Who Is Liable in an eBike Accident?

Californians’ adaptation to eBike use is growing rapidly while laws continue to modify to accommodate varying classes of eBikes and their use. EBike laws are specific to the type of eBike you operate and where you ride. Being injured in a California eBike accident may lead to confusion about liability.

As new ideas take hold in California, working with a Los Angeles eBike accident lawyer utilizing cutting-edge claims technology is vital. Venerable Injury Law implements the latest technology, making your claim more accessible when you work with a Los Angeles eBike accident lawyer from our firm. As Los Angeles eBike accidents become more common, protecting your rights is essential to recovery.

California eBike Laws Vary Between Cities

The expansive use of eBikes and the rapidly changing laws concerning cyclists in California make contacting a Los Angeles car accident lawyer one of the most significant steps you can take following an eBike accident. Not only will local eBike laws apply, but local driving laws will also play a part in determining liability in the accident. Each driver’s percentage of fault is considered in determining liability in an accident, making a fair assessment of the incident crucial.

Each municipality in California will have eBike laws specific to their city. Knowing the laws in your community is necessary to keep you safe and protect against negligence. An eBike rider’s actions during the incident contribute to a personal injury lawyer’s ability to determine liability.

When eBikes crash with cars or larger motor vehicles, the likelihood of avoiding injury may be marginal. Unfortunately, e-Bike riders who fail to follow traffic laws and are injured in an accident may face overwhelming medical costs for treatment. Knowing the laws of the road and observing them will protect you and provide a more successful path to compensation.

Determining Liability in an eBike Accident in California

California follows pure comparative negligence laws requiring each driver to be responsible for their contributions to an accident. While one driver may be found to be 100% at fault in an accident, it is possible for each driver to be responsible for a percentage of negligence in an accident. There is nothing funny about an accident, and a Los Angeles eBike accident attorney will strive to ensure the insurance company takes your injuries seriously, using the following information and documentation to prove who is liable in an eBike accident:

• Local motor vehicle and eBike laws
• Police Report
• Witness statements
• Pictures and evidence from the scene of the crash
• Surveillance or video footage
• Medical records

Insurance adjusters for each party recognize that the more fault attributed to other drivers in an accident, the less they will have to pay for damages. Vulnerable commuters, like eBike riders, suffer when medical care and other expenses are not covered due to unfair compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies fight, benefiting their outcome and potentially leaving injured eBike accident victims with significant medical debt.

Laws Impacting Liability in an eBike Accident

All California commuters owe a duty of care to others traveling the roadways. First, eBike riders should know how their eBike is classified according to the State Department of California Department of Motor Vehicles. Knowing an eBike’s class and recognizing common eBike laws outlined by the California Bicycle Coalition impact liability in an eBike accident:

• High-speed electric bikes may not be ridden on trails, bike paths, or bike lanes unless local laws permit.
• Low-speed eBikes may travel where standard bikes are permitted unless local laws prohibit it.
• EBike riders should move with the traffic.
• EBikers may not wear headphones in both ears or cover both ears with a headset.
• Pedestrians and individuals with visual impairments requiring the assistance of a white cane or seeing eye dog have the right of way in marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks of intersections.
• Motor vehicles should pass an eBike, allowing three feet of safety between the car and the eBike.
• Drivers on the side of the road are required to check for passing eBikes and other cyclists before opening their doors, according to Cal. Veh. Code §22517.

This list does not fully cover all the laws that are considered when determining who is liable in an eBike accident. An eBike accident lawyer in Los Angeles with Venerable Injury Law will have access to the most up-to-date laws to determine if another driver’s actions are negligent, leading to your damages. We will also help you identify all the damages resulting from an eBike accident.

What to Expect After Liability Is Determined in an eBike Accident

Any driver or pedestrian suffering damages in an eBike accident may seek damages compensation as long as they are not 100% responsible for the accident. Each injured party’s percentage of fault in the accident will then be deducted from the compensation they may receive. An eBike accident attorney in Los Angeles will work to secure maximum compensation for you through the following methods:

• Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company
• Making counter-offers to unfair settlement offers
• Representing your claim in court when fair compensation is unnegotiable

Using a damages formula, we will work to determine how much compensation should be paid to a victim in a personal injury settlement. Most injured parties are unaware of all the damages that may be available and what actions may make them liable in an eBike accident. Venerable Injury Law recognizes that most insurance adjusters use computer programs to calculate claims and never fully assess an injured party’s unique needs.

Protect Your Rights in a California eBike Accident

Insurance companies representing the parties in an eBike accident will strive to minimize the liability their client is responsible for in an accident. These tactics reduce the significant compensation they may owe eBike riders for damages, particularly when severe injury occurs. Accurately determining who is liable in an eBike accident is critical to your claim.

Venerable Injury Law utilizes CLAIMTRACKsm to allow clients to track the progress of their cases quickly. Request a free consultation to discuss your claim. We are committed to protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation by accurately determining liability in an eBike accident.