FAQ

It depends on what caused the crash. If a negligent driver hit you, the same rules apply as in a car-versus-bicycle case. If your e-bike's battery, brakes, motor, or throttle malfunctioned, the manufacturer or seller may be liable under product liability law. If a dangerous road or trail contributed, a government entity could share responsibility. Many e-bike cases involve more than one liable... read more?

E-bikes are generally allowed wherever bicycles can go, including roads, bike lanes, and many shared-use paths — Florida is unusually permissive, even allowing Class 3 e-bikes on many trails in some instances and subject to local restrictions. Existing law requires riders to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. A proposed 2026 law (SB 382) that would have capped... read more?

For most e-bike accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023, Florida's statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash. Product liability claims and claims involving government entities may have different deadlines and special requirements. Because evidence — especially the e-bike itself and its data — can disappear quickly, you should contact an attorney as soon as... read more?

No. Under Florida Statute § 316.20655, a qualifying electric bicycle (functional pedals, a seat, and a motor under 750 watts) is treated as a bicycle, not a motor vehicle. That means you do not need a driver's license, vehicle registration, or insurance to ride one legally. However, if you are injured by a car while riding, your own auto insurance or the at-fault driver's insurance may still... read more?

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance the costs of investigating your claim, including the expert analysis often needed in product liability cases. The initial consultation is always free. ... read more?

Florida only requires helmets for riders under 16, so if you are 16 or older, not wearing one is not a violation of law. However, an insurance company may still try to argue that your lack of a helmet contributed to your injuries in order to reduce what they pay. Under Florida's comparative negligence rule, this can affect your recovery, but it does not bar your claim. An experienced attorney... read more?

Nominal damages are awarded when the plaintiff is legally in the right, but has not suffered substantial losses. Because the plaintiff has no established need for compensation, the amounts awarded in these cases are usually very small. They may only cover the plaintiff’s legal costs, or they may be as little as one dollar. What are Nominal Damages? In a typical personal injury claim, the... read more?

If you successfully file a personal injury claim against a negligent party, you may be able to receive repayment for specific amounts of money that you have lost due to medical bills, property repairs, and so on. These are known as “special damages.” Another kind of compensation, known as “general damages” deals with less tangible losses. Two of the most common examples are “pain and... read more?

After an accident, you may be wondering how you will move on with your life. Focusing on your own healing, paying medical bills, and taking time away from work can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Hiring a personal injury attorney may help you get back on your feet. With so many lawyers out there, choosing one can be overwhelming. When you call for an initial consultation,... read more?

A no-fault state is one that has decided, through the laws of that state, that each owner and operator of a vehicle will be required to carry coverage on their automobile insurance to be used to cover medical expenses should an accident occur, regardless of who is at fault for that accident. This coverage, called Personal Injury Protection, PIP, or No-Fault, are all the same thing, and becomes... read more?

Every personal injury claim is different. A number of factors will influence the amount of your settlement, including injuries you sustained, damage caused to your property, and the amount of work time you missed. The goal is to obtain a fair settlement for you. The Ruth Legal Team will never accept a settlement without your approval. We are here to work on your behalf. We will fight for a... read more?

We often get the question, “How much will a personal injury attorney cost me?” In essence, that answer depends on how much we recover on your behalf, however, we charge nothing upfront. While some attorneys charge an hourly fee for their services, others (like us) work on a contingency-fee basis. That means our fees are contingent upon the amount of money awarded in an individual case. We... read more?