Gilbert Electric Bike Accident Lawyer

Accidents that involve an electric bike have become a growing concern in suburbs like Gilbert, Arizona. The popularity of these new rides has become a staple for those on their daily commute to work or for enjoying a leisure ride on the weekends. These are high-speed, battery-powered bikes that bring their own set of unique challenges when sharing the road with other vehicles. If you have been in an accident, contact a Gilbert electric bike accident lawyer.

At Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., we have always been here for the Gilbert community to help those injured in an accident. While the phenomenon of accidents with electric bikes is relatively new, it hasn’t changed our ability to investigate what happened in these cases and find strategies to pursue as much compensation as possible for our clients. Regardless of how severe or minor your accident may have been, give us a chance to show you the power of our legal intervention.

Electric bikes have risen in popularity, with many loving the speed and ease this bike option provides when compared to traditional pedal bikes. However, this rise in the use of these devices has also played a role in the risk of more accidents. It’s an important conversation to have, as electric bike crashes have their own unique implications.

For instance:

• E-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. They also weigh significantly more than a standard bicycle, which increases the force of impact in a collision.
• A recent study found that those who choose to ride e-bikes are over three times more likely to be in an accident with a pedestrian than those riding pedal bikes.
• Some common crash scenarios include being struck by a car when they’re making a turn, being sideswiped in a shared lane, or running into a pedestrian when on a shared path.
• Busy intersections and shopping centers, like Gilbert Town Square, can be a hotspot for e-bike accidents due to the high foot and vehicle traffic.

It’s important to understand these patterns, especially when you have been injured in an accident and are working with an attorney to build a case. A seasoned attorney in this space will know how to connect all of these risk factors to the specifics of your incident to try to boost your settlement.

E-bikes fall under a specific set of laws in Arizona. These laws influence who was at fault in an accident, who is liable, and even what insurance coverage looks like. Because everyone in Gilbert will either ride or share the road with someone riding an e-bike, it’s important to be aware of these new regulations.

• Arizona law states that electric bicycles must have operable pedals and a motor of less than 750 watts to qualify as a legal e-bike. If this definition is not met, you may be required to cite a traditional bike accident instead in your legal case.
• The law recognizes three different classes of e-bikes. Depending on the class, they could be restricted to a maximum speed of either 20 or 28 mph.
• Some e-bikes will not be permitted on certain bike paths unless a special ordinance is authorized. This is likely dependent on how fast a bike can accelerate.

With all of these different distinctions to be aware of, it’s important to secure the help of a Gilbert electric bike accident lawyer as soon as you can. This can avoid a scenario where you misunderstand or misapply a certain rule in your own case, which could impact your eligibility for full compensation. An attorney who knows this space well will investigate to see if either party was operating their vehicle improperly at the time of the crash under Arizona law.

Q: What Should You Do When There Is a Collision With an Electric Bike?

A: If you have recently been involved in a collision either on or with an electric bike, the first priority is your safety. Move to a safe area and call for help. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. If you can, take photos of the scene to visually document everything that happened. This can be helpful evidence for your attorney to dispute any false allegations from opposing counsel, as visual evidence is hard to challenge.

Q: Are Electric Bike Accidents Underreported?

A: Yes, many electric bike accidents are underreported as society, in general, tries to catch up to the new prevalence of these transportation options. The National Transportation Safety Board found at least 53 fatal e-bike crashes across the country between 2017 and 2021. However, it was noted that this number is likely an underestimate due to the inconsistent reporting and lack of e-bike-specific crash codes.

Q: What Kind of Injuries Are Common in E-Bike Crashes?

A: Electric bike accidents can lead to many different types of injuries, from minor bruises on the body to serious head trauma. Because these bikes travel at higher speeds without adding any extra layers of protection of a traditional pedal bike, injuries to the head, road rash, and broken bones are extremely common. Some riders also suffer from extreme spinal injuries or long-term nerve damage, especially if they were not wearing their own protective gear during the incident.

Q: Is the E-Bike Rider Always at Fault in a Crash?

A: No, an e-bike rider is not automatically presumed at fault for causing an accident. While some people might assume whoever was traveling faster would be at fault, this is not a proper investigation. For instance, a car could be responsible for failing to yield or running a red light. Pedestrians could be responsible if they stepped into a bike lane without looking first. An attorney can help you uncover important details that point to who was truly at fault.

If you were recently in an accident that involved an e-bike, you need to hire a Gilbert personal injury lawyer who is updated on the latest laws that govern these situations. Contact our firm today for access to this information and see how we can help you maximize your final compensation award.