E-Bike Accident Lawyer

over three decades of legal experience

Over $100M Recovered for our clients

Extensive Jury Trial Experience

As leading personal injury attorneys in San Francisco, we’ve helped countless accident victims pursue the settlements they deserve. If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone else, we may be able to help you, too. Contact us online to learn more.

In congested urban areas like San Francisco, driving is rarely the easiest way to get around. Many people opt for alternative transportation methods, such as ride shares, bikes and scooters, and, in recent years, electric bikes.

Unlike conventional bicycles, electric bikes are accessible to people who may or may not be able to (or want to) pedal up the steep inclines characteristic of our city. They offer many of the same benefits as regular bicycles, including affordability, convenience, the ability to access scenic routes and an environmentally friendly alternative to cars.

However, they also present many of the same dangers as conventional bicycles, as well as a few new ones. With no seatbelt, no car frame and no safety mechanisms to speak of, bikes provide nothing to protect riders from suffering catastrophic injuries when they’re involved in wrecks. Cyclists’ losses aren’t limited to physical injuries; they often suffer devastating personal, social and financial consequences as well.

Luckily, individuals who sustain injuries in electric bike accidents have legal recourse. With help from an experienced electric bike accident attorney, injury victims may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. This settlement could cover a range of damages, including economic and non-economic losses stemming from the accident.

This article will explain everything you need to know about electric bike accidents, including common causes, resulting injuries, statistics and pertinent legal considerations.

Are you swimming in medical debt and other financial losses after a serious accident? The experienced Electric Bike Accident Lawyer at Delfino, Green & Green may be able to help you secure the settlement you deserve. Call our law firm at (415) 442-4646 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

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Contact us online or call us today at 415-442-4646 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced E-Bike Accident Lawyer.

Understanding Electric Bike Accidents in California

Electric bike accidents are far from rare occurrences in California. In fact, they happen so frequently and with such devastating effect that some Californians are calling for stricter state regulations in addition to the already significant legislation in place.

Electric Bike Laws in California

California law defines an electric bike as a “bicycle equipped with fully operational pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” It divides electric bicycles into the following categories:

Class 1 refers to a low-speed electric bike that is pedal-assisted and equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the e-bike rider is pedaling. It stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 refers to a low-speed, throttle-assisted electric bike equipped with a motor capable of propelling the bike but not of providing assistance after 20 mph is reached.
Class 3 refers to a low-speed, pedal-assisted electric bike that has a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance as long as the motorist is pedaling and traveling under 28 mph.

All electric bike classes are exempt from motor vehicle financial responsibility, as well as from driver’s license and license plate requirements, according to CVC §24016.

Causes of Electric Bike Accidents

Although countless factors contribute to electric bike accidents, there are a few common causes that contribute to a disproportionate number of wrecks. Here are some of the most prevalent:

Lack of proper training, inexperience
Reckless driving, speeding
Distracted driving
Poor road conditions
Inadequate maintenance
Electric bike defects

Additionally, electric bike accidents can be caused by a variety of parties. They may result from a bike operator’s error, other drivers’ recklessness, obstructions and debris left by a construction company, a bike manufacturer’s error and even a government entity’s poor maintenance of roads. Determining fault isn’t always easy, but an electric bike accident attorney can investigate your injury case and help you pinpoint the liable parties.

Injuries Resulting from E-Bike Accidents

Just like with conventional bicycle accidents, electric bicycle accidents may precipitate a wide range of injuries. However, research suggests that e-bike accident victims are much more likely to sustain severe injuries, suffer internal injuries and face hospitalization than victims of conventional bike accidents. Other common e-bike injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, head and face lacerations and abrasions, spinal cord injuries and internal bleeding.

Male riding on a stationery yellow e-bike in San Francisco

Legal Considerations After an Electric Bike Accident

If you’re recovering from serious injuries after an electronic bicycle accident, getting enmeshed in a legal battle is probably the last thing you want to do. However, it’s important to understand exactly what you stand to gain from pursuing an electronic bike lawsuit, and what you may lose by choosing not to.

Damages in an E-Bicycle Accident Claim

If you decide to pursue an electronic bike accident lawsuit, you stand to gain more than just one type of compensation. An electronic bike accident attorney can help calculate the full spectrum of your losses and pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

Whereas economic damages refer to financial losses like medical bills, lost wages and cost of accident-related treatment, non-economic damages refer to intangible losses. These can include compensation for things like pain and suffering, lost quality of life, scarring and disfigurement, loss of companionship and more.

Reasons to Hire an E-Bike Accident Lawyer

In the days and weeks following your accident, you may discover that your recovery is going to be much more costly than previously imagined. You may realize you need continued medical treatments, physical therapy or even surgery. You may need to attend counseling to deal with the psychological trauma of your accident or be unable to perform your job in the same way.

An experienced personal injury lawyer understands this and takes into account future losses when calculating your settlement. With intimate knowledge of accident law and liability, they’ll be able to investigate your case and determine the at-fault party, as well as gather evidence and witness testimony to build the strongest accident case possible.

Ultimately, you should hire a lawyer because it’s a low-risk move with a high potential payout. Almost all personal injury and accident lawyers, including the attorneys at Delfino, Green & Green, offer their legal services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless and until you win a settlement. If you don’t receive a settlement, you don’t pay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bike Accident Attorney

Seek medical attention, call law enforcement to file a report, gather evidence such as photos and witness contacts, and avoid discussing fault until you have spoken with an attorney.

Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on a negligent driver, pedestrian, e-bike rider, manufacturer, rental company, or even a municipality responsible for road maintenance.

It depends on the classification of the e-bike under California law. Some e-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles, while others with higher speeds fall under motor vehicle regulations.

Common causes include driver negligence, speeding, poor road conditions, mechanical defects, and rider inexperience.

While not required, an attorney can help protect your rights, deal with insurers, and maximise your chances of fair compensation.

Yes. Pedestrians who step into bike lanes or drivers who fail to yield, speed, or open doors into cyclists can be held responsible.

In California, riders under 18 must wear helmets. For Class 3 e-bikes, which are faster models, helmets are required for all ages.

You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or rental company.

Yes. Rental companies like Lime or Bird may be liable if their equipment was unsafe or poorly maintained.

Yes. If a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lack of warning contributed to your crash, you may file a product liability lawsuit.

Yes, municipalities can be liable for poorly maintained roads, potholes, or hazardous conditions, though strict deadlines apply for filing such claims.

Yes. Parents or guardians can file claims on behalf of minors who suffer injuries in e-bike accidents.

Yes. Compensation may include lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical costs, and rehabilitation.

In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Yes. Victims may recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

Most personal injury attorneys, including Delfino Green & Green, work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless your case is won.

California Vehicle Code outlines classifications such as Class 1, 2, and 3, with rules for speed limits, helmet use, and where e-bikes can legally operate.

No. Refer insurers to your attorney to avoid saying anything that could harm your claim.

The animal’s owner may be held liable if negligence, such as failing to leash a dog, contributed to your accident.

Yes. Emotional distress, PTSD, and other psychological impacts are recognised damages in personal injury claims.

Trusted San Francisco E-Bike Accident Lawyers

At the end of the day, no one should be footing the bill for someone else’s negligence. If you were injured in an electric bike accident caused by someone else, it’s in your best interest to seek legal assistance. An experienced electric bike accident attorney from Delfino, Green & Green can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve to recover.

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Ready to get started? Reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation or call our law office at (415) 442-4646 for top-tier legal advice.

Verdicts & Settlements

We’ve recovered millions for our clients

Construction Death

The husband and father of 4 young children was working at a construction site when he died because of another contractor’s negligence. After more than two years of hard fought litigation, our team of experts was able to win a tremendous victory on behalf of our clients and ensure that all of their financial needs will be met. We could not bring back the husband/father for this family, but we were able to protect them from the financial devastation that can and often does result where the primary source of income for the family is taken away. We then worked with our team of financial planners to make sure that this family will always have financial security.

$10,400,000

Bad Faith Insurance Claim

Insurance Coverage/Bad Faith Bad Faith – Pollution Coverage Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Green worked at one of the largest and most prestigious firms in the U.S. He was the primary attorney on an environmental insurance case that went to trial in San Francisco. After a several week trial, Mr. Green came away with a trial verdict against the insurers with a value of over $10,000,000 in available insurance coverage.

$10,000,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

A 16 year old developmentally disabled kid was hit by a bus while in a crosswalk. He suffered a concussion which turned into post concussive syndrome, where the symptoms of the concussion don’t heal completely. This is also known as a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (“mTBI”). Our firm was hired as trial counsel 6 months before trial because of our expertise in TBIs as well as cutting edge trial techniques. When we first associated into the case, there was a very minimal settlement offer and it did not appear that the Defense was taking the case seriously. Our team of attorneys, experts and staff immediately immersed ourselves in the case as we prepared to demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of this incident. Shortly before trial, the Defense could see that we had put all the pieces together to prove liability and that full justice for our young client required damages in the many millions of dollars. The matter settled for $5,750,000.

$5,750,000

Disability Claim

Disability – Neurological Issues Our client became disabled from neurological issues. Our attorneys were able to work with the client and his physicians to quickly assemble all of the documentation necessary to support out client’s claim of total disability. The insurer agreed that our client was totally disabled and paid his claim.

$2,400,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury to Child A three year old child was being carried across the street when she was struck by an oncoming car. The child suffered a serious traumatic brain injury when she hit the ground. Her injuries were so serious she had to be hospitalized for several months. Our firm negotiated a settlement of $2,000,000 by forcing the payment of all of the available insurance from the driver’s automobile insurer ($1,250,000), the entire amount of the homeowners insurance limits available ($500,000), and all of the amounts that the person carrying the little girl was able to recover from the negligent driver ($250,000). We then arranged for another firm to prepare and fund a large Special Needs Trust for the health and welfare of the injured child.

$2,000,000

Heart Condition Disability

Our client became disabled by a heart attack. The insurer refused to pay, claiming that our client was still able to perform his occupation. We met with all of our client’s doctors, obtained reports confirming the client’s inability to perform his prior occupation, and ultimately convinced the insurance company to pay the claim in full.

$1,800,000

Builder’s Risk/Collapse

A contractor suffered a severe collapse at one of his sites. The claim was submitted to the insurer and denied. Mr. Green reviewed all of the facts, researched the law, and brought together the necessary experts to prove that the Contractor’s Builders Risk insurer was responsible for a substantial portion of the loss. He also proved that a subcontractor was negligent and the subcontractor’s insurer also paid a substantial settlement. In total, Mr. Green was able to obtain more than $1,700,000 in compensation for his client.

$1,700,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Our client suffered a mild Traumatic Brain Injury when heavy object struck her in the head. The responsible party denied all fault and insisted until the very end that our client had not suffered a brain injury and offered nothing to settle the case. Our firm assembled a team of world renowned expert‘s to demonstrate that our client had suffered a mild Traumatic brain injury. The case settled shortly before trial.

$1,000,000

Heart Condition Disability

Our client had worked for the government for many years when she began suffering from a serious heart condition. All of her doctors told her that she could no longer work and if she continued to do so, she would be risking further injury to her heart or even death.

$1,000,000

Traumatic Hand Injury

Our client was working at a manufacturing plant. While operating a piece of machinery, his glove became caught in the machinery and part of his hand was severely injured. Ordinarily, this type of injury would be restricted to remedies available through Worker’s Compensation. However, through the knowledge, ingenuity, and creativity of our team of attorneys, we were also able to obtain a very substantial civil settlement for our client in addition to the workers comp settlement of his case.

$985,000

Aviation Death Settlement

A husband and father of two small children was killed in an aviation accident involving a small aircraft. Our firm represented the widow and two children against the pilot of the aircraft. By hiring experts in aviation (to prove negligence) and economists (to prove damages), and utilizing William Green’s expertise as an instrument-rated pilot, we were able to make a very powerful case and obtain a very favorable settlement that allowed the family to survive financially.

$975,000

Forklift Accident

A construction supervisor went to pick up some materials for a construction job. A worker at the yard neglected to set the parking brake on a piece of heavy equipment a few yards away. While the construction supervisor had his back turned, the machine rolled into him, pinning him against the side of his pick-up truck. He suffered several broken ribs, but that was the least of his injuries. Within several weeks of the accident, he had partially lost his sight. By working with medical experts, our firm was able to directly connect the sight loss to the injuries caused by the machine that rolled into our client. The case settled at Mediation without any need for a trial.

$700,000

Words of Praise from Our Clients

“Such amazing and professional attorneys. I would (and have) highly recommend Bill Green to anyone who needs a professional and classy individual for representation. I was self represented for a year and a half, and the opposing attorney was just disrespectful, and unprofessional with her personal opinions which spun the case out of control. Bill has the right attitude and level headed legal knowledge to assert whats wrong and bring justice where it is needed. My case is very much on the right track because of Bill.”

amy w
“Bill Green taking my case was life changing, I truly do not know what I would have done had I not retained his services. It was not easy finding a competent lawyer such as Bill in this field. Bill and his team are incredibly caring, ethical and kind, that is not easy to find these days. When Bill or a member of his team say they will do something, it gets done. Bill and team are always patient and make time for me. What stands out the most is Bill's expertise, professionalism, knowledge and concern for his clients best interest. With his calm and approachable demeanor, genuine caring personality, I always feel I can contact him. Bill is an incredibly competent lawyer and a true gem. I would (and have) highly recommend Bill Green to anyone needing representation.”

staci g
“Delfino Green & Green handled my disability case in the San Francisco Bay Area and I recommend them highly. Bill Green was thorough in evaluating my case and explaining the issues to me. I felt they were a strong advocate and were attentive and concerned with protecting my best interests. They kept me up to date and communicated well. I am a physician and was referred to them by another physician so they can be called 'the doctors' lawyer.'”

Kenneth F
“The attorneys here are simultaneously the most competent and the most willing to go above and beyond for their clients in the areas of law they practice. The attorneys here are extremely competent, and the attorneys at this law firm have inspired me to practice law not for money nor personal glory, but for simply making a positive impact on people's lives and on society, especially for individuals who have been wrongly treated. This firm embodies every attribute that an ideal attorney should carry in their careers. From tenacity to compassion and going above and beyond for the sake of their clients, you're truly in the best hands if your case is lucky enough to be accepted by these high level attorneys.”

daniel c

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E-Bike Accident Lawyer

Contact Us

Understanding Electric Bike Accidents in California

Electric Bike Laws in California

Causes of Electric Bike Accidents

Injuries Resulting from E-Bike Accidents

Legal Considerations After an Electric Bike Accident

Damages in an E-Bicycle Accident Claim

Reasons to Hire an E-Bike Accident Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bike Accident Attorney

Trusted San Francisco E-Bike Accident Lawyers

Get In Touch

Personal Injury Types

Verdicts & Settlements

Words of Praise from Our Clients

Request Your Free Consultation Now