Clearwater Electric Bike Accident Lawyer

Were you recently injured in an electric bicycle accident in Clearwater, Florida? Did you get hurt because someone else was negligent? If so, you may be entitled to significant damages to help cover the costs of your medical care and compensate for your suffering. 

The lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you maximize your financial recovery.

We stand up for injury victims in Clearwater every day. We’ve won more than $100 million in damages (and counting) on their behalves. Let us be your biggest advocate during this difficult time, too.

Contact our law offices in Clearwater, Florida, to arrange a time to discuss your electric bike accident case. Your first consultation is 100% free, so call now at (727) 787-2500.

How Our Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an E-Bike Accident

How Our Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an E-Bike Accident

No matter how clear liability is, those responsible for causing your e-bike accident will fight you every step of the way if you file a lawsuit. Insurance companies will try to blame you or find other ways to minimize or deny your personal injury claim.

The best way to protect yourself is by putting an experienced personal injury attorney in Clearwater in your corner.

When you choose Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you benefit from the leadership of an attorney who is Board Certified by the Florida Bar Association in Civil Trial. With decades of collective experience and hundreds of millions in recoveries, your e-bike accident case will be in good hands with our top-rated attorneys.

As our lawyers fight for you, expect us to:

  • Investigate the circumstances surrounding your electric bike accident to figure out why it happened and who’s at fault
  • Bring in experts and specialists to help us analyze evidence, build a strong case, and understand the full impact of your experience
  • Seek damages from anyone who played a role in your accident
  • Defend against claims that you share fault or liability
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and other defendants to get you the best possible settlement deal
  • Have an award-winning trial attorney bring your case to a jury, if necessary

Our goal is to help you get through this difficult time and secure full compensation for your traumatic experience. Focus on getting better. Let us handle your personal injury case from start to finish. 

How Common Are Electric Bike Accidents?

Electric bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, it’s estimated that 130 million electric bikes will be sold worldwide over the next few years. Clearwater and other Florida beach towns have seen this trend come to life. E-bikes have never been more popular in the area, which concerns some lawmakers. 

Why? As more e-bikes have begun to share the road with other vehicles in Clearwater, collisions have happened with greater frequency. A local mayor even had a close encounter of his own, nearly hitting a young boy on an electric bike.

Nationwide, it’s estimated that injuries from electric bikes and other similar vehicles have increased by more than 70% over the past few years.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that, over three years, electric bike accidents landed about 190,000 people in the emergency room with serious injuries. At least 71 deaths were recorded, as well.

Share the Road Logo

Yes, electric bikes are street-legal in Florida. Under Florida state law, electric bikes can be operated wherever regular bikes are permitted. 

Still, cities have the right to enforce their own e-bike restrictions for the sake of public safety.  Clearwater’s neighboring city of St. Petersburg, for instance, prohibits electric bikes on streets where the speed limit is over 30 MPH, sidewalks, and waterfront walking trails. 

Given the rise in electric bike accidents (and close calls) in Clearwater, lawmakers here may also implement similar regulations.

What’s Considered an Electric Bike in Florida? Can Anyone Ride One?

Florida law defines an electric bike as:

  • A bike or tricycle with fully operable pedals;
  • A seat or saddle; and
  • An electric motor of fewer than 750 watts.

There are three different classifications for electric bikes in the Sunshine State, depending on how the motor provides assistance.

  • Class 1: the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and stops assisting once the bike reaches 20 MPH.
  • Class 2: the motor can assist regardless of whether the rider is pedaling. The motor assist stops once the bike reaches 20 MPH.
  • Class 3: the motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling. Motor assist stops once the bike reaches 28 MPH.

Since electric bikes are more similar to standard bicycles than motorcycles, riders don’t have to acquire a special license to ride one. However, Florida law states that e-bikes can only be operated by individuals aged 16 and over.

What’s My Injury Case Worth After an E-Bike Accident?

Many different factors will affect the value of your electric bike accident lawsuit, such as: 

  • What types of injuries did you suffer?
  • What are the chances that you’ll make a full recovery?
  • Will your injuries affect your ability to return to work and earn a living?
  • What are your out-of-pocket costs?
  • How have you been affected by the trauma of being involved in an e-bike collision?

Generally, the more catastrophic the injury, the more a related claim for damages is worth.

However, don’t underestimate what your e-bike injury case might be worth. Even seemingly minor trauma can have permanent consequences. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Clearwater can help you get a better idea of your case’s value. Call to learn more.

What Damages Can I Get After an E-Bike Accident in Clearwater?

Both economic and non-economic damages are available to victims of electric bikes accidents in Florida.

This can include money for:

Don’t settle for less. Contact our experienced Clearwater car accident lawyers for help in seeking all of the damages you’re entitled to receive under the law. 

What Causes Electric Bike Accidents?

Some common causes of electric bike accidents in Clearwater, FL include:

  • Accelerating too quickly
  • Stopping abruptly
  • Riding too fast for the conditions
  • Failure to maintain the e-bike in a safe condition
  • Dooring
  • Limited visibility, especially at night
  • Distracted driving or riding
  • Alcohol use
  • Failure to yield the right of way, especially at intersections
  • E-bike defects or malfunctions
  • Dangerous road conditions

No matter the cause, it’s essential to seek medical attention and reach out to a lawyer if you’re involved in an e-bike accident in Florida. Injuries can be quite severe, and you’ll see a benefit from getting an accident attorney involved in your claim for damages early on. 

What Are The Most Common Electric Bike Accident Injuries?

Thanks to a motor assist, electric bikes can go significantly faster than traditional bikes. This can make them more dangerous, especially considering they often share the road with larger vehicles.

While wearing a helmet can help, riders are still vulnerable to serious and catastrophic injuries, such as:

Electric bike accidents can also be fatal. If a family member dies in an electric bike crash in Clearwater, you may have the right to file a wrongful death action and demand compensation for your loss.

Who Can Be Liable For My Injuries After an E-Bike Accident in Clearwater?

In Florida, anyone who contributes to an accident will share responsibility for the consequences. 

An investigation into your electric bike accident might find that some or all of the following parties are liable:

  • Drivers of motor vehicles
  • Other electric bike operators
  • Pedestrians
  • Truck drivers
  • Bus drivers
  • Uber and Lyft drivers
  • Employers of responsible parties
  • Government agencies
  • E-bike companies

Our attorneys will carefully evaluate the specific circumstances of your case. Once we’ve identified who’s at fault, we can move forward and work to hold each one accountable for your injuries and suffering.

Can I Still Get Money If I’m Blamed For An Electric Bike Accident in Florida?

Yes, you can still receive compensation if you’re partially to blame for an electric bike accident – you just can’t share more than 50% of the blame. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule, your damages will be reduced to reflect your contribution to the accident.

If you’re assigned 15% fault, your financial award will be reduced by 15%. However, if you’re apportioned 51% fault, you cannot receive any compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After My Electric Bike Accident?

The statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in Florida is two years. So, you’ll have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit and demand compensation.

The Florida statutory deadline used to give you four years. However, the law was changed on March 24, 2023. Therefore, if your Clearwater e-bike accident occurred after that date, you must file your claim within two years.

If you’ve lost a family member in a fatal electric bike accident in Clearwater, the statute of limitations is two years. The clock begins to run the moment your family member dies, which may or may not be the same date as the accident date.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Clearwater Electric Bike Accident Lawyers

Whether you were struck by a car while riding your bike or got hurt because your electric bike was defective, your injuries can be severe. You can count on the Clearwater electric bike accident lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to help you fight for the money you deserve. 

We stand up to insurance companies and tough defendants on behalf of our clients every day, and we help them win significant settlements and verdicts.

Contact our law firm for help. Your first consultation is free. A member of our legal team is standing by to take your call now.

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