Michigan E-Bike Accident Lawyer

Our Michigan E-bike accident lawyers help people injured while riding an electric bicycle. The bikes have gained tremendous popularity of the years and the trend is continuing upwards.

Unfortunately, many E-bike riders get hit by cars and trucks, often resulting in serious and permanent injuries.

If you or someone you care about was hurt on an E-bike, you should contact The Buckfire Law Firm now to start your case. Our top-rated bicycle accident lawyers will get your medical bills paid, recover your lost wages, and help you win a pain and suffering settlement.

We charge no fees unless you win a settlement.

• What is an E-Bike?
• E-Bike Information and Statistics
• Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents
• Can I Sue if I Was Injured in a Michigan E-Bike Accident?
• Can I Sue if My E-Bike Was Defective?
• How Do I Start My Injury Case?

What is an E-Bike?

An electric bike, or E-bike, looks and rides like a standard bicycle. They have an electric motor powered by rechargeable batteries which assist the rider with pedaling. They are great for going up hills, over rougher terrain, or to help when the bicyclist is a fatigued or just wants to enjoy a ride without pedaling.

They do not travel nearly as fast as motorcycles or mopeds, and are best suited for leisurely and longer rides. The batteries typically require charging between 20 and 100 miles, depending on the make and model.

E-Bike Information and Statistics

E-bike sales in the United States began to take off in 2013.  There were 185,000 electric bikes sold that year. That number more than doubled in 2018, with 400,000 E-bikes sold that year.

The largest manufacturers and sellers of E-bikes are Giant, Merida, Trek, Riese & Muller, and M1 Sporttechnik. China  and the Asia-Pacific Region are the world’s biggest E-bike markets now.

In addition to sales, many cities in the United States have E-bike sharing and rental programs. Visitors in several cities can rent them to tour the city for both sight-seeing and convenience.

What are Michigan laws for E-bikes?

To qualify as an e- bike in Michigan, the bike must have:

• A seat or saddle for the rider to sit.
• Fully operational pedals.
• An electric motor of no more than 750 watts (or 1 horsepower).

In Michigan, there are three classes of E-bikes.  The different classes are:

• Class 1: assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops functioning at 20 mph.
• Class 2: propels the bike even when the rider is not pedaling, does not travel faster than 20 mph, and ceases functioning when brakes are applied, or the throttle is released.
• Class 3: assists only when the rider pedals and ceases function when it reaches 28 mph.

The Class 3 E-bike is the only class that has a minimum age to operate, which is 14 years old. It is also the only class that requires the rider to wear a helmet, and only for ages 14-18 years old.

Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents

E-bike accidents are becoming increasingly more frequent, especially with the increased number of bikes and riders. The most common causes include:

• Hit by a car or truck on the street or in a parking lot.
• Hit by a public bus while riding through a major city.
• Crashes with motorcyclists.
• Collisions with other bicyclists or pedestrians.
• Falls due to potholes in streets and other road defects.

Many injuries are caused from falling off the bike from losing control, excessive speed, or to avoid a collision with a vehicle, person, or small animal. These falls can result in serious injuries.

What are Common Injuries from E-Bike Accidents?

E-bike accidents often cause permanent injuries.  The speed of the bike can contribute to a more serious injury than would result from a standard bicycle. Common injuries from Michigan E-bike accidents are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including quadriplegia and paraplegia.
• Herniated discs and bulging discs.
• Fractured bones, especially in the arms and legs
• Shoulder injuries, like a torn rotator cuff.
• Facial fractures and broken teeth
• Scars and permanent disfigurements.
• Road rash.
• Death

Anyone who is injured in a Michigan E-bike accident should consider suing the at-fault person for pain and suffering damages. The insurance company for the negligent driver will pay a settlement to the rider.

Can I Sue if I Was Injured in a Michigan E-Bike Accident?

In Michigan, you can sue a negligent person or business if you were injured in an E-bike accident. You must prove that the person who caused your injury was at fault and that you suffered a serious injury.

Potential defendants in a lawsuit include other motorists, truck drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. If the injury was caused by a defective road or sidewalk, you may be able to sue the city or county responsible for maintaining it. Our lawyers will investigate your accident sue the responsible party.

Can I Sue if My E-Bike Was Defective?

You may also have a product liability lawsuit if your injury was caused by the bike itself. A manufacturing or design defect on an E-bike, such defective brakes or other parts, can be a basis for suing the maker and seller of the electric bike.

It is essential that you store and preserve the e-bike for inspection to determine if you can sue for a defective product. Our attorneys will hire a top expert to examine the bike for this purpose.

How Do I Start My Injury Case?

The first step is to call the award -winning Michigan personal injury lawyers at The Buckfire Law Firm. We will listen to your story and then begin our investigation.

Our team will get the accident report, track down any videos of the crash, and then contact the insurance company for the person that caused your injuries.

We will also start your claims for Michigan No-Fault Insurance Benefits. These benefits include payment of your medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, and household services.

You can receive these payments even if you did not own a motor vehicle or have your own auto insurance policy.

How Much Are E-Bike Accident Settlements?

The settlement amount depends on several factors, and every case is different. Important factors include the severity of the injury, the type of medical treatment, the permanency of the damage, and how the injury has affected your ability to lead your normal life.

If you become disabled from working, you can recover damages for your loss of past earnings as well as for future earnings until you can return to work.

Under Michigan law, an injured person can receive money compensation for:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Psychological harm and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability from work and activities
• Scars and disfigurements
• Medical bills
• Lost wages

In the event of a fatal accident, we will file a wrongful death lawsuit for the family members. These lawsuits demand compensation for the loss of the loved one. This includes settlement money for the loss of companionship resulting from the death and financial losses suffered by the family.

The amount of your settlement is often dependent on the insurance policy limits for the negligent party. Our attorneys will find out the amount of coverage available and work to get you the maximum settlement.

Contact Our Michigan E-bike Accident Lawyers

To get started on your case, contact the Michigan E-bike accident lawyers at The Buckfire Law Firm now. We will begin our investigation immediately.

We take care of everything from start to finish so you can focus on your recovery and not feel the stress weighing down on your shoulders. We do not charge any lawyer fees unless you win a settlement and it costs no money to start.