San Diego Attorneys Helping People Injured In E-Bike Accidents
Bicyclists and e-bike riders are particularly vulnerable to injury after colliding with a car or truck simply because of how exposed riders are on the road. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an e-bike accident, Padilla Law Group, LLP, can help. We have over 40 years of experience representing injured people in and out of court. We help clients seek full compensation after accidents that someone else caused. We know what compensation you are entitled to and how to deal with insurance companies.
Our personal injury attorneys have won multimillion-dollar settlements for injured clients. We have also received many industry awards for the skilled legal guidance we provide to our clients, including The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list and Super Lawyers accolade selection. On this page, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we are asked by clients and prospective clients. We would be happy to answer your questions in a free consultation.
For a free case evaluation, please call us at 760-536-4415 or complete our contact form. Our e-bike injury attorneys represent clients in Encinitas and throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.
Why are e-bikes dangerous?
When navigating the roads and sidewalks of California, e-bike riders are often vulnerable to a variety of accidents. Because they are less protected than passengers in cars, the impact on victims of e-bike accidents can be devastating. They often sustain more severe injuries, including brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, you may face a long road to recovery, but having an experienced attorney by your side can help.
What are the most common injuries for e-bike riders?
Injuries to e-bike riders are similar to injuries sustained by motorcyclists and bicyclists, including:
- Concussions
- Fractures to legs and arms
- Upper extremity injuries (more common with bicyclists and e-bike riders than motorcyclists who tend to have more lower extremity injuries)
- Fractured pelvis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and facial abrasions
- Injuries to abdomen
After being involved in an e-bike accident, it is critical to seek medical care and to obtain thorough medical records. When we investigate your case and help you pursue a claim, these records will allow us to seek maximum compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
How common are e-bike accidents in San Diego County?
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards resulted in 200,000 emergency room visits in the last four years. Additionally, there were at least 71 deaths related to these motorized conveyances between 2017 and 2020. The report also stated that e-bikes were involved the largest number of the injuries and fatalities. This is perhaps not surprising because e-bikes can travel upwards of 20 to 30 miles per hour.
Who can be held responsible for an e-bike accident?
Car drivers may be liable for an e-bike accident. A negligent pedestrian may be liable. An e-bike rider could be negligent for causing injuries to a pedestrian. Any of these parties’ insurance companies may be responsible for covering the cost of an injury. The best way to understand your rights in your case is to talk to our experienced attorneys.
Can I get compensation for an e-bike accident under California law?
Yes, you can. E-bikes are like other vehicles and forms of transportation in that e-bike riders owe a duty of care to other people. Likewise, car drivers and pedestrians owe a duty of care to e-bike riders. That means victims of e-bike accidents, whether riders, pedestrians or motorists, may be owed compensation for injuries.
Will drivers and insurers try to blame me for my e-bike accident?
Sadly, the answer is likely yes. It is very common for the at-fault parties to try and shift blame. And because the United States is a very car-obsessed culture, pedestrians and bicyclists (including e-bike riders) are often blamed for their own injuries. As a rider, you can protect yourself by taking common-sense measures like wearing a helmet, wearing highly visible clothing and obeying all traffic safety laws. This cannot prevent all accidents, but it will reduce both the risk and the severity of accidents. It will also make it more difficult for negligent drivers or insurers to blame you for the crash or your injuries in it.
Contact Us For A Free Case Evaluation
If you have been injured in an e-bike accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, please call Padilla Law Group at 760-536-4415 or complete our contact form. Our attorneys do not get paid unless we win for you, so there is no risk in contacting us. We have achieved outstanding results for clients in Encinitas and throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.