Since the legalization of electronic bikes, or e-bikes, in New York City in 2020, their popularity has exploded. As a faster method of transportation than a traditional bicycle, and a more affordable option than a motorcycle, e-bikes are used often both personally and commercially in and around Bedford Stuyvesant and elsewhere in Brooklyn. However, with their speed and no requirements for licensing, e-bikes pose a unique danger to riders. E-bike accidents can result in significant injuries such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and even death. Such injuries often come with expensive treatments and time missed from work. Bedford Stuyvesant e-bike accident lawyer Michael J. Redenburg assists victims of these types of collisions recover the compensation they need, and are entitled to, to cover the costs of their recovery. Mr. Redenburg and his team are committed to making sure e-bike accident victims understand their legal rights. We provide comprehensive legal representation throughout the entirety of any legal proceedings. If you’ve been injured or a loved one has died as a result of 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.
Bedford Stuyvesant E-Bike Accidents
With a population of over 158,000, Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn is a growing neighborhood with growing needs. E-bikes are not only a popular way for residents to get around, but they are also utilized to provide faster, more efficient services such as deliveries for food apps like GrubHub or DoorDash. E-bike riders risk serious, life-altering injuries if struck by a vehicle or otherwise involved in a crash. Fatal e-bike accidents have occurred in recent years on Marcus Garvey Boulevard and other streets throughout the area. If you’ve lost a loved one in a catastrophic e-bike accident in Bedford Stuyvesant, an experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you determine your legal options.
Unfortunately, due to their ability to travel at faster speeds, e-bike accidents lead to more deaths than those involving regular, pedaled bicycles, especially when a crash involves a car or other vehicle. Often, it is the other driver who acts negligently in causing these collisions. Common causes contributing to these types of accidents may include tailgating, failure to check blind spots, and opening a car door without looking for oncoming bikes. Defects in a part or the whole e-bike itself can also factor into causing a victim’s injury or death.
Holding At-Fault Parties Liable
When a party’s negligence causes an e-bike accident, they should be the ones held legally and financially accountable. Negligence occurs when a defendant breaches their owed duty of reasonable care to another, causing that person’s injury or death, and resulting in damages. All road users owe each other a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would given the same, or similar, circumstances. As such, a driver who changes lanes without looking and strikes an e-bike rider could be found to have acted unreasonably, and therefore be deemed liable. Manufacturers are also held strictly liable for the products they make. If a product is found to have a dangerous defect, the manufacturer is responsible for the harm that results.
Certain evidence is necessary to be collected and presented in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Consulting a knowledgeable BedStuy e-bike accident attorney can help make sure you have the proper evidence to prove your claim. For example, in product liability, blueprints of a defective part’s design or flaws in the manufacturing process are vital to show liability. To establish a negligent driver’s accountability, accident reconstructions, witness testimony, medical documents, as well as police reports are important. E-bike accidents in Bedford Stuyvesant are investigated by either the 79th or 81st Precinct of the New York Police Department (NYPD), who then prepare the reports documenting the scene. Copies of these reports are available from police headquarters, located at 263 Tompkins Avenue for the 79th Precinct and at 30 Ralph Avenue for the 81st Precinct. Reports may also be requested online at the NYPD Collision Report Portal or from the DMV website.
Seasoned E-Bike Attorney in Bedford Stuyvesant
If you were injured in an e-bike collision, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical costs, lost income or earning capacity, or pain and suffering damages. Families of victims of fatal accidents may also be entitled to reimbursement for funeral or burial costs and medical expenses, as well as loss of support damages. Bedford Stuyvesant e-bike accident lawyer Michael J. Redenburg can help make sure you recover the compensation you need to cope with the financial impact of your injuries or a loved one’s death. Mr. Redenburg represents clients throughout New York City in personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you have questions about your legal options in the aftermath of an e-bike accident, contact our office at (212) 240-9465 or online to speak with an attorney today.