After a string of high-profile e-bike accidents in New York City, the NYC City Council has proposed 17 bills to add or amend local laws governing e-bike use and e-bike delivery services. With this proposed safety crackdown, city leaders seek to get dangerous e-bikes off of NYC streets and increase accountability for third-party companies that use e-bikes to complete deliveries. However, what effect might the proposed changes to NYC’s municipal code have for injured victims of collisions with delivery e-bikes?
What’s in the 17 Bills?
The proposed bills would significantly change local e-bike regulations. The bills would ban the sale and rental of certain types of class-3 e-bikes, including models with some of the highest maximum speeds. To enforce the ban, the bills would also impose fines and other financial penalties on manufacturers and online retailers that ship prohibited e-bikes to addresses in New York City. The bills would also establish a trade-in program to encourage residents with banned e-bikes to swap them for safer models.
The bills would also crack down on e-bike use for mobile app-based delivery services. Third-party delivery services would have to obtain commercial business licenses, carry additional insurance coverage, verify registration for delivery workers using e-bikes, mandate safety gear for workers, and share trip routing data.
The bills also propose prohibitions and stiffer penalties for using unregistered mopeds. The proposals also include increased penalties for e-bike riders who flee from crash scenes.
How the Proposed Laws Could Matter for E-Bike Accident Claims
If these proposals take effect, they could change the law governing delivery e-bike accident claims. Laws and regulations have struggled to catch up with the growth of delivery app services. These companies typically rely on independent contractors to ferry deliveries between stores and customers. This relationship has made it difficult for victims of accidents caused by delivery workers to hold app companies accountable. Individual workers often have limited or no insurance coverage and lack the financial resources to compensate injured accident victims.
However, NYC’s proposals may require greater accountability for delivery app companies. Companies would have to obtain licenses, carry additional insurance, and maintain licensing and safety standards for their delivery riders. If a delivery app company were to fail to fulfill these obligations and a delivery rider causes an accident on their e-bike, the company could potentially face liability under negligence or negligence per se claims.
Steps to Take If a Delivery Rider Hits You
If a delivery rider on an e-bike hits you, taking prompt action can protect your legal options. Steps you should take after a collision include:
- Document any visible branding on the delivery rider’s bike that indicates which platform they work for.
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report.
- Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries and follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
- Keep copies of bills or invoices for treatment expenses
- Gather your income statements if you miss time from work due to your injuries
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your potential compensation claims.
Contact Our Firm Today to Discuss Your Legal Options
After you suffer injuries in an accident with a negligent delivery e-bike rider, you need experienced legal counsel to help you navigate claims against delivery companies and other liable parties. Contact McCann Legal, PC today for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights to seek compensation for harm and loss that you have suffered due to an accident caused by a delivery e-bike in New York City.