Poway E-Bike Accident Lawyer

Poway is a place where electric bikes, or “e-bikes” for short, have become extremely popular among residents and visitors but have also been involved in many serious accidents. Some San Diego County cities and towns have declared states of emergency due to the rising rate of e-bike use and injury.

There are specific rules for riding e-bikes anywhere in San Diego County, depending upon the particular classification of the e-bike, but even with these rules in place, serious accidents continue to happen. Many e-bike riders are seriously or fatally injured in collisions involving motor vehicles, while single-vehicle e-bike crashes can also occur. If you or somebody you love got hurt in an e-bike accident in Southern California, you should seek legal advice. You may be able to file a claim with assistance from a Poway e-bike accident lawyer.

The use of electric bikes is a relatively recent trend, but the use of these bikes has grown immensely in Poway and across San Diego County. What makes e-bikes more dangerous than other bicycles? In short, e-bikes have a motor, but are easy to ride. The strength and speed of a motor will depend on the type of e-bike a person has rented or purchased, and the details of the motor also determine, in part, the rules the rider must follow.

In California, e-bikes that have top speeds of 20 miles per hour are classified as Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, and riders can use them where non-motorized bicycles are also allowed (such as in bike lanes and certain trails). Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour and cannot be used in areas where other bicycles are permitted.

Since even Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, and Class 3 e-bikes can go even faster, riders can sustain serious and deadly injuries when they are involved in a crash — whether the crash involves a collision with an automobile or another vehicle, or it is a single-vehicle accident involving only the e-bike. Some common injuries reported by emergency department doctors include but are not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions;
• Broken bones, especially involving the extremities;
• Severe road rash or abrasions; and
• Injuries affecting the neck and back, including spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

When someone is injured in an e-bike accident, how can they determine liability in order to file a claim? It will be important to talk with a Poway e-bike accident lawyer who can assess the facts of the case to determine who might be responsible for the injuries sustained by the e-bike rider. When a negligent motorist collides with an e-bike, the motorist can be liable. In some cases, the maker of the e-bike may also be liable.

In order to hold another party accountable and to obtain compensation by filing a civil lawsuit, you will need to file a claim before the California personal injury statute of limitations runs out. For most e-bike accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury.

Do you need help with an e-bike injury claim? One of our experienced Poway e-bike injury lawyers can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for assistance.