E-bikes, or electric bikes, are becoming increasingly common in California – especially in Santa Monica and along boardwalks and beaches that are located throughout the western part of the state. However, these vehicles do not come without their share of dangers. Specifically, E-bikes and pedestrians usually do not mix together well. These bikes move at high rates of speed, and if an operator is not paying attention, he/she might strike a pedestrian who is in the vicinity, leading to serious complications and debilitating injuries.
If you have suffered one or more injuries in a California E-bike accident, it is essential that you have skilled legal representation in your corner at every stage of your personal injury case. A skilled Orange County E-bike accident lawyer in your area can determine if you are eligible to file a claim. If you are, your lawyer can assist you throughout the process and work hard to get the compensation you need for everything you suffered in your accident.
Dangers Commonly Associated with E-bikes in California
Even though they are a quick and efficient means of transportation, electric bikes have numerous hazards associated with them. One common hazard is their lack of noise emission. These vehicles travel very quickly and do not emit any loud sounds. Consequently, a pedestrian who is nearby may not even hear the bike approaching and might get caught off-guard. Pedestrians also tend to misjudge the speed of E-bikes, or they may assume that the bicycle is a traditional one that moves at a relatively slow speed.
One of the most common dangers associated with E-bikes is their high rate of speed. These bikes move almost twice as fast as traditional bikes, and when a pedestrian collision occurs, the pedestrian will usually suffer more serious injuries.
Injuries that Pedestrians Suffer in E-bike Accidents
Pedestrians often suffer serious injuries in E-bike accidents. This is especially true if the pedestrian falls to the ground and/or if the bike runs over the pedestrian. Common injuries in California E-bike accidents include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, crush injuries, traumatic head injuries, and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
Following any of these injuries, a pedestrian will likely need to seek prompt medical treatment and may even need to undergo one or more surgeries and other procedures. Injured pedestrians might also need to attend physical or occupational therapy sessions and undergo other extensive treatment for their injuries.
If you have suffered injuries in an E-bike accident, you might be able to bring a claim against the at-fault operator. A California E-bike accident attorney in your area can review the situation with you and help you decide on the best course of action for moving forward. Your lawyer could help you with filing a personal injury claim and negotiating a favorable settlement offer with the insurance company adjuster. Finally, if you do not receive proper compensation for your injuries, your attorney could assist you with filing a lawsuit and litigating your claim in court.
