In recent times, electric bikes are growing more popular because they are generally easier to ride than bicycles. E-bikes have specialized motors of around 750 watts capacity and this enables the rider to reach speeds of more than 25 mph. This makes it easier for people to ride, especially those who may not be physically fit enough to pedal a conventional bicycle. Besides, riding an e-bike can be fun, too. In recent times, many people have begun using e-bikes to ensure a faster, smoother ride to get across New York City. But it also increases the risk of accidents.
In recent times, electric bikes are growing more popular because they are generally easier to ride than bicycles. E-bikes have specialized motors of around 750 watts capacity and this enables the rider to reach speeds of more than 25 mph. This makes it easier for people to ride, especially those who may not be physically fit enough to pedal a conventional bicycle. Besides, riding an e-bike can be fun, too. In recent times, many people have begun using e-bikes to ensure a faster, smoother ride to get across New York City. But it also increases the risk of accidents.
It is important to remember that because they are designed for greater speeds, e-bikes can cause far greater damage in the event of an accident with a pedestrian or a bicycle rider. BMJ Journals carried an article that analyzed ebike accident-related injuries from 2000 – 2017. The results of the study showed that there was a greater probability of internal injuries requiring hospitalization in ebike accidents as compared to traditional bikes.
Especially in congested cities such as New York, electric bike accidents create an even greater risk of injuries and fatalities. As e-bikes allow riders to move at higher speeds, even a minor event of distracted or careless driving can be enough to create a dangerous accident.
Whether it is weaving in and out of traffic or seeking to move between stationary lanes of cars held up in traffic or speeding on sidewalks, e-bikes are likely to often result in grievous consequences for not just other motorists on the road and pedestrians, but also for the e-bike riders themselves.
What are the Common Causes of E-bike Accidents?
Most e-bike accidents in New York City are found to occur due to the rider applying too much acceleration at the very beginning of the ride. Some e-bike riders also tend to suddenly start a dead stop by immediately using a high electric gear. When these crashes occur at lower speeds they may not cause grave injuries, but if other vehicles or bike riders on the road are not careful and driving at high speeds, it could result in a nasty collision that causes severe injuries.
Another major peril associated with e-bikes is the likelihood of the bike catching fire. This is due to the inflammable nature of the lithium batteries present in the bikes that begin to burn when they are not handled in the right manner.
Besides these factors, other common causes of e-bike accidents in NYC include:
- Uneven or defective roads
- Lack of protected lanes
- Inexperienced bike riders
- Collisions with pedestrians who miscalculate the speed of the e-bike
- Crashing into a motor vehicle when making a turn
- Lane changes that are not noticed by the other road users
- Motorists suddenly opening their doors and crashing into an e-bike rider in their path
What Types of Injuries are Caused in E-bike Accidents in New York City?
A study of data from emergency departments for the duration from 2000 to 2017 showed that in 17 percent of e-bike accidents, the victims were likely to suffer internal injuries as compared to a lower 7.5 percent risk for pedal bikes and powered scooters.
Even an e-bike accident that occurs at low speeds is likely to cause grave injuries such as head and neck injuries, cerebral concussions, internal injuries, nerve damage, broken bones, facial trauma, and back injuries.
Tips to Avoid E-Bike Accident Injuries in NYC
Most e-bike accidents are preventable if the rider exercises due care. If you are riding an e-bike for the first time, it is always good to spend some time getting familiar with it in an area that does not have too many people or vehicles moving around.
Here are some tips to follow to avoid e-bike accidents on the streets of New York:
- Install a switch that allows you to choose the appropriate power level during your ride.
- Check your bike before you begin to ride it, ensuring that the brakes are functioning correctly.
- Always wear a helmet when you ride your e-bike.
- Make sure your bike is moving before you apply full throttle.
- Always begin moving at a lower gear and only accelerate after the bike has picked up some speed.
- Ensure that the throttle and controller are dialed up in the right manner before you begin a long ride.
- Buy lithium batteries for your e-bike from a reliable dealer instead of creating your own pack.
- Carry batteries in a suitable metal box container when you are riding the bike.
- Consider installing a Battery Management System (BMS) to reduce the probability of the battery catching fire.
- Try to avoid riding your e-bike in congested parts of the city because it can make it more difficult for you to stay in control of your bike.
- Always stay alert to traffic conditions around you and keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
- As far as possible, avoid riding on sidewalks, especially the more crowded ones.
- Use a bell if you are riding on the sidewalk. This will warn pedestrians to stay alert around your bike.
- Ride at a slower speed when there are pedestrians around and always have your hands ready to brake at the slightest indication of an obstacle in your path.
- If you are a pedestrian and notice an e-bike rider in your vicinity, avoid getting in their path and give them enough space to move.
- Never dart in front of an e-bike rider or move in a manner that catches them unawares.
Who Can be Sued in the Event of an E-bike Accident?
Anyone who is injured in an e-bike accident in New York can sue different parties who may be fully or partially responsible for their injuries. Some potentially liable parties include:
- The e-bike operator
- The motor vehicle operator
- The e-bike manufacturer
- The agencies responsible for maintaining roadways in good condition
In case of accidents that occur due to an e-bike malfunction, it can be possible to bring claims against the manufacturer of the vehicle for defective design or manufacturing or for failing to provide adequate warning of the dangers of using an e-bike.
What Damages Can You Claim for Injuries in an E-bike Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-bike accident in NYC, the law entitles you to claim compensation for:
- Expenses presently incurred and expected to be incurred in the future too for your medical treatment
- Loss of wages and any loss or reduction in earning capacity arising from the injuries caused in the e-bike accident
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
If you have been hurt in an e-bike accident, it is important that you file a claim for damages. Getting all the legal paperwork in place can be a time-consuming and complex process that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially if you are still recovering from the physical injury and emotional trauma of the accident. Having an experienced New York e-bike attorney on your side can make things considerably easier for you.
How Can an NYC E-Bike Accident Attorney Help You?
Whether you were the one riding an e-bike that was involved in an accident, or you were the victim of an e-bike accident, it is vital to hire an attorney. An experienced NYC e-bike accident lawyer can help you fill out all the complex legal documentation well in time to present your claim for damages. They can help you identify the parties who can be held liable for your accident.
A competent e-bike accident lawyer in New York can help you gather and preserve the evidence from the accident site, so as to build a stronger case that fetches you the compensation you deserve.
Professional e-bike accident attorneys have access to experts in the medical, biking, and financial fields and can make effective use of their testimonies to build support for your case.
Whether it is to negotiate with insurance adjusters or to argue your case in court in front of a jury, an experienced e-bike accident lawyer will have your back, so that you can focus your energy on recovering your physical and emotional health after the accident.
Get in Touch with Our Competent E-bike Accident Lawyers in NYC for a Free Case Evaluation
Whatever the circumstances of your e-bike accident in NYC, you can be entitled to financial compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident. Whether you were the rider that got injured due to another bike rider or a motorist, or you were the pedestrian injured due to a careless e-bike rider, get in touch with our e-bike accident attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP today.
Our team of lawyers has extensive experience in handling different types of accident cases and we have won compensation for several clients injured in e-bike accidents in New York. To know more about how we can help you, call Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP today at 212-344-1000 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
