UPDATE: Teen dies after e-bike vs work van crash in Encinitas

Publish Date: 2023/06/27

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — A 15-year-old boy has died after being struck by a work van while riding an electric bike last Thursday, June 22, in Encinitas, according to ABC10 News.

The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of South El Camino Real and Santa Fe Avenue. Deputies with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and paramedics with the Encinitas Fire Department were dispatched to the scene just after 6:00 p.m.

A preliminary investigation indicates the teen was operating an electric bike north on South El Camino Real. As he attempted to turn left onto Santa Fe Avenue, he was struck by a driver in a work van.

The teen was rushed to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla with “major injuries” and was later pronounced deceased, confirmed officials.

The van driver remained at the scene and cooperated with an investigation. Intoxication is not a suspected factor in the crash.

According to the sheriff’s department, the tragic crash comes after an observed spike in e-bike crashes in the city’s recent years.

Just a week prior, the Encinitas City Council passed new e-bike  regulations. Following the passage, teens who allow others to ride on handlebars will be ticketed and required to attend a bike education course.

Mayor Kranz said Wednesday’s council meeting will include information regarding the city’s plans to declare a local state of emergency on e-bikes.

Disclaimer: Many of the accidents we report on are preventable. Our hope is that by publishing information about severe accidents, we can equip readers with the information they need to avoid finding themselves involved in such a tragedy. These stories are painful, but real, as they are sourced from news outlets. Outlets sometimes update their published reports. If information on this blog is outdated or incorrect, please let us know so we can update our posting to the most up-to-date information. These posts do not contain legal advice and should not be construed in such a way.

Ross Jurewitz

Ross Jurewitz is the founder and managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a San Diego personal injury attorney law firm. These San Diego injury accident lawyers specialize in helping people seriously injured in a variety of accidents throughout San Diego County and California.

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