Fullerton, CA (July 14, 2026) – Late Monday night, July 13, an e-bike collided with the side of an SUV in Fullerton, on Orangethorpe Avenue and Basque Avenue. Fullerton Police Department officers said it happened around 9:10 p.m., and three people were hospitalized after.

Authorities said that those hospitalized included the e-bicyclist and two passengers in the SUV, whose injuries varied in severity.

The SUV’s driver stayed at the scene following the wreck. Officers held the area until an accident investigation team could arrive to look into what caused it.

The investigation into this wreck remains active.

We hope all three people involved make a full recovery.

How California E-Bike Laws Come Into Play After a Crash in Fullerton, CA

California classifies e-bikes into three separate classes based on speed and pedal-assist features, and the class involved can affect how liability is assessed in a crash. Class 1 offers pedal assist only up to 20 mph with no throttle, Class 2 includes a throttle but is also capped at 20 mph, and Class 3 allows pedal assist up to 28 mph but is restricted from certain bike paths and typically requires the rider to be at least 16. 

Side-impact crashes that involve an e-bike often result in fractures, road rash, and head injuries, particularly if a rider isn’t wearing a helmet at the time of impact. Passengers inside a vehicle struck by an e-bike can also suffer whiplash or bruising from the sudden jolt, even at relatively low speeds.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation can still be available even if the e-bike rider is found partially at fault, though the amount recovered would be reduced by that percentage. 

Because the fault here still isn’t clear, gathering the police report, any traffic camera footage from the intersection, and witness accounts becomes especially important, and a personal injury lawyer can help request that evidence before it’s lost or overwritten.

At Saleh Law Group, we can help review what evidence exists and explain how fault might be divided in your case. We can explain to you how California’s law works and what steps you can take to protect your rights. 

If you or someone you know was hurt in a collision in California, call Saleh Law Group at (949) 431-6371 to speak with our team directly.