California Electric Bike Accident Attorney

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have become very popular in California. This is especially apparent in cities like Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

With more people now riding electric bikes, we are witnessing an increase in traffic accidents. We all know that many roads in Orange County and Los Angeles are very dangerous to drive on – let alone ride a bike on.

Here’s an overview of what to do if you were involved in an electric bike accident. 

Why Contact an Electric Bike Accident Lawyer?

At DK Law, our experienced attorneys are not intimidated by insurance companies. We know how to counter their tricky tactics.

Once you suffer an injury at the hands of a negligent driver, life will become complicated very quickly. Dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and police reports after an accident is stressful and frustrating.

It is very important to know that the insurance companies’ main objective is to devalue a settlement.

We’re committed to putting our clients first—every step of the way. With thousands of 5-star reviews across Yelp and Google, our reputation speaks for itself. We proudly serve accident victims throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond.

If you were injured while riding an electric bike, then feel free to contact our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.

How Much Is My Electric Bike Accident Settlement Worth?

Our law firm will fight to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their electric bike accidents. When determining how much a settlement is worth, we consider the following factors:

• Costs of medical treatment (and future bills)
• Lost wages from missed work
• Physical and emotional suffering
• The severity of your injuries

Remember, your injury settlement may be taxable, so you’ll want to know all these laws ahead of time.

Our legal team will help you navigate the legal process. When doing so, we need to consider all of the facts before providing an initial estimate. Every variable will affect how much your claim is worth.

Dealing With the Insurance Companies After An Accident

Our law firm has years of experience dealing with insurance companies. Additionally, we have developed a process to ensure that accident victims are not taken advantage of.

Normally, after an accident, you will be contacted by the other party’s insurer. They will appear friendly. They do this to gather as much information as possible from victims, which is later used against them. 

Don’t fall for it.

Insurance adjusters are skilled in manipulation. Their goal is to settle your case quickly and for as little as possible. Just remember that whatever you say can be used against you when it comes to settling your case. Therefore, be careful. 

To avoid any mishaps, working with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in electric bike accidents ensures your rights are protected. To learn more about your legal options, contact DK Law. We will guide you through the process to help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

What Is An E-Bike?

An electric bike essentially rides like a regular bicycle but has several added components.

It features a motor, a battery, and a remote control to adjust the bike’s speed. The electric bike still features many of the same components as a regular bike, including pedals, hand brakes, and tires.

The main difference is that an electric bike has a battery and motor. This allows the rider to travel faster and farther than a standard pedal-operated bike.

Common Injuries From an Electric Bike Accident

Getting injured on an electric bicycle is very similar to getting hurt on a normal bicycle.

Wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself in case of an accident. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, helps reduce the risk of other injuries.

The common injuries from e-bike accidents are:

• Brain injury
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Wrongful death
• Neck and back injuries
• Facial injuries

Common Causes for Electric Bike Accidents

Riding an electric bike is very similar to riding a standard bicycle.

Similarly, riding an electric bike is very dangerous in California. This is because the roads are crowded with cars, pedestrians, scooters, and other bicyclists. Although every electric bike accident is different, there are factors that the cyclist can do to help lower the odds of getting hit while riding.

Simply following traffic laws and being courteous on the road can go a long way. Additionally, riders should wear bright clothing and a helmet whenever they ride. Being visible is another great precaution.

However, it’s difficult to anticipate what other motorists will do on the road. A driver texting while driving poses a significant threat. In addition, teen drivers pose a huge threat due to their inexperience. 

Common causes for bike accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted drivers
• Drugs and alcohol
• Road rage
• Weather
• Backing out of a driveway

Do You Need a License to Ride an Electric Bike?

You don’t have to have a license to operate an e-bike. However, a rider needs to be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-bicycle.

In short, federal law considers electric bikes in the same class as regular bicycles if they meet two important criteria:

1. The top speed in “electric-only” mode is 20 miles per hour (mph)
2. The engine power can’t be more than 750 watts

Electric bikes do not need a special registration, insurance, or a license to operate. Additionally, these bikes are treated like regular bicycles when it comes to riding in bike lanes. The same rules apply.

Electric Bike Laws in California

In California, electric bikes are treated as regular bicycles under the California Vehicle Code. Electric bike riders are exempt from many of the normal laws that apply to cars and motorcycles.

Do E-Bike Riders Need to Have Insurance?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 406(b), electric bike riders aren’t required to comply with California’s financial responsibility law. Electric bike riders do not have to have liability insurance.

Do Electric Bike Riders Need to Wear a Helmet in California?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 406(b), electric bike riders are required to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

How to Ride An Electric Bike Safely and Avoid Injuries

Always wear a helmet and bright reflective clothing. Additionally, make sure your bike has some form of reflective lighting to make yourself visible to motorists and other pedestrians.

Ensure the bike is at a suitable height for you. If the electric bike is too large or powerful, do not ride it.

Additionally, electric bike riders must also follow the laws that regular bike riders are required to obey. This includes riding in bike lanes (when available), not drinking and driving. This is a common misconception. Many do not know that operating any moving vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. 

In addition, only one rider should be on a motorized bike at a time. Do not ride with someone sitting on the handlebars or standing on the back pegs.