Why do you need a scooter accidents lawyer?
E-scooters are now a familiar presence in numerous major cities across the U.S. This is primarily because they offer a convenient way to travel, particularly in busy urban areas. Although these e-scooters are widely accepted, they can also pose safety risks. As the use of these vehicles grows in U.S., so have accident rates. If you’ve been in an e-scooter accident, it’s recommended you seek advice from a E-Scooter Accident Lawyer promptly.
Law4help serves those who have been hurt in e-scooter accidents. Our clients frequently include pedestrians hurt by e-scooter users, or people who have rented the scooters themselves. Our team of personal injury lawyers draws on their considerable litigation experience to help our clients get the compensation they are entitled to.
About E-Scooter
An e-scooter is an electric scooter, available for purchase or rental. These scooters are for riding on city streets, with a top speed of 15 mph. Multiple businesses in the U.S. provide these e-scooters to users in most of the main cities. The scooters come with wireless connection and GPS tracking. This lets riders hire one using a credit card and a smartphone. Rental prices can vary, but usually are about $1 per minute, with a typical range of up to 35 miles.
E-scooters are restricted to bike lanes, or roadways with a speed limit of 30 mph or lower. Riding is forbidden on beach paths, private land, and sidewalks.
Why e-scooters are dangerous
Electric scooters offer several potential advantages, like easing traffic and reducing car dependence. They also help cut greenhouse gas emissions, and shared programs give convenient access to dependable transport. However, many cities have started reconsidering their regulations regarding electric scooters, primarily because of the dangers they pose.
Here are some frequent hazards e-scooter users encounter:
- No Statewide Helmet Requirement
It’s not surprising that the leading cause of emergency room visits for e-scooter riders is failing to wear head protection. Even if local laws required riders to wear helmets, it might not greatly reduce injuries. E-scooters are very popular because they’re easy and convenient to use. It’s doubtful many people would start carrying helmets for this purpose. - Lack of Licensing and Training
Unlike cars or motorcycles, you don’t need training or tests to operate an e-scooter. This means riders might not know how to handle an e-scooter or understand traffic laws. - Durability
Many electric scooters, especially those used by rental companies, are often low-quality and inexpensive. This leads to frequent breakdowns, and riders often don’t notice these damages. These damages are often not visible. - Speed
Excessive speed is a main factor in e-scooter accidents. In Miami, Florida, the law limits e-scooters to 15 mph. These devices tend to be top-heavy, making them more likely to tip over at higher speeds. - Weight Limits
E-scooters might have weight restrictions depending on the model. Rental models commonly have a maximum weight limit of 220 pounds. Exceeding this limit may impact scooter performance, also increasing accident risks. - Riding Location
Numerous U.S. cities have banned electric scooters from sidewalks because they are unsafe for pedestrians and riders. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a 2020 study showing 60% of e-scooter accidents occurred on sidewalks. - Brake Issues
Brake-related issues are reported frequently. For example, in 2019, Lime addressed a “software issue” that led to “excessive sudden braking.” While they updated the software, problems remain. In 2022, two New Zealand cities temporarily banned Lime e-scooters because of safety concerns, including “irregular braking incidents” and front wheel locking.
Understanding these risks may help you reduce your chance of injury. However, if you’ve been in an accident, Law4help can help you file a claim for your injuries.
Main causes of E-Scooters injuries
Scooter accidents may occur because of mechanical failures like sudden acceleration, malfunctioning brakes, or a motor unexpectedly stopping. Additional contributing factors may be:
- Unlawful sidewalk riding causing pedestrian collisions
- A rider’s lack of attention
- Riders with limited experience
- Maneuvering erratically through traffic
- Substandard road surfaces
- Disregarding local traffic regulations
Common types of E-Scooters injuries
Electric scooters share roadways with bikes, buses, trucks, and cars. Like motorcycle riders, the scooterist’s helmet provides the sole safety as they travel at about 15 mph. Some frequently reported injuries are:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Head trauma
- Fractures
- TBI (traumatic brain injury)
- Whiplash
- Eye damage
If you or someone close to you has suffered these injuries in an e-scooter accident, and it was due to another party’s carelessness, e-scooter accident lawyers will pursue the financial recovery you’re entitled to.
Responsible parties
Multiple parties could be responsible for damages and injuries from an e-scooter accident:
- E-scooter ridersIf you, as a pedestrian, were hit by an electric scooter, the rider could be responsible for your injuries if they were negligent. This could involve:– Lack of focus– Inability to stop quickly enough
– Going too fast
- Other vehicle drivers
If a vehicle, including a car, strikes you while you’re riding an electric scooter, the driver could be responsible if it’s shown they were exceeding the speed limit, inattentive, or behaving recklessly, like driving impaired by substances. - E-scooter sharing company
If the electric scooter failed while in use and caused your accident, the company that made it could be legally responsible. - Pedestrians
If a pedestrian’s carelessness led to an electric scooter accident, they could be found responsible too. In this instance, you could potentially file your claim with their homeowner’s insurance. - Construction or other business company, city government
A city can be legally liable for an accident caused by impaired sidewalks or potholes. If a construction company or business owns a property where an accident occurs because of obstacles or trash, the construction company or business could be held accountable for any injuries.
What about terms & agreements
Upon downloading a shared electric scooter app, you’ll likely need to accept its terms and conditions regarding the scooter’s use and the app itself. A common error is accepting these terms without reviewing them. The conditions may indicate the rental provider isn’t responsible for injuries sustained by you or others during your operation of the scooter.
Your lawyer at Law4help can examine this signed agreement, alongside the details of your injuries, to assess if the agreement bars you from pursuing a claim against the electric scooter company.
Insurance coverage for e-scooter accidents
You may be able to make a claim under several insurance policies following an e-scooter accident:
- Health insurance
- Car insurance, if a driver caused the accident
- Renters’ or homeowners’ insurance
- Personal liability umbrella coverage
- Scooter insurance
What to do after an accident
Despite safety and traffic regulations aimed at road user security, accidents are bound to happen. Here’s what you should do after an accident:
- If needed, move your e-scooter and yourself out of immediate danger.
- Examine yourself for injuries, and, if you can, check others involved. If you experience pain in your back, neck, or head, try to stay still and have someone call 911 immediately.
- Even without instant pain, get a doctor’s checkup promptly. A doctor can determine if there are internal injuries.
- If injuries are minor, ensure you’ve called the police to give your statement. Stick to factual details of the accident, avoid offering opinions on what occurred. Insurance providers may deny or minimize your claim if your information is inconsistent or false.
- Whenever possible, use your phone to photograph your injuries, the accident scene, and damage to your e-scooter or other property. Photos can aid your case, potentially increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
- Record important details related to the accident scene. Collect contact information of all drivers, including their address, phone number, driver’s license details, and full names. Also, note their vehicle identification, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
- Contact a e-scooter accident attorney as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on your legal next steps. There’s a deadline for filing a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline usually means you won’t be able to seek compensation for your losses.
