Being struck by a vehicle while riding an e-bike can cause catastrophic injuries. When the driver leaves the scene, the situation becomes even more difficult.
A hit-and-run can leave an e-bike rider with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, severe fractures, or another life-changing condition while the person responsible remains unidentified.
The injury may require months or years of medical care. The family may also face lost income and substantial future expenses.
Why E-Bike Hit-and-Run Crashes Can Be Catastrophic
E-bike riders have little protection in a collision with a motor vehicle.
A rider may be thrown onto the pavement or struck by another vehicle after the initial impact.
Serious injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Permanent disabilities
These injuries can create significant lifetime costs.
What Should You Do After an E-Bike Hit-and-Run?
If you are physically able, try to preserve as much information as possible.
Record or remember:
- Vehicle make and model
- Color
- License plate
- Direction of travel
- Location
- Approximate time
- Description of the driver
Witnesses may have noticed information the injured rider could not.
Surveillance footage may also be available from nearby businesses, residences, parking facilities, traffic cameras, or other properties.
Video can be especially important because many surveillance systems automatically overwrite older recordings.
DDRB’s existing bicycle-accident guidance emphasizes calling 911, obtaining medical attention, documenting the crash, and preserving information after a collision.
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
An unidentified driver does not necessarily mean an injured rider has no potential source of insurance recovery.
Uninsured motorist coverage may become important after a hit-and-run, depending on the circumstances and applicable insurance policies.
The injured person’s own automobile insurance coverage may need to be reviewed even though they were riding an e-bike rather than driving a car.
Other potentially applicable coverage may also need to be investigated.
Catastrophic Injuries Require a Long-Term Analysis
A catastrophic injury settlement should not be based solely on medical expenses incurred during the first few weeks after an accident.
For example, someone with a spinal cord injury may require:
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Adaptive equipment
- Home modifications
- Personal assistance
- Future medical care
- Lost earning capacity
A traumatic brain injury can affect memory, cognition, personality, communication, and the ability to work.
The financial impact may continue for decades.
Talk to a Miami Hit-and-Run Injury Lawyer
If you suffered catastrophic injuries in an e-bike hit-and-run accident, identifying available insurance and preserving evidence can be critical.
Our Miami E-Bike injury lawyers represent seriously injured victims throughout Florida. The firm’s practice is specifically focused on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death caused by automobile crashes, dangerous products, unsafe premises, and other negligence.