Electric bikes, which are commonly called E-bikes, mopeds, or motorized bikes, are increasingly becoming more common throughout the State of California. However, with the prevalence of these electric bicycles comes the possibility of additional accidents – especially with pedestrians. Pedestrians are at risk, in part, because electric bikes can travel at high rates of speed.
If you suffered injuries while you were riding an E-bike, or if you suffered injuries as a pedestrian when an E-bike struck you, you might be eligible to recover various forms of monetary compensation. A knowledgeable Orange County E-bike lawyer in your area could assist you with filing a claim or lawsuit and getting you compensated for your accident-related injuries.
When a Motorist Strikes an E-bike Rider
Some motor vehicle accidents occur when a car or truck driver strikes an E-bike rider. For example, the motor vehicle operator might be pulling out of a parking lot or driveway, fail to see the cyclist, and strike the bike. At other times, a motor vehicle driver might be making a right-hand turn and strike an E-bike rider who is traveling on the right side of the roadway. Finally, a car or truck operator might make a left-hand turn in front of an E-bike rider who is quickly approaching, resulting in a serious collision.
When an E-bike Rider Strikes a Pedestrian
Serious injuries can also happen when the operator of an electric bicycle strikes a pedestrian who is located on or near the roadway. These bicycles can move at high rates of speed, and they do not emit a significant amount of noise. Consequently, a pedestrian may not even know that an E-bike is approaching just prior to being hit. Moreover, the E-bike operator might not be paying attention to the road or might be distracted in some way, preventing him/her from seeing the pedestrian.
Injuries in California E-bike Accidents
Injuries in Orange county E-bike accidents can be traumatic and may lead to medical treatment and sometimes missed work time. If an E-bike rider falls to the ground during an accident, the rider could suffer a serious head injury, a broken bone, or a soft tissue injury. The same could happen if an out-of-control E-bike operator strikes a pedestrian and knocks him or her to the ground in the collision.
If you have suffered injuries in an E-bike accident, you may be eligible to file a claim against the at-fault person. Some insurance companies fight accident victims tooth and nail when it comes to offering fair and favorable compensation. If that happens in your case, your lawyer could file a lawsuit on your behalf and litigate your case in the state court system.
If your claim is successful, you could recover various types of damages, depending upon the extent of your injuries and the cost of your medical treatment. Potential damages in e-bike accident cases include payment of related medical expenses, lost wage compensation, and damages for emotional distress, inconvenience, and pain and suffering. An e-bike accident lawyer in California can help you file your claim, litigate it, and get you compensated for all of your injuries.
