E-bikes have become a popular choice for navigating city streets with ease and efficiency. However, even at low speeds, accidents can occur, leading to unexpected injuries and complex liability. If you’ve been involved in a low-speed e-bike accident, you might wonder whether you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
The lawyers of Goza & Honnold will help you understand your legal options following an e-bike accident, including seeking damages for medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress from negligent parties.
How to Prove Negligence in an E-Bike Accident Claim
Even at low speeds, accidents involving e-bikes lead to injuries and complex legal challenges. Understanding your rights and the steps to recover compensation are essential if you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation.
Low-speed e-bike accidents typically occur at speeds under 20 miles per hour, but don’t let the “low-speed” label fool you. At these speeds, collisions can still cause substantial harm, especially if they involve a pedestrian, a stationary object, or another vehicle.
You must prove the following elements to show one or more parties were negligent in your unique case:
1. Duty of care
2. Breach of duty of care
3. Causation
4. Damages
Common injuries in these incidents can range from bruises and lacerations to more serious conditions like fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, and even death.
Liability in a Low-Speed E-Bike Accident
Determining liability in e-bike accidents can be complicated. Unlike standard bicycles, e-bikes are motorized, which can lead to differing legal interpretations regarding road sharing and right of way. Factors that can influence liability include the following:
- Negligence: Was the e-bike rider or the other party acting carelessly or violating traffic laws? All motorists must act with reasonable care on the road.
- Product Defects: Was there a malfunction or failure in the e-bike’s design or manufacture that contributed to the accident?
- Road Conditions: Were poor road conditions or inadequate signage factors in the accident?
Establishing who is at fault is key, as it directly impacts the ability to claim damages.
Recovering Compensation in a Low-Speed E-Bike Accident
If you are involved in a low-speed e-bike accident, you may recover various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the collision and the severity of your injuries:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, treatment, and ongoing care
- Lost wages: Losses for the time you were unable to work due to your injuries, and the potential loss of future income
- Pain and Suffering: Recovery for the physical pain and emotional suffering suffered as a result of the accident
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damages to your e-bike or other personal property
Filing a claim for an e-bike accident involves several steps, and it’s beneficial to consult with the lawyers of Goza & Honnold. Our legal team assists in the evaluation of your potential claim by taking the following steps to ensure you have the best chance possible of recovering compensation for your e-bike accident injuries:
Gather Evidence and Prove Negligence
We will lead an investigation into the circumstances that led to the e-bike accident. By obtaining evidence of a breach of duty of care, causation, and resulting damages, we build a case on your behalf to hold negligent parties liable.
Work With Medical Experts
Experts may testify on your behalf, supporting your claim for the present and future damages you suffered as a result of injuries.
Negotiate With Insurance Entities
Adjusters may attempt to diminish or deny your e-bike accident claim. We know the unfair tactics they use and negotiate aggressively for compensation.
If you’re involved in an e-bike accident, taking the right steps early on can significantly affect the outcome of your chances at recovering compensation. For professional guidance and to enhance your chances of a favorable resolution, reach out to the lawyers of Goza & Honnold. We are equipped to help you at every step of the legal process, fighting for your legal rights to be protected and the full extent of your injuries to be accounted for.
Speak With the E-Bike Accident Lawyers of Goza & Honnold
E-bike accidents, even at low speeds, can be distressing and damaging. Knowing how to navigate the aftermath, from assessing liability to understanding the compensation you are entitled to, is key. If you’re involved in such an accident, taking the right steps early on can significantly affect the outcome of your compensation claim. For professional guidance and to enhance your chances of a favorable resolution, consider reaching out to the lawyers of Goza & Honnold. We are equipped to help you through every step of the process, ensuring that your rights are protected and your recovery is maximized.
For more information, contact us at (913) 451-3433 or fill out our contact form.