New E-Bike Lawsuits and Accidents Reported in San Francisco
San Francisco is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to the adoption of new technology, and this was certainly the case with e-bikes. These electric, environmentally friendly, and affordable vehicles are now a common sight throughout the city, and many residents appreciate the benefits of e-bikes. However, these bikes and scooters are not perfect by any means. In fact, they have the potential to cause a range of accidents and injuries. A number of new lawsuits and accidents in San Francisco illustrate this fact with clarity.
If you have been injured by an e-bike-related incident in San Francisco, consider getting in touch with Mary Alexander & Associates. Our qualified San Francisco injury attorneys are well aware of the dangers posed by electric bikes and scooters. The following lawsuits show that it is possible to pursue compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover a range of important damages, such as medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and much more.
Rad Power Faces Trial Over Alleged Injuries
On September 8, a trial date was set for Rad Power over alleged injuries caused by their e-bikes. Back in April 2020, a plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Rad Power, claiming that his Rad Runner Plus had exhibited defects that caused him to fall and suffer injuries. He alleges that while the bike was being operated normally in San Francisco, it suddenly slammed to a halt without warning, causing him to fly forward and impact the ground.
The plaintiff states that this sudden halt was caused by some kind of defect in the bike’s construction. He also claims to have suffered lost wages, medical expenses, and lost earning capacity due to this incident. Rad Power has issued no statement on the matter. The fact that this case is going to trial indicates that settlement negotiations have fallen through. This may be due to Rad Power’s refusal to negotiate, or their decision to offer an unsatisfactory settlement amount.
Drunk Driver Arrested in Fairfield after Hitting Scooterist
Faulty brakes are not the only threat that San Francisco residents face when using e-bikes. Intoxicated drivers also pose a serious risk to these individuals, and this was made clear by a recent report in the San Francisco suburb of Fairfield. On August 31, 2023, it was reported that a driver was arrested after hitting a scooter operator. The driver was immediately suspected of committing a DUI.
Unfortunately, the scooter operator did not survive the impact. A drug recognition expert was then called in by the authorities, who confirmed that the vehicle driver may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. This defendant was then charged with gross vehicular manslaughter. His court date was set for September.
Lectric Recalls 45,000 E-Bikes Due to Faulty Brakes
On September 14th of 2023, it was reported that the company Lectric was forced to recall over 45,000 of its e-bikes due to concerns over faulty brakes. The company immediately began to reach out to customers, informing them of further details. According to both Lectric and the USCPSC, the issue lies with the mechanical disk brake calipers. There have been at least four reports of complete loss of braking power while the bikes were in operation. Of these four incidents, two have resulted in injuries. There is at least one confirmed report of a broken bone.
Letric is warning consumers to immediately stop riding these bikes until the issue has been resolved. They are sending out free mechanical caliper repair kits to each customer – plus $100 to cover repair costs. It is worth noting that Lectric is recalling several models in the “XP” line, and it seems as though this entire line of e-bikes has been affected – including all variants. While Lectric seems to be dealing with this situation somewhat responsibly, there is still a very real threat of further injury. For example, someone might have purchased a Lectric e-bike second-hand. These secondary buyers would not receive warnings from Lectric, and they are therefore at serious risk of suffering injuries.
The Ongoing Threat of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Amidst these concerns, there is an ongoing discussion about fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries. As most people are aware, lithium-ion batteries are almost always present in e-bikes. There have been numerous reports of lithium-ion batteries allegedly overheating and catching fire – especially when charging.
In serious cases, lithium-ion batteries have been linked to structure fires that have the potential to cause fatalities and injuries. Often, e-bike owners leave their bikes plugged in to charge overnight. During this unsupervised charging period, the bikes have the potential to spark flames that spread before anyone has the chance to react.
It goes without saying that if a manufacturer distributes lithium-ion batteries that overheat and catch fire, they should be held accountable. It is possible to sue these companies for injuries and fatalities caused by lithium-ion batteries. To learn more about your options, be sure to speak with a qualified injury attorney.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco?
If you have been searching for a personal injury attorney in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We know that while e-bikes offer numerous advantages for San Francisco residents, there are also many safety hazards to consider. Regardless of how environmentally friendly a company may be, it still has a legal responsibility to make sure its products are safe. If you have been injured by an e-bike or scooter, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit.
During your first consultation with us, you can assess your options and determine the most appropriate route forward. Remember, the statute of limitations may prevent you from taking legal action if you delay for too long. An injury claim can provide you with compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.
