Electric bicycles, or e-bikes as they are commonly called, have become increasingly popular options for short-distance travel among residents. They are more powerful than standard bicycles but less so than motorcycles. Unfortunately, not every e-bike ride ends safely.
If you have been injured in a crash on an electric bicycle and believe someone else is at fault, it is crucial to speak with a Pensacola e-bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. Filing a civil suit for this type of incident is similar to suing for standard bike collisions in some ways, but different in others. Our experienced personal injury attorneys could assist you in effectively navigating state civil law to pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Are Electric Bicycles Regulated by State Law?
According to Florida Statutes § 316.20655, state law treats electric bicycles as functionally identical to standard bicycles in terms of the legal rights afforded to riders as well as the restrictions imposed on them. This means you are not required by law to purchase liability insurance coverage, obtain a license, or register an e-bike with the Department of Motor Vehicles before you can lawfully ride it. Additionally, there is no safety helmet requirement for e-bike riders of any age or experience level.
However, you need to be at least 16 years old to lawfully operate any class of electric bicycle. You are also expected to follow all local traffic regulations at all times, including any restrictions set by municipal governments on where you are allowed to ride this type of bike. Our attorneys in Pensacola could explain that if you are found to have contributed to causing your electric bike crash through a violation of local traffic laws or any other kind of irresponsible behavior, a court may assign a percentage of comparative fault to you and reduce your final damage award by that amount.
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Suing Someone for Causing an E-Bike Crash
Our team could help you defend against accusations of comparative fault and establish through evidence that someone else was at fault for your accident. This entails showing that all four of the following criteria apply to your situation:
- The defendant you are suing owed you a duty of care to act responsibly under certain circumstances
- The defendant violated their duty of care by doing something reckless, careless, or unlawful
- The irresponsible act was the main and direct cause of an accident that likely would not otherwise have happened
- The accident was the proximate cause of the injuries and subsequent losses that you are seeking civil compensation for
This can be challenging to accomplish in practice. Seeking help from our experienced lawyers could be vital to protecting your long-term best interests after an e-bike accident in Pensacola.
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Call an Attorney in Pensacola Today To Assist With Your Electric Bike Crash Claim
Riding an e-bike is not significantly more dangerous than riding an unpowered bicycle, provided that you follow the rules of the road and wear proper safety equipment while riding. However, any kind of bicycle ride can end in disaster if a driver near you is not paying attention, if the bicycle is in poor condition, or if the surface you are riding on is not safe for travel.
In each of those scenarios, guidance from a capable Pensacola e-bike accident lawyer could significantly impact the outcome of your civil claim and the amount of restitution you may be able to receive. Call us today to discuss your legal options for obtaining the best outcome.
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