Imagine this: it’s a beautiful day and you’re out enjoying a ride on your electric scooter. Suddenly, out of nowhere, you’re hit by a car. You’re injured and left wondering what to do next.
That’s where a California scooter accident lawyer can help. A skilled attorney will fight for you to get the maximum compensation possible for injuries and losses, as well as obtain the best possible treatment so you can return to health in no time.
In this article, we’ll discuss recoverable damages in electric scooter accidents, the types of injuries involved, and the benefits of having an attorney who’s experienced in handling different types of scooter accidents.
What Is an E-Scooter?
An electric scooter, also known as an e-scooter, is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by electricity. Motorized scooters are becoming increasingly popular in cities across the country as an alternative mode of transportation.
Over the past few years, there has been a sharp rise in incidents involving electric scooters like those offered by Bird Rides, LimeBike, and Spin. These companies have introduced new transportation options to cities throughout the state, but with this new mode of transport has come an increase in scooter-related injuries and accidents.
In Bakersfield, for example, the local government signed a deal with Spin scooters to have 125 scooters and 125 electric bikes available for use around the city, installing several charging stations across the area to cater to people who would rather bike than drive.
According to JAMA Surgery, between 2014 and 2018, there was a whopping 222% rise in e-scooter-related injuries, with nearly 40,000 broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and bruises being treated in emergency rooms all over the country. And these injuries seem to be increasing at an alarming rate, with a particularly steep spike seen in 2018 — an 83% increase from just the previous year.
What Damages Are Recoverable in an E-scooter Accident?
There are many types of damages that may be recoverable by scooter accident injury victims, including:
- Medical bills: You may be able to recover the cost of past and future medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages: If you miss time from work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover financial compensation for loss of income and related future claims.
- Pain and suffering: This is a type of non-economic damage that may be available in cases of severe injury. Examples include physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: If your scooter or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful death: If the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, certain family members may be able to recover damages such as loss of financial support and loss of companionship.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or negligent behavior.
Recoverable compensation may be in the form of a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company or through filing a personal injury lawsuit. A California scooter accident lawyer will know how to get injury victims the maximum compensation possible for their injuries and losses.
Common Types of Injuries in a Scooter Accident
Due to their small size and lack of protection, scooter riders are at a higher risk of serious injuries in an accident. Some of the most common types of injuries from scooter accidents include:
- Head injuries: traumatic brain injuries, concussions, skull fractures
- Neck and back injuries: whiplash, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones: ribs, arm, leg, pelvis
- Internal organ damage: punctured lungs, lacerated liver, kidney injuries
- Soft tissue injuries: sprains, strains, contusions
These can range from mild to severe, and some may even be life-threatening. Having a skilled electric scooter accident lawyer on your side will ensure you get the best possible medical care and treatment.
There are many factors that can contribute to accidents involving scooters, such as distracted drivers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and running red lights. In addition, failure to yield the right-of-way, crossing against the light, or outside of designated crosswalks, and riding a scooter in an unsafe manner can all lead to crashes and injuries.
However, there are also some unique causes of accidents involving scooters that may not be as commonly discussed. For example, riders may be unfamiliar with their bikes and accidentally veer into oncoming traffic or inadvertently become too close to other vehicles on the road. Different kinds of scooters might need to be handled differently as well, so inexperienced bike riders can be more prone to getting hurt.
Additionally, other drivers may not be aware of scooters’ smaller size compared to traditional motor vehicles, which can lead them to make dangerous passes, neglect the presence of bike lanes, or otherwise become involved in crashes or pedestrian accidents.
Who is Legally Responsible for An Accident Involving a Scooter?
There are many possible parties who may be held legally responsible for an accident involving a scooter. It will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. The party responsible can include:
- The scooter manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the machine itself or its design, scooter companies may be held liable.
- Electric scooter riders: If the rider was careless or reckless in operating the scooter, they may be held liable for any accidents or injuries that result.
- The municipality: If the accident was caused by poor road status, a lack of signage, or other dangerous conditions, the municipality responsible for maintaining the roadways may be held liable.
- The at-fault driver: If the scooter crash was caused by another car or other vehicle, the negligent driver may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result.
When it comes to scooter accidents, there are personal injury laws that help to establish clear guidelines for determining liability and filing insurance claims. This is because the rules related to fault are largely the same for drivers and scooter riders alike. A driver can be made accountable for the crash if he or she was driving under the influence or distracted when the accident happened.
Other the other hand, a scooter rider may be deemed partially liable if he or she breached traffic laws by ignoring traffic signals or road signs, crossing outside of a crosswalk, or any other violation. In short, fault can be assigned to both the scooter rider and the driver if they contributed to the accident through negligence.
So whether you’re on two wheels or four, it’s crucial to stay alert and obey all applicable traffic laws if you want to avoid liability in the event of a scooter mishap. It’s best to be proactive and defensive when on the road.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Scooter Accident Attorney?
The benefits of having a personal injury attorney on your side after a scooter accident are numerous. Personal injury lawyers will:
- investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and gather evidence to support your claim.
- negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the maximum compensation possible.
- fight for you in court if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.
- take care of all the legal details so that you can focus on your recovery.
An experienced attorney can help get you fair compensation for your personal injury claims by:
- Gathering and preserving evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining expert testimony
- Filing the necessary paperwork in a timely manner
- Analyzing medical records and accident reports
- Calculating the value of your damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
Expert California Scooter Accident Lawyer
Don’t try to deal with the aftermath of an e-scooter accident on your own. Contact Ayuda California today for caring and skilled legal assistance for victims of bike accidents. We will fight for your legal rights to obtain the highest monetary compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a scooter accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your legal claim and options. Don’t worry about your medical expenses; our California scooter accident attorney can negotiate those on your behalf so you can focus on just getting better.
Ayuda California has a solid track record of successful settlement negotiations on behalf of accident victims. Our electric scooter accident attorneys know the ins and outs of the insurance claims process, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We work on a contingency basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win compensation for you. Time is of the essence. Call the Ayuda California team now.
