Brentwood eBike Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in an eBike accident in Brentwood or anywhere on the Westside, you’re not alone. The rise of electric bicycles has transformed urban commuting in Los Angeles, offering an eco-friendly way to navigate traffic-clogged streets. However, this surge has also brought a troubling increase in injuries, often due to negligence by drivers or defects in the bikes themselves.
At Biren Law Group, we represent eBike riders like you, fighting for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the pain of recovery. Our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges of these cases in California’s bustling neighborhoods. Whether you were struck by a car on San Vicente Boulevard or suffered a crash from a faulty battery, we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Call (310) 774-0078 today to get started.
eBike and Bicycle Accident Statistics in Los Angeles
eBikes have exploded in popularity across Los Angeles, but so have the risks. According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries across the country associated with all micromobility devices, including eBikes, surged nearly 21% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with rates increasing by roughly 23% annually since 2017. In Los Angeles County, from 2017 to 2022, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported the county averaged almost 2,900 victims killed and injured in bicycle accidents annually, with 2022 seeing 2072 victims.
Locally, Westside neighborhoods like Brentwood and Santa Monica are hotspots. Santa Monica’s coastal paths and Brentwood’s hilly terrain see heavy eBike use. These numbers reflect a broader surge, as eBike adoption grows, so does the need for vigilant legal protection.
Common Causes of eBike Accidents in Brentwood & Greater Los Angeles
eBike accidents in Brentwood and the broader Los Angeles area often stem from a mix of environmental hazards and human error. Narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and unpredictable traffic on routes like Sunset Boulevard or the Pacific Coast Highway amplify risks.
Common culprits include:
- Distracted driving: Motorists texting or failing to yield at intersections.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and construction zones in West LA.
- Speeding and failure to signal: Cars turning without warning, especially in Brentwood’s residential areas.
- Visibility issues: Low light during commutes or riders blending into heavy bike lanes.
These factors not only cause collisions but also lead to severe injuries, from fractures to traumatic brain injuries. Understanding these patterns is key to building a strong case.
Were You Hit by a Car While Riding Your eBike? You Have Rights
If a driver struck you while you were riding your eBike on San Vicente Boulevard, Wilshire, Bundy Drive, or any Westside street, the impact can be life-altering. These collisions often happen in an instant; left-turning vehicles cutting you off, drivers opening doors without looking (“dooring”), or motorists pulling out of driveways in Brentwood’s quiet neighborhoods without yielding.
California law is clear: eBike riders have the same rights to the road as any motorist. You are not required to ride in the gutter or yield when you have the right of way. Drivers must exercise due care, watch for cyclists and eBike riders, and give you at least three feet of clearance when passing on a highway (California Vehicle Code § 21760). When they fail to do so, their negligence, not your choice of transportation, is what caused your injuries.
Evidence is everything in these cases: police reports, witness statements, traffic-camera or dashcam video, and photographs of the scene and your injuries.
The sooner these are preserved, the stronger your claim.
At Biren Law Group, we represent West LA and Brentwood eBike riders who were hit by negligent drivers. We know how insurance companies try to blame the cyclist, downplay injuries, or pressure you into a quick, low settlement. We don’t let that happen. We fight to hold drivers and their insurers fully accountable, and we’ve secured substantial recoveries that help our clients rebuild their lives after devastating collisions.
If a car hit you while you were riding your eBike, you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. Contact Biren Law Group today for a free consultation.
Injured Because Your eBike Failed? You May Have a Product Liability Claim
Not every serious eBike accident is caused by a driver or road hazard. Sometimes the bike itself is dangerously defective; whether it’s a lithium-ion battery that overheats and catches fire, brakes that fail when you need them most, sudden unintended acceleration, or a frame that collapses under normal use. These failures can turn a routine ride through Brentwood, Santa Monica, or any Westside neighborhood into a life-changing injury in an instant.
In California, product liability law is powerful: manufacturers, importers, distributors, and even retailers can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by a defective eBike. You do not need to prove anyone was careless, only that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injuries. This may even apply if you modified the bike, added aftermarket parts, or bought it used.
Common eBike defects we see in Los Angeles cases include:
- Battery fires or thermal runaway events
- Brake systems that lock up or completely fail to engage
- Throttle or motor malfunctions causing sudden acceleration
- Frame, fork, or wheel failures leading to loss of control
- Electrical shorts and wiring issues that ignite while riding or charging
Biren Law Group has extensive experience in product liability law, holding manufacturers and component suppliers accountable. If you suspect your eBike crash was caused by a manufacturing or design defect, preserve the bike exactly as it was after the accident and contact us immediately. We will investigate at no upfront cost to you and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
California’s eBike Laws That Could Impact Your Case
Navigating eBike regulations is essential for your case, as violations can impact liability.
According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC § 312.5), eBikes are separated into three classes:
- Class 1: “A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle … that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.”
- Class 2: “A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.”
- Class 3: “A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle … and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.”
State law also mandates helmets for all riders under 18, bans eBikes on certain bike paths, and requires lights/reflectors for night riding. These rules can potentially shift liability—for instance, if a driver claims you violated traffic laws—or strengthen your claim if the other party did.
Our team stays abreast of updates to build ironclad arguments.
How Much Is Your eBike Injury Case Actually Worth?
Valuing an eBike injury claim isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation; it’s deeply personal, based on your unique circumstances.
Potential damages include:
- Economic losses: Medical expenses (ER visits, surgeries, therapy), lost income, and future care costs.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Punitive damages: Rare, but possible in cases of gross negligence, like reckless driving.
In severe cases, settlements can exceed six figures, especially with lifelong impacts. Unlike some firms that toss out inflated “ballpark” figures to lure clients, setting you up for disappointment, Biren Law Group refuses to speculate until we’ve thoroughly reviewed your case. We review medical records, accident reports, and expert analyses to provide a realistic, data-driven estimate.
This transparency builds trust and maximizes your recovery, avoiding the pitfalls of unrealistic expectations that weaken negotiations. Your case’s true worth emerges from facts, not hype.
What to Do Immediately After an eBike Accident
Time is critical after a crash. Prioritize safety and evidence:
- Seek medical attention: Even minor symptoms can worsen; document everything.
- Call 911: Report the incident for an official record.
- Gather evidence: Photos of the scene, bike damage, injuries, and witness contacts.
- File a police report: Essential for insurance and liability.
- Avoid statements: Don’t admit fault or discuss with insurers without counsel.
- Contact Biren Law Group: We’ll handle the rest, from notifications to negotiations.
Prompt action preserves your claim and prevents complications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After an eBike Accident
The moments and days after an eBike crash are overwhelming, and innocent missteps can seriously damage your ability to recover full compensation. Insurance adjusters are trained to spot and exploit these errors.
Here’s what you should never do:
- Don’t leave the scene without documentation: Failing to call the police or exchange information (even if the driver begs you to “handle it privately”) can leave you with no official record of the crash.
- Don’t downplay your injuries: Telling paramedics, police, or the other driver “I’m fine” or “I think I can walk it off” will be used against you later when your injuries prove far more serious.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company: The at-fault driver’s insurer will call quickly, asking for your “side of the story.” Anything you say, even small inconsistencies, can be twisted to reduce or deny your claim.
- Don’t sign any paperwork or accept a check without legal review: Quick settlement offers almost always include a full release of future claims. Once signed, you waive your right to additional compensation even if you later need surgery or extended therapy.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media: Photos of you riding again, exercising, or even smiling at a family event can be taken out of context and used to argue your injuries aren’t severe.
- Don’t delay medical treatment: Gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition to claim your injuries either aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
- Don’t try to repair or discard your damaged eBike: If a defect contributed to the crash, or if you’ve been in any type of eBike accident, the bike itself is critical evidence. Keep it exactly as it was after the accident.
At Biren Law Group, we guide Brentwood and West LA eBike riders through every step so these costly mistakes never happen. From day one, we handle all communication with the insurance companies, preserve vital evidence, and make sure your rights are fully protected.
Why Brentwood & West LA Residents Choose Us
For over two decades, Biren Law Group has been a trusted ally for Westside injury victims. We’re local, deeply familiar with Brentwood’s winding roads and Santa Monica’s bike paths, and we’ve secured millions in verdicts for our clients. Our attorneys are litigators, not just negotiators, ready to take cases to trial if needed.
We offer personalized service, from free consultations to 24/7 support, because your recovery comes first.
No Recovery, No Fee – You Pay Nothing Upfront
Don’t let financial worries delay justice. With our contingency fee model, you pay nothing unless we win.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. Call Biren Law Group at (310) 774-0078 to start your path to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bicycle Accidents
Can I ride an e-bike without a license?
No license is required for Classes 1 and 2 e-bikes in California, but Class 3 riders over 16 may need a driver's permit in some areas. Always follow local rules to avoid liability issues in your case.
Do I need a helmet for my e-bike in Los Angeles County?
Yes, riders under 18 must wear helmets statewide; adults are strongly advised to for safety. Non-use could reduce compensation under comparative fault, but it doesn't bar your claim.
