If you’ve been injured in an electric bike accident in Florida, you may be wondering if and how you can claim compensation. If the accident wasn’t your fault, then you almost certainly have a case.
Regardless, it’s always worth investigating as the reality of who was to blame may be different from your interpretation.
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What Should I Do After an Electric Bike Accident in Florida?
After an electric bike accident in Florida, the steps you take can help you build a case for claiming compensation. We always advise the following steps:Contact the Police
- Notify law enforcement of the accident immediately.
- They will record an official record and file a report that can be crucial in any personal injury claim.
- Police will gather witness information, insurance details and collect evidence such as alcohol consumption that may prove pivotal in your claim.
Collect Evidence
- If you’re able to, collecting your own evidence is always advised.
- Police reports get lost sometimes or fail to record key elements.
- Take pictures of the crash scene, the bike and your injuries.
- Obtain contact information from the other people involved.
- Write down or record witness statements.
Receive Medical Attention
- Get care for injuries as soon as possible.
- Keep all doctors’ notes and medical bill receipts.
- Even if you feel totally fine, it’s wise to get looked at by a doctor.
- Many victims involved in electric bike accidents in Florida feel fine, only to go home and be hit by a wave of symptoms.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Electric Bike Accident in Florida?
Speak to an Attorney ASAP
Anyone injured in an electric bike accident in Florida should contact an electric bike accident attorney as soon as possible. Why? Because they can help you receive compensation for your damages – such as medical bills, lost wages, ambulance fees and much more. This is achieved through a personal injury claim – which is a claim against your insurer or the negligent party’s insurer.Tackling Insurance Companies
Claims against insurance companies are far from easy, though. With greed and considerable power on their side, insurers regularly deny, blame and undervalue injury victims. You will also need to communicate with the insurers and provide supporting evidence. One wrong sentence can cause your claim to fail. With our Florida electric bike accident lawyers on your side, you can rest assured that our experienced and successful attorneys will not let insurers manipulate you. Our lawyers will carry out investigations into your accident, revealing the truth and showing the monetary cost this has and will continue to have on your life. Remember – insurers are for-profit companies and aim to pay victims as little as possible.What Is an Electric Bike in Florida?
Since July 2020, Florida has defined an electric bike as:- A bicycle or tricycle with an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
- It has fully operable pedals.
- It has a seat or saddle.
What Are the Classes of Electric Bikes in Florida?
- Class 1: E-Bikes equipped with a motor providing power only while the rider is pedaling. The motor stops providing power when the e-bike reaches 20mph.
- Class 2: E-bikes equipped with a motor providing power when the rider isn’t pedaling. The motor stops providing power at 20mph
- Class 3: E-bikes equipped with a motor providing power only while the rider is pedaling. The motor stops providing power at 28mph.
Electric Bike Insurance in Florida
E-bike classes are important to know for anyone injured in an electric bike accident in Florida. They are covered by uninsured and underinsured motorists’ coverage on auto policies. Some people may also have protection on homeowner’s or renter’s policies.Where Can You Ride Electric Bikes in Florida?
E-bikes can be operated on roadways, trails, bike paths and sidewalks. However, local ordinances in Florida may restrict usage on certain sidewalks if there is heavy foot traffic or nearby outdoor restaurants.Common Types of Electric Bike Accidents in Florida:
- Electric bike and car collisions.
- Electric bike and other bicycle collisions.
- Accidents with electric scooters
- Collisions with pedestrians
- Accidents caused by dangerous road or sidewalk surfaces
- Faulty traffic signals
- Drunk drivers
What to Do if You’re Injured Due to an Electric Bike Malfunction?
Some accidents occur due to a problem with the bike itself, not the user’s behavior. If, for example, the electric bike’s motor fails to stop or the brakes jam, then the bike manufacturer or part manufacturer may be liable for your injuries. If the e-bike is a rental, you may also be able to claim against the rental company. Contact a Florida electric bike accident attorney as soon as possible, so they can review your accident and make a claim against the appropriate party.Types of Florida Electric Bike Accident Injury:
Studies show that e-bike users are more likely to be hospitalized than traditional bicycle users. Falling off at 5-10mph is very different from falling off at 20-25mph. Common electric bike injuries include:- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pelvis fractures
- Dislocations
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions, resulting in scarring
- Abdominal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
What Damages Could I Claim After an Electric Bike Accident in Florida?
Potential damages you could receive may include:Economic Damages
Medical Expenses Rehabilitation Costs Treatment Costs Lost Wages and Future Earnings Childcare CostsNon-Economic Damages
Loss of Consortium Pain and Suffering Depression PTSD Scarring / Disfigurement Long-Term DisabilityWhat if Someone Has Died in an E-bike Accident in Florida?
If someone has been killed in an electric bike accident in Florida, the surviving family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims provide surviving families with damages to help them cover the costs related to the death and for their economic and non-economic suffering in the future.Facts About E-Bike Accidents:
- 10% of all US bicycle sales are Electric Bikes
- Around 130 million e-bikes are projected to be sold globally in the next couple of years.
