College Student Dies After Bay Area E-Bike Crash

A college student from India lost his life after a fatal e-bike accident in Hayward. This incident highlights the unique safety challenges associated with e-bikes in California. As these powered bicycles become more common, we will undoubtedly see higher numbers of accidents. Compared to normal bicycles, the chance of death is arguably higher with e-bikes because of their speed. Some of these bicycles are comparable to mopeds in terms of top speeds, and users can modify their e-bikes to reach velocities of well over 25 miles per hour. That said, many e-bike riders suffer terrible injuries caused by negligent motorists – and the dangerous nature of these EVs is irrelevant. 

Hayward Student Succumbed to Injuries Two Days After E-Bike Accident

A Hayward undergraduate student managed to survive for two days after a serious e-bike accident, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The individual in question was studying computer science at California State University East Bay, and he was participating in an exchange program. The student was riding an e-bike when he was struck by a vehicle under unclear circumstances. 

The driver who struck the student remained at the scene and cooperated with police. No criminal charges have been filed, although police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Details are still emerging, but police seem confident that intoxication was not a factor. 

What are My Legal Options After an E-Bike Accident in California?

After an e-bike accident, there are various legal options to consider. The first option is to sue an at-fault driver who caused your collision. This might have been a drunk driver, a distracted driver, or a driver who committed traffic infractions prior to striking you. 

California is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. In other words, you must prove that someone else caused your injuries if you want to pursue compensation. That being said, you can still pursue compensation if you are partially responsible for your own accident. 

For example, you might have failed to indicate before making a sharp right-hand-turn on your e-bike. As long as you can prove that another driver was at least partially responsible for your accident, you can still pursue a claim. 

The downside is that your compensation will be lowered depending on your level of fault. If you’re 99% to blame for your own accident, you can only recover 1% of your total compensation. If you are 50% responsible, however, you could receive half of your total compensation. 

Another option is to sue the e-bike manufacturer. This could be the right course of action if your e-bike malfunctioned in some way prior to the crash. An obvious example is brake failure, which may have prevented you from avoiding an impact. This type of situation is more common than you might think in California. Numerous e-bike companies have been forced to recall their products due to various mechanical issues. Some are facing injury lawsuits. 

What if I Lost a Loved One to a Fatal E-Bike Accident in California?

If you lost a loved one to a fatal e-bike accident in California, you may file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit works in exactly the same way as a normal personal injury lawsuit, but it may provide additional compensation for certain damages. Perhaps most notably, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for funeral expenses. It can also cover unpaid medical costs that your loved one might have incurred on their deathbed. 

In the aforementioned case, the injured student survived for two days in hospital before passing away – probably in some kind of medically induced coma. During these two days, the student may have racked up serious medical bills, and these expenses will likely be passed onto his family after his death. A wrongful death lawsuit can help families cover these unpaid medical bills, lessening the burden of a fatal accident. 

Find an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in the Bay Area

If you have been searching for an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in the Bay Area, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our help, you can strive for positive results and hold negligent motorists accountable. Whether you were riding a normal bicycle or an e-bike, you have the right to consider legal action after a serious accident. An injury claim can provide you with compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Reach out today, book a consultation, and get started.