Key Takeaways:
- Popularity and Convenience: Electric scooters are widely used in cities for quick, eco-friendly transportation via smartphone apps.
- Risks and Accidents: Urban traffic, inconsistent bike lanes, pedestrian unpredictability, and distracted drivers contribute to a high risk of accidents.
- Common Causes of Accidents: Accidents and injuries are usually caused by not wearing a helmet, inexperience, poor road conditions, and more.
- Legal Rights After a Crash: You may be able to file a claim against negligent drivers, scooter companies, or municipalities.
Electric scooters are a popular, convenient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation in cities across the country. With just a tap on a smartphone app, riders can hop on a motorized scooter and zip through traffic or cruise around town. While they offer undeniable convenience, many fail to recognize the serious risks associated with these modes of transportation.
As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen the rise in electric scooter accidents and the devastating electric scooter injuries that can result. Whether you’re a regular rider or just considering using one, it’s important to understand the risks and take precautions.
Are Electric Scooters Safe?
Urban areas are a common setting for electric scooter crashes, whether through collisions with pedestrians or car accidents. Factors that affect accidents include:
- Heavy vehicle traffic
- Inconsistent bike lane infrastructure
- Unpredictable pedestrian traffic
- Distracted drivers
These factors combined can create a high risk of accidents for new riders or those unfamiliar with local traffic laws.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Not Wearing a Helmet: Many riders don’t wear helmets, which can dramatically increase the risk of head injuries in the event of a fall or collision.
- Inexperience: Riders unfamiliar with these scooters often struggle with balance, speed control, and braking.
- Reckless Riding: Speeding, weaving through traffic, and riding on sidewalks can lead to motorized scooter accidents involving pedestrians or vehicles.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can easily topple a small-wheeled scooter.
- Malfunctions or Defective Scooters: Brake failures or software glitches can lead to sudden loss of control.
- Vehicle Collisions: Cars and trucks may fail to notice scooters, especially at intersections or in blind spots.
Types of Electric Scooter Injuries That Riders Commonly Suffer
When riders are involved in scooter accidents, the resulting injuries can be severe. The most common electric scooter injuries include:
- Broken bones, especially wrists, arms, legs, and collarbones
- Facial lacerations or dental damage
- Road rash and soft tissue trauma
Tragically, some incidents result in electric scooter deaths, often due to high-speed impact or lack of helmet protection.
Electric Scooter Safety: How to Protect Yourself
Riding smart can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in a motorized scooter accident. Follow these safety tips and stay vigilant:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Use bike lanes when possible.
- Avoid riding at night or in poor weather.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as headphones or phone calls.
- Never ride under the influence.
- Inspect scooters before riding.
Even if every rule and safety precaution is followed, accidents can still happen, especially when other drivers are distracted or careless.
Legal Rights After an Electric Scooter Crash
If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident, it’s important to understand your rights. You may be able to file a claim against:
- A negligent driver who hit you
- The scooter company (such as Lime or Bird)
- The city or municipality
Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you determine liability and recover compensation. Whether your accident was caused by a defective scooter or poor road maintenance, an experienced lawyer will ensure your rights are protected, and you are fairly compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The Team at DM Injury Law Has Your Back
While scooters offer convenience, the dangers of electric scooters are real and should not be ignored. Whether it’s a quick ride or a leisurely cruise, treat every ride with caution.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury using an electric scooter, our legal team is here to help. We have experience fighting on behalf of accident victims and can guide you through every step of your recovery. Reach out today for a free consultation and start the journey towards getting your life back on track.
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