Santa Cruz offers a lot to see and a lot of ways to see it. If you are wanting the tourist treatment or just needing to get across the city, those red Jump bikes you see along the streets may be a handy option.
They have electric motors to assist with pedaling, but since they are still bikes, they won’t always mix well with vehicle traffic. Even the bright color may not be enough to get noticed by the distracted drivers on the road each day. A careless driver making a turn may not bother to look to see a rider in the next lane. These failures can land a bicyclist in an accident and soon dealing with a serious injury.
Help for Jump Bike Accident Victims In Santa Cruz
We are Bay Area Bicycle Law and we represent cyclists across Northern California who have been hurt by careless drivers. We support injured cyclists and want to make sure their needs are met after a tragic accident. You should receive the best medical care to get you back on your bike as soon as possible. You should not have to cover the costs of hospital bills and rehabilitation yourself. Allow our attorneys to fight for the compensation you are entitled to in the aftermath of an accident someone else caused.
Jump Bike Accident Dangers in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz was one of the first cities to see electric Jump bikes on the streets in America and residents and visitors have been renting them ever since. These electric-assisted pedal bikes can provide a way to zip around downtown or over to the boardwalk with minimal effort.
To rent and ride a Jump bike riders must be at least 18-years-old and stand at least 5 feet tall. Jump leaves helmet rules up to city and state governments and in California, if you’re 18-years-old or older you don’t have to wear a helmet.
Because of Santa Cruz’s popularity, bicycle accident rates are quite high for such a small place. When taking population into account, Santa Cruz County ranks second on a list of the counties with the highest rate of bicycle accident injuries.
It’s amazing how such a vacation spot can have such a surprising amount of vehicle traffic every day. It’s great for the economy, but for pedestrians and cyclists looking for safe passage, travel can be risky.
Does Jump Provide Insurance Coverage for Injuries
If you rent a Jump bike you may notice the user agreement you’re required to acknowledge. This document includes a waiver letting Jump off the hook if you’re in an accident. In a crash involving only you, your own health insurance may be the only protection you have against hospital bills. Auto Insurance generally only covers policyholders when they are driving something with four wheels.
The exception would be if a malfunction on a Jump bike caused your accident. Jump may be forced to compensate you for the physical and financial damages you suffered if you can prove their bike caused you to crash. A battery may overheat or a piece of metal may break off. It’s not that uncommon. In 2020, Uber, who owns Lime and Jump bikes recalled hundreds of bikes after reports of brake problems by several riders. An attorney handling your case can help investigate any problems with the bike you experienced while riding.
Compensation from a Careless Driver in a Jump Bike Accident
If your accident is caused by a driver’s negligence then his or her insurance will be the target of your claim for damages. This civil lawsuit can be filed up to two years after your accident according to California’s statute of limitations. It’s best to file as soon as possible to make sure evidence, witnesses, and documents are still retrievable when you move your case forward.
The goal will be to either win compensation in a settlement with the insurance company or if necessary, a positive outcome in civil court. You won’t have to accept a settlement unless you talk it over with your attorney and feel it is a fair offer.
After a successful case, victims can expect help with many of the hardships they’ve endured since the accident.
Some of the recoverable damages that are common to a bicycle accident are:
- Medical Bills (Past and Future)
- Surgeries
- Skin Grafts
- Medical Equipment
- Rehabilitation (Past and Future)
- Damage to Bicycle or Replacement
- Travel Costs
- Missed Time from Work
- Future Loss of Income
- Permanent Disability
- Permanent Disfigurement
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish/PTSD
Contact a Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bay Area Bicycle Law is the only personal injury law firm in Northern California to specialize exclusively in representing injured cyclists. If a careless driver struck you while you on a Jump e-bike or if you feel a Jump e-bike malfunction may have led to your crash, please talk over your case with our attorneys. You should not face the consequences of this accident alone. We will fight to get the compensation you’ll need to make a full recovery and get back to riding again.
We work to support bicyclists who have been injured as a result of the carelessness and negligence of others. We’re dedicated and effective bicycle accident lawyers. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in or around Santa Cruz or anywhere else in Northern California, contact us right away for a confidential, free consultation and case review.