If you injure another person while riding an e-bike in Queensland, legal liability could fall on you, and you may be required to pay compensation for the injury or damages caused. If a child is in control of the e-bike, their parents may be held responsible for the damage that has been caused.
In this case, you would be legally responsible for covering the other person’s medical costs, lost income, and any pain or suffering they experience, as well as any damage to their property, if applicable. Depending on the extent of the injury caused to the other person, you could be exposed to claim costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
To protect yourself in such a situation, there are a few types of insurance that can help:
1. Public Liability Insurance:
Public liability insurance covers you for accidents where you cause injury or damage to someone else, typically outside of your property. This insurance can help cover the costs associated with legal claims, medical expenses, and other compensation the injured person might pursue.
Some home insurance policies, especially comprehensive ones, may include third-party public liability coverage, but check the details as this can vary. Many exclude damage caused by “personal transportation vehicles” which usually includes e-bikes, electric scooters or other battery driven or electric devices.
2. E-Bike Insurance:
There are specific e-bike insurance policies that offer third-party liability coverage. This is particularly relevant if you’re using the e-bike in public spaces. This type of insurance can protect you in the event you cause injury to someone else while riding your e-bike.
3. Third-Party Personal Accident Insurance:
If you don’t have public liability insurance or e-bike insurance, you could consider third-party personal accident insurance, which could cover your legal costs and any compensation owed to the injured party.
4. Your Car or Home Insurance (in some cases):
In rare cases, if you’re riding your e-bike on private property, you might be covered by a personal liability clause in your home or car insurance (especially if your e-bike is also insured). However, this coverage typically doesn’t extend to public spaces.
Legal Considerations:
- If you injure another person and they decide to take legal action, you could face a civil lawsuit. Depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the incident, you could be held financially responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
- It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional if you’re unsure of your liability or need guidance on how to handle such a situation.
To avoid potential financial and legal risks, it’s important to consider adding third-party liability coverage (specifically for e-bikes) to your insurance portfolio. It’s also wise to check your existing insurance policies to see what level of liability coverage they provide.
If you or your loved one has been involved in an e-bike accident, contact us now for expert advice.
