I Was Involved in a Car Accident While Riding an E-Bike – What are My Legal Options?
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes as they are commonly called, have become an increasingly popular way to get around in Florida. Unfortunately, although environmentally friendly and cost-effective, their use doesn’t come without its own set of risks. Some cities have even briefly banned e-bikes in an effort to help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe. When these kinds of accidents do occur, pursuing recovery can be complicated because the laws and rules that regulate their use are still developing and often vary based on location, which is why it’s so important for accident victims to have an attorney on their side when seeking compensation after an e-bike accident.
E-Bike Injuries
Electric bicycles are essentially bicycles that have been equipped with a battery and motor that can help users while pedaling. While this does make it a lot easier to get around, it also significantly increases their speed, which in turn, heightens the risk and severity of accidents. They are also vastly outweighed by and much less visible than vehicles, which is why, when they are sideswiped or cut off, the consequences tend to be so severe. Injuries are often catastrophic and include:
- Crushed and shattered bones;
- Lacerations;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Road rash;
- Spinal cord injuries; and
- Internal injuries.
Diagnosing and treating these injuries is both painful and expensive and unfortunately, even after obtaining treatment, victims are often forced to reckon with permanent disability and chronic pain. In these cases, holding the at-fault driver who caused the accident liable is often the only way that victims can pay off mounting medical debt, supplement lost wages, and begin the long road to recovery.
E-Bike Safety Tips
Because e-bike accidents tend to be so serious, it is important for users to be aware of the risks and to take extra precautions by:
- Wearing helmets;
- Wearing bright colored clothing and installing lights;
- Wearing secure footwear and appropriate clothing;
- Using extra care when getting on and off e-bikes, which are much heavier than traditional bicycles;
- Making sure that batteries are securely housed and aren’t at risk of falling out;
- Using mirrors to increase visibility; and
- Always following road signs and avoiding lane sharing.
E-bike users should also be sure to check for recalls, as these bicycles are often affected by design and manufacturing flaws that can endanger riders. A throttle that sticks, for instance, causing a bike to go too fast, could prove extremely dangerous. There are also steps that other drivers can take to help them share the road with other users safely. Motorists should, for instance, remain on the look-out for these bicycles at all times, give them plenty of room, and essentially, give them the respect of any other vehicle.
Speak with an Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney
E-bike accidents are on the rise across the state of Florida, where their use has become more popular than ever. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with an e-bike and have questions about your legal options, don’t hesitate to call the dedicated and compassionate Florida car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis for help.
Sources:
floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2024/02/21/e-bike-ban-following-fatal-crash-in-south-florida-town-may-be-extended/72676893007/
nps.edu/web/safety/ebike
