An e-bike and pedestrian collision can cause catastrophic injuries to either person.
An e-bike can travel considerably faster than someone walking, while a pedestrian has virtually no protection from the impact. A collision can result in a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple fractures, paralysis, or permanent disability.
For someone who suffers a catastrophic injury, the consequences can extend far beyond the initial accident.
How E-Bike Pedestrian Accidents Happen
These collisions can occur on:
- Sidewalks
- Bike paths
- Crosswalks
- Intersections
- Parking lots
- Residential streets
- Shared-use paths
Potential causes include:
- Excessive speed
- Failure to yield
- Distracted riding
- Distracted walking
- Unsafe passing
- Poor visibility
- Sudden turns
- Failure to watch for pedestrians
Determining responsibility requires examining the specific circumstances rather than automatically blaming the rider or pedestrian.
Catastrophic Injuries Can Affect Both People
A pedestrian struck by an e-bike may be thrown onto the pavement.
The e-bike rider can also be thrown from the bicycle and suffer a secondary impact.
Potential catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe fractures
- Internal injuries
- Permanent nerve damage
- Permanent disability
The severity of these injuries can create substantial medical and financial consequences.
When Does an Injury Become Catastrophic?
A catastrophic injury can involve permanent impairment, disability, disfigurement, or scarring.
The consequences may include:
- Lifelong medical treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of employment
- Reduced earning capacity
- Need for long-term care
- Loss of independence
- Permanent pain
- Loss of quality of life
DDRB’s catastrophic-injury practice specifically addresses the long-term physical, financial, and emotional effects of these injuries.
What Evidence Can Establish Responsibility?
Evidence can be particularly important when the rider and pedestrian disagree about what happened.
Potential evidence includes:
- Surveillance video
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Police reports
- Medical records
- E-bike damage
- Accident-scene evidence
Nearby businesses or properties may have captured the collision on security cameras.
Could Someone Else Be Responsible?
An e-bike pedestrian accident may involve more than the rider and pedestrian.
For example, a dangerous property condition, inadequate lighting, defective sidewalk, obstruction, or other hazard could contribute to the collision.
A thorough investigation should determine whether another person or entity may share responsibility.
Talk to a Miami E-Bike Injury Lawyer
A serious e-bike pedestrian collision can leave someone facing a permanent disability and years of medical care.
If you suffered a catastrophic injury in an e-bike accident in Miami or elsewhere in Florida, DDRB Lawyers can investigate the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation for the full impact of your injuries.