No matter how your injuries occurred, you need an experienced California e-bike accident attorney on your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from Electric Bicycle Incidents
The injured party in a bike accident could include e-bike riders, pedestrians, and others they might collide with.
The most common injuries in these types of accidents include:
Cut and bruising.
Broken bones.
Head and neck injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal cord injuries.
Wrongful death.
Some of these are catastrophic injuries that can greatly impact the victim’s life. When you or a loved one have suffered injuries, you should seek a personal injury attorney. Our electric bike accident lawyers will provide a free case evaluation and ensure you have the help and support you need.
Electric Bike Laws in California
An electric bicycle almost bridges the gap between a pedal cycle and a car or moped. They are more like motor vehicles than pedal cycles and, as such, require regulation. Most states have set laws to ensure riders operate e-bikes safely. For example, New York may have different regulations from California.
To start with, there are three classes of e-bikes:
Class I: Pedal assist only. Max speed of 20 mph.
Class II: Electric motor powered with no pedaling necessary. Up to 20 mph.
Class III: Electrical power up to 28 mph – the max speed for an electric bike.
Generally, bikes in classes I and II can go anywhere regular bicycles without motors can. If they are not allowed, authorities must post signs that specifically ban electric bikes. More restrictions apply to class III bikes due to their greater speeds. They are not allowed on trails and pathways.
Additional electric bicycle laws in California are in place to keep everyone safe. They include:
E-bike riders should be at least 16 years old.
Electric motors must not exceed 750 watts.
You do not need a license to ride an electric bike.
Helmets are advised for all electric bicycle riders but only compulsory for those under 18.
Even with these laws in place, bicycle accidents happen all the time. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Binsar Chase if you have suffered injuries and need legal guidance.
E-Bike Accidents: Facts and Statistics
E-bikes are quickly gaining traction. They are more cost-effective than gas-guzzling cars, eco-friendly, and much quicker than pedal bicycles without requiring as much effort.
But multiple extra dangers come with the e-bike rise. These include dangers for the riders and those around them.
E-bike riders are more at risk on the roads. When the bike can move at fast speeds, it is tougher for a motor vehicle driver to see them, overtake them, or react in time to avoid collisions.
A fast-moving e-bike is also a danger to pedestrians and other cyclists. Motorized bikes are both faster and heavier, making them harder to control for riders. Naturally, the higher the speed of a collision, the worse the impact will be.
Here are some stats showing the dangers of electric bikes in California:
Projections indicate the number of electric bikes sold worldwide from 2020-2023 will top 130 million.
By 2023, there will be more than 300 million e-bikes used around the world.
Injuries associated with electric scooters and electric bikes have boomed by 70% in the last four years.
According to a study of trauma center cases involving cyclists, e-bike riders are twice as likely to require hospitalization after an accident than pedaling cyclists.
E-bikes are more than three times as likely to be involved in a collision with a pedestrian.
An e-bike accident is more likely to result in chest trauma and internal injuries. They also lead to an increase in traumatic brain injuries.
The stats are clear. E-bike use is becoming much more common, and that trend will continue. An e-bike can also be very dangerous for the rider and others.
If you suffer an injury, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for expert help.
Electric Bike Battery Explosions
Riding injuries are not the only dangers when it comes to e-bike use. There are also risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries used to power the electric bike motors.
There are thousands of examples of these batteries spontaneously igniting and causing fires and explosions.
Many products use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, from laptops to electric cars, and this danger is an ongoing problem.
E-Bike Battery Defect Case Studies
There have been several serious cases involving e-bike battery fires across California, including this incident one incident in Newport Beach in 2017. A couple parked their brand new bikes at the beach, only for one of the e-bike batteries to explode. It sent battery components shooting across the beach, with the bikes engulfed by flames.
An e-bike battery fire is a type of product liability or defect. When a fire breaks out, it may just cause property damage, or it might cause serious injuries if anyone is nearby at the time.
Our personal injury law firm has a top reputation and track record in winning product liability cases. Contact Bisnar Chase now for a free consultation.
What is Your California E-Bike Accident Case Worth?
The amount of money you could recover from a personal injury lawsuit will vary depending on a wide range of factors.
Generally, the more serious the impact on your life, the more it will be worth. Some of the factors that can influence the compensation you could receive include:
Pain and suffering.
Medical bills.
Lost wages.
Property damage.
Costs of further rehab or care.
Ongoing or permanent impact on quality of life.
If you have been hurt physically or financially by an e-bike accident, our bike accident attorneys can ensure you recover compensation. Contact Bisnar Chase today.
Why You Need a Lawyer for an E-Bike Claim
Working with skilled e-bike accident lawyers is essential when it comes to maximizing the value of your injury claim.
Winning e-bike accident cases can be complex. It first involves determining liability. This means identifying who is to blame for the accident and who we should name in a lawsuit. At-fault parties can include:
Vehicle drivers who strike an e-bike rider.
A cyclist who crashes into a pedestrian or another bicycle rider.
An e-bike manufacturer if the accident was due to a product fault.
A city authority if poor road or path conditions cause an accident.
A skilled attorney will look at every aspect of your claim, building a strong case that proves liability.
A claim may involve taking on an insurance company to secure a settlement. Alternatively, we may have to take a case to trial if the insurance company will not make a fair offer.
Bisnar Chase features trial attorneys who achieve outstanding results at the negotiating table or in the courtroom. We have won more than $850 million for our clients. Call 800-561-4887 for a free consultation.
E-Bike Accidents: FAQs
When it comes to accidents involving e-bikes in California, it can be daunting to engage in a lawsuit. But it is the best way to ensure you receive full compensation.
We have answered some frequently asked questions below to help put your mind at ease. If you have further questions, please reach out to us!
Liability will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident. An experienced attorney will help you identify those at fault and file a claim against them.
Your health should always be your first priority. Once you are out of danger, there are several steps you can take, from preserving evidence to filing an accident report. It is a good idea to contact Bisnar Chase first, as our team will be able to guide you through these steps.
The statute of limitations for most injury claims in California is two years.
Hiring an attorney at Bisnar Chase for a bicycle accident case will cost you nothing out of pocket. We offer a no win no fee promise, so you pay nothing unless we win for you.
Top-Rated E-Bike Accident Attorneys Near Me
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated law firm that has helped thousands of clients recover compensation for their injuries.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have endured pain and suffering, lost wages from having to miss work, or been hit with massive medical bills. We can help you recover that compensation. Our results speak volumes:
We have a 99% success rate.
More than $850M won for over 12,000 clients.
Law offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego.
Prestigious awards and decades of experience.
Free consultation and a no win no fee promise.
Easy to contact with a compassionate approach, building a strong attorney/client relationship.
Accidents involving e-bikes can have deadly consequences. But we are here for you, providing superior representation.
Please contact our law firm today for expert legal advice and unparalleled representation. Call an e-bike accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase at (800) 561.4887. You can also send us an email or use our website live chat 24/7.
