In 2020, New York City legalized the use of electric bikes, or e-bikes. Since then, the presence of e-bicycles on the roads has grown significantly in and around Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. E-bikes are not only fast, with some even able to travel up to 25 miles per hour, but their riders are also not required to be licensed. As such, e-bikes are extremely dangerous for riders as well as others when involved in collisions. Bay Ridge e-bike accident attorney Michael J. Redenburg helps those who have been injured in such collisions recover the compensation that they need for their injuries. Unfortunately, many of these accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families and loved ones behind. E-bike accidents are often due to another party’s negligence, or even a defective part on the e-bike. In these circumstances, the parties responsible should be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused legally and financially. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a devastating e-bike accident, call our office today at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online to speak with an attorney today.
E-Bike Accidents in Bay Ridge
Delivery app drivers, especially in the food delivery industry like GrubHub and DoorDash, rely on e-bikes as a way to more easily navigate New York City’s busy streets. Residents and tourists also ride e-bikes, either their own or those offered by the Citi-Bike program, three times more often than bicycles without motors. Fatalities are also much more likely to occur due to an e-bike accident than in those involving traditional bicycles. Losing a loved one in any way is an overwhelming experience, but when it is due to an avoidable accident involving another’s carelessness, the loss can seem unbearable. A knowledgeable Bay Ridge e-bike accident lawyer can help you seek justice in these cases.
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn has a growing population, last reported as 11,952, which marked an increase of over 32,000 residents from the previous count. With so many on the roads, the potential of being involved in an e-bike accident is high. Many of these collisions are caused by a motorist, or other party’s negligent actions. Common factors involved in e-bike accidents include:
- Tailgating e-bike riders
- Driver’s failure to check blind spots
- Opening vehicle’s door into bike lanes
- Defective parts
In 2019, Citi-Bike had to take their e-bikes off streets due to defective brakes. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has found faulty brakes to be the second-most common danger that leads to e-bike injuries. Manufacturers of defective products, as well as drivers who act negligently, should be held liable for the injuries their negligence causes.
Liability for E-Bike Injuries
E-bike accidents are often caused by another party’s negligent acts which can give rise to a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. A seasoned e-bike accident attorney in Bay Ridge can help you determine what party, or parties, are at fault for your injury or a loved one’s death. In these cases, it must be shown that the defendant breached an owed duty of reasonable care, which caused the victim’s injury or death, and resulted in damages. Manufacturers are strictly liable for the products they sell. This means that if a product is shown to have a dangerous defect at the time it left the manufacturer’s control, leading to an injury, that manufacturer can be held accountable for the harm its product causes. Motorists also owe each other the duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would on the roads. Breaches of this duty can include acts such as speeding, texting, and other careless behavior behind the wheel. In proving negligence, evidence must be presented. This may include witness statements, expert testimony, medical records, as well as police reports prepared from the scene of an accident. For e-bike accidents that occur in Bay Ridge, the New York Police Department’s 68th Precinct will be responsible for investigating and preparing a report. Those involved in an accident may receive a copy of this report online or from the precinct’s headquarters which is located at 333 65th Street.
E-bike Accident Attorney Assisting Bay Ridge Residents
Victims injured by negligence in an e-bike accident can be awarded damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, and diminished earning capacity, depending on the severity of their injuries. Those who have lost loved ones as a result of a fatal e-bike collision may also be entitled to compensation for outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, as well as loss of support. In the aftermath of an e-bike accident, it is important to have a compassionate and experienced Bay Ridge attorney like Michael J. Redenburg on your side to help you determine your legal options. Mr. Redenburg assists clients throughout Brooklyn as well as across New York City with personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. He is dedicated to making sure victims and families feel heard and their legal issues are resolved with the best outcome possible. If you need legal guidance following an e-bike accident, call our office today at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online to find out more about how we can help.