E-Bike Accident Lawyer Explains What to Do After a Crash

E-bikes are quickly becoming one of California’s most popular forms of transportation. They’re convenient, environmentally friendly, and perfect for commuting or casual rides around town. But as more people turn to electric bicycles, the number of accidents involving them is also on the rise — especially in busy cities like Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Riverside where vehicle traffic can be aggressive and unpredictable.

If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your e-bike, the aftermath can feel chaotic. You might be hurt, confused, or unsure of what steps to take. The decisions you make right after the crash — and in the days that follow — can impact your health, your recovery, and your ability to receive compensation for your injuries.

This guide walks you through the key actions you should take after an e-bike accident to protect yourself both physically and legally.

1. Move to Safety and Call 911

The first thing to do is make sure you’re safe. If you’re in the middle of the road or a dangerous spot, move to the sidewalk or shoulder if you can do so without worsening your injuries. Take a deep breath. Try to stay calm.

Even if you feel like you’re okay or think your injuries aren’t serious, call 911 right away. The police need to come to the scene and file an official report. That report will become an important piece of evidence later if you pursue a personal injury claim.

Paramedics can also evaluate you on the spot. Sometimes, injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage don’t become obvious until hours later. Don’t downplay how you feel — let the medical professionals do a full check.

2. Exchange Information with the Driver

If the driver stops — as they are legally required to do — exchange information. This includes:

• Full name and contact number

• Driver’s license number

• Insurance company name and policy number

• License plate number

• Vehicle make, model, and color

Be respectful, but don’t apologize or admit fault. Even saying something like “I didn’t see you” could be twisted later as an admission of responsibility. Keep it simple and factual.

If the driver flees the scene, try to remember anything you can about the vehicle — the color, make, direction they drove, or a partial plate number. Report this to the police as soon as possible.

3. Take Photos and Videos

Photos and videos from the accident scene can make a major difference in how your case plays out. If you’re physically able to do so, use your phone to document everything:

• Your injuries (even if they seem minor)

• The damage to your e-bike

• The vehicle that hit you

• The location — traffic signs, crosswalks, lights, street names

• Any skid marks, broken glass, or debris

If there are witnesses around, politely ask if they saw what happened and if they’re willing to share their name and contact information. Their statements could help support your version of events.

4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Don’t wait to “see how you feel” in the coming days. Delaying medical treatment could not only make injuries worse, but it could also make your case harder to prove. Insurance companies will often argue that a delay in treatment means the injuries weren’t serious — or that they weren’t caused by the accident at all.

Go to an urgent care center, your primary doctor, or an emergency room. Make sure to explain that you were involved in a collision while riding your e-bike, and describe all your symptoms, even if they seem minor at the time. Keep copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and receipts.

5. Preserve The Evidence From Your eBike Accident

After an e-bike crash, your bike itself becomes evidence. Don’t rush to repair it or throw away broken parts. Store your e-bike, helmet, and even the clothing you were wearing in a safe place. These items can help show the severity of the collision.

You should also start a written or digital journal to document your recovery. Note how you’re feeling each day, any pain or discomfort, changes in your ability to work, and how the injuries are impacting your day-to-day life. This can all help paint a full picture of your physical and emotional recovery.

6. Be Careful When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Once the accident is reported, you’ll likely be contacted by the driver’s insurance company — sometimes within hours. They might seem friendly or concerned, but remember: their goal is to settle the case as quickly and cheaply as possible. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement that seems tempting.

Do not speak to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement without legal representation. Saying the wrong thing, even unintentionally, could seriously hurt your chances of fair compensation.

7. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Experienced in E-Bike Accidents

E-bike accidents fall into a unique category of personal injury law. They're not exactly the same as car accidents, pedestrian injuries, or bicycle crashes - they sit somewhere in between. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney who understands how California law treats e-bikes, and who knows how to deal with the insurance companies, city traffic laws, and medical billing complications that can arise.

At Montanez Yu , we help victims of e-bike accidents navigate the legal system and recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (including future treatments and rehab)

• Lost income or missed work

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage (like your e-bike)

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. An early consultation can help ensure that evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and you don’t miss out on the compensation you’re entitled to.

Final Thoughts

Getting hit while riding your e-bike can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you’ve suffered broken bones, head trauma, or just the emotional stress of the incident, you deserve to be treated with care and respect — and you deserve to be compensated if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.

By acting quickly, documenting everything, getting proper medical care, and speaking to a qualified attorney, you can take control of your situation and start moving toward recovery.

If you’ve been injured while riding an e-bike in California, we’re here to help. Contact us today.