New Orleans Electric Bike Accident Lawyer
If you were hit by a car on an e-bike or e-scooter, we can help
Electric bikes and e-scooters have electric motors that run on rechargeable batteries rather than having a rider propel them by manpower. In New Orleans and other major cities throughout the U.S., they have grown in popularity and are considered an easy, convenient, and popular alternative to cars for people to get around. But with more people in Louisiana using them, accidents and injuries involving electric scooters and e-bikes are inevitable.
If you were injured in a New Orleans e-bike accident due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses—but proving liability in these types of cases can be difficult. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying out of pocket for an accident that was not your fault. An attorney can protect your rights and be your voice for justice.
At the Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC, we know how to investigate accidents to find the facts that matter, build strong cases, and fight for the financial compensation our clients deserve. To find out more about your legal rights and options after an accident in New Orleans, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced e-bike injury lawyer.
Common causes of e-scooter and e-bike accidents
In New Orleans, e-bike accidents are often the result of someone else’s negligence. Many riders are injured when they get hit by a car while on an e-bike or e-scooter, typically because the at-fault driver was speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or otherwise operating recklessly.
Most e-scooter and e-bike accidents involve the rider:
- Hitting an obstacle. E-scooters and e-bikes are small and are therefore more fragile when it comes to hitting obstacles in the road. Hitting a pothole, road grate, misplaced construction plate, or rock can snag a wheel and launch the rider off the e-bike or e-scooter.
- Hitting a pedestrian. The road is to be shared with drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians. If a rider of an e-scooter or an e-bike fails to see a pedestrian or doesn’t stop in time to avoid a collision, an accident can occur that leaves the rider, pedestrian, or both with severe injuries.
- Getting hit by a car. Since e-bikes and e-scooters are small, it’s easy for them to be overlooked by distracted drivers, speeders, and impaired drivers.
- Having a defective e-bike or e-scooter. Just like cars and trucks, electric scooters and electric bikes need consistent maintenance. Mechanical errors like overheating, faulty brakes or issues with the technical software can cause crashes. Other e-bike components that are prone to failure include the throttle, pedal-assist system, battery, front fork, rear axle, and chainstay.
Regardless of how your accident occurred, it’s in your best interest to let an electric bike injury lawyer review the details of your case. You may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can let you know if you have a case and how much it might be worth.
Common e-bike injuries
Just like their conventional counterparts, e-bikes and e-scooters offer little protection to riders when compared to an enclosed passenger vehicle. As such, if you get hit by a car on an electric bike, hit an obstacle in the road, or crash due to defective parts, you are at risk of suffering a severe injury.
Some of the most common e-scooter and e-bike injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Concussion
- Internal organ damage
- Fractured and broken bones
- Spinal cord damage that may cause partial or permanent paralysis
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Ligament injuries
- Road rash
- Severe cuts and bruises
New Orleans e-bike laws
In general, the same rules of the road that apply to traditional pedal bikes in New Orleans apply to e-bikes. No vehicle registration or license plates are required on privately owned e-bikes, and they are not to be considered motor vehicles under the law.
Under Louisiana law, electric assisted bicycles must be rated at no more than 50cc, can’t be designed to go over 25 mph on a flat surface, and must have an automatic transmission. All riders are required to wear a helmet unless they carry health insurance that has medical benefits over $10,000.
According to a city ordinance passed in 2019, e-bikes designed to go up to 28 mph are allowed on certain bikeways in New Orleans, but the operator must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. Personal e-bikes that go faster than 20 mph are barred from use on bike trails in New Orleans.
How an electric bike accident attorney can help
If you were hit by a car on an electric bike or electric scooter in New Orleans, you shouldn’t have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Unfortunately, insurance companies have a vested interest in paying crash victims as little money as possible.
That’s why you need an experienced lawyer on your side to look out for your best interests and advocate for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Attorney John S. Williams has dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of others and helping injury victims get the compensation they need and deserve. To find out how our law firm can help with your potential legal case, contact us today.