Who is liable if my Divvy bike breaks and I’m injured?

May 25, 2023

Liability in Bike-Share Program Injuries

Determining liability in a situation where a bike share program breaks and causes injury can depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction’s laws. Here are some potential parties that could be held liable:

1. Bike share program operator

The operator of the bike share program may have a duty to properly maintain and inspect the bicycles to ensure they are in safe working condition. If the operator fails to fulfill this duty and a bike defect or malfunction leads to an injury, they could be held liable for negligence.

2. Bike manufacturer or distributor

If the bike itself has a defect or was improperly manufactured, the manufacturer or distributor of the bike could potentially be held liable under product liability laws. This typically requires demonstrating that the defect directly caused the injury and that the bike was being used as intended.

3. Maintenance contractor

In some cases, bike share programs may contract with third-party maintenance companies to handle bike repairs and upkeep. If the maintenance contractor was negligent in their duties, such as failing to identify and repair broken bikes, they could be held liable for resulting injuries.

4. Property owner or municipality

If the bike share program is located on property owned or managed by a third party, such as a municipality or private entity, they may have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the premises. If a hazardous condition on the property, such as a poorly maintained docking station, contributes to the bike breaking and causing injury, the property owner or municipality could be held liable for negligence.


About Coffman Law Offices, P.C.

Coffman Law is Chicago’s leading personal injury law firm and is committed to providing superb legal representation for people who are suffering from severe personal injuries or are dealing with the loss of a loved one due to negligence or misconduct. Coffman Law is results-driven law firm focused on ensuring that clients receive the compassion, attention, and consideration that they need to seek adequate compensation for injuries or loss. The firm is led by Owner and Founding Partner Brian Coffman, who has dedicated his career to helping accident victims navigate the legal system and obtain compensation for their injuries.