E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of transportation in New York City. However, they pose a hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. If you have been hurt in an e-bike accident, the attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can help you.
E-Bikes in NYC
E-bikes, also known as electric or pedal-assisted bikes, are bicycles equipped with an integrated electric motor to assist the rider’s pedaling power. There are two main types of e-bikes on the market: bikes with smaller motors that reduce the effort needed to pedal, and bikes with more powerful motors that have moped-like functionality. However, e-bikes generally fall short of moped territory because the rider still needs to pedal for the bike to move.
After e-bikes and e-scooters were legalized in 2020, many New Yorkers have eagerly jumped on the e-bike trend. This means that there are more e-bikes than ever on the streets of the City following the pandemic. As a result, we have seen an increase in e-bike-related accidents and injuries.
Common Causes of E-bike Accidents
As with other types of auto accidents, e-bike accidents can be caused by a number of things. In our experience, common causes of e-bike accidents are:
- Collisions with pedestrians and cyclists
- Collisions with motor vehicles
- Manufacturing defects and electrical issues which may cause fire
- Improper maintenance
Depending on the parties involved and the circumstances, accidents involving e-bikes can be severe and, in some instances, have fatal consequences. It is also worth noting that e-bikes may be more accident-prone than traditional bicycles because e-bikes are faster and less familiar to motorists and pedestrians. Other road users can easily fall into the trap of misjudging their speed, leading to collisions.
Legal Matters After a New York E-bike Accident
Each accident is unique and liability will depend on who was at fault in the particular circumstances. In collision cases, liable parties include drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Plaintiffs in such cases can file a lawsuit based on negligence or recklessness.
For a negligence lawsuit, a plaintiff needs to show that the defendant was negligent and their negligence was the cause of the accident.
For a lawsuit based on recklessness, the plaintiff needs to show that the defendant was behaving recklessly or had a state of mind where they did not care about the consequences of their actions.
Where an accident occurs as the result of a design or manufacturing defect, the plaintiff may be able to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Awards typically come in the form of compensatory damages, which are awarded to the plaintiff to compensate for the actual losses they have experienced. Losses covered by compensatory damages typically include:
- Hospital and medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage and loss
- Lost wages
- Loss of career or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Contact an Experienced E-bike Accident Attorney in NYC Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York e-bike accident, it is essential to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney immediately. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to a significant amount of compensation.
Our knowledgeable, client-focused attorneys are passionate about ensuring the best outcomes for victims and their families. Call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP today at (212) 986-7353 for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.