Electric Scooters Accidents and the Dangers That Follow

There is no question that electric scooters are rising in popularity. In fact, in 2019, it was estimated that there were 136 million electric scooter rides taken. While these scooters were once a form of leisure, they now are gaining popularity for daily transportation.

However, while this is great for riders and the environment, it has also opened up the risks of accidents for those riding them. Electric scooters may be driven on sidewalks in some places, whereas others must share the road similar to a bicycle. This means that the likelihood of injury is even more vast.

If you or a loved one were hurt while riding an electric scooter because of someone else’s negligence, the personal injury lawyers of Regan Zambri Long are here to help.

What Are Electric Scooters and What Are They Used for?

Electric scooters or “e-scooters” are an evolving method of transportation in the Washington DC area. Anyone that has traveled around the city has noticed these scooters zooming past them or lying on the sidewalks.

Rental motorized scooter companies have provided a unique way to save time during your daily commute or enjoy the city on a sightseeing trip. Over the past several years, many companies have emerged as leaders in this industry. Notably, Bird, Lime, Spin, Skip, and Jump by Uber all provide rental scooters in the Washington, D.C. area. The increase in popularity and quantity of scooters has also caused an increase in the number of related injuries.  Scooters are considered personal mobility devices and regulated under DC code § 50–2201.04a .

How Are Electric Scooters Dangerous?

Scooters are a great way to get around the city in a timely and environmentally friendly way. However, they pose several injury risks. If you use an electric scooter, you need to be aware of the injury risks associated with riding a scooter.

In general, some of the most common e-scooter injuries are:

• Head injuries
• Lacerations
• Fractures to the skull, face, and cervical spine
• Road rash
• Fractures to the shin and ankle
• Jaw fractures

As reported by forbes.com, researchers from the University of California – San Francisco published a report in the JAMA Surgery about the rise in electric scooter accidents. They found that there is an alarmingly high proportion of people with head injuries. The team also found that you are much more likely to suffer a head injury when riding a scooter than a on bicycle. Helmets are strongly encouraged for riders.

Electric scooter accidents can be caused by many different reasons. New riders are at risk of injury because of the difficulty of riding these scooters. The wheels are small, and the wheelbase is short, making for an unstable ride.

Even experienced riders are at risk. Sidewalks and roads pose many threats. Sidewalks are littered with trash bins, poles, bumps, and pedestrians. Road risks include swerving cars, trucks, and pedestrian crossings. Remember to always be alert while riding and follow the safety tips below.

If you are going to ride in the city, here are some things you should know:

Safety Tips for Riders

While you cannot control the actions of others, you can take measures to protect yourself from serious injuries should you be involved in an accident while on your electric scooter. Safety tips for electric scooter riders that can save your life include:

• Always wear a helmet.
• First-time riders should practice in an open and safe area.
• Do not use cell phones while riding.
• Do not ride at night.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for obstacles in your path such as trash cans, poles, curbs, and uneven pavement.
• Follow the rules of the road.

Rules of the Road

Just like cyclists need to share the road with motor vehicle drivers, so too do electric scooter drivers. To stay safe on roadways, electric scooter riders need to:

• Maintain safe speeds.
• Ride in the direction of traffic.
• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Leave crosswalks free and clear for pedestrians.
• Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
• Stay in bike lanes when available.
• Do not ride on sidewalk inside the Central Business District.

If you follow all the legally required safety precautions set by your state and city, and those that have proven beneficial to riders and still get hurt, know you do have options to recover losses

When you finish your ride

Please be considerate of where you leave your scooter. You do not want others to trip over a scooter. Several incidents of people tripping over scooters and breaking bones have been reported. Californiacitynews.org reported that an 88-year-old woman filed a lawsuit against Lyft after she tripped over an electric scooter and fractured her hip and elbow.

After your ride remember to:

• Use the kickstand.
• Do not leave the scooter lying on the ground.
• Never leave the scooter in the middle of a bike pathway or sidewalk.

What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Scooter Accident?

Being injured on an electric scooter can be a scary experience, especially if it was you against a passenger vehicle. However, if you are injured while riding a scooter, there are steps you can take to preserve your safety and your claim.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you are unsure of the severity of your injuries, you need to get medical attention right away. You or someone at the scene should call 911. When medical personnel arrive, allow them to do an exam on you. If they suggest you go to the hospital, you should.

Getting medical treatment right away following your electric scooter accident will be an integral part of your personal injury claim. Failing to get medical attention and then later developing injuries can hurt your case, as the insurance companies or other parties may say those injuries were not a result of the accident.

Call the Police

Just like any accident, it is important that you call the police and file a police report. This allows you to have formal documentation of the collision which can later be used to establish fault. Remember, you do not have to give an official statement to the police, just report the facts as you know them.

Know that anything you say can and will be used against you, even if you were not at fault. Because of this, do not make assumptions about what occurred.

Gather Information

To make a personal injury claim in the future, you need to have all the evidence and information at the ready. You should have documentation of the following:

• Pictures of the scene and what potentially caused the accident
• Contact details of witnesses
• Video surveillance from local businesses, homes, or traffic cameras
• If hit by a car, get the vehicle make and model, license plate number, the driver’s driver license number, and insurance information

Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

While you are never required to get a lawyer, it can be beneficial to get the legal advice of a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you:

• Gather all documents and evidence needed to file a claim
• Handle communications with the insurance company or other liable parties
• Handle negotiations
• Represent you in court

What Compensation Can Be Recovered for My Electric Scooter Accident?

If you were injured while riding an electric scooter because of the negligence of another, you need to be able to collect the compensation needed to move forward from the accident to recover. Because e-scooters are open, you are much more likely to suffer serious injuries if you are involved in a collision with a car.

Recoverable compensation in electric scooter accidents include economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Loss of income and further income earning potential

Non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Psychological injury

To recover damages, you need to have documentation that proves the extent of your injuries, the expenses you incurred, and the long-term implications of the accident.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long as Your Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer

Finding the right personal injury lawyer after your electric scooter accident can be complicated. But not every law firm has the experience to handle the delicate nature of e-scooter accidents.

At Regan Zambri Long, our personal injury attorneys can help you:

• Determine liability. Liability in an electric scooter accident can fall on a variety of parties. From the e-scooter company if there were scooter malfunctions, to other road users if you were hit by another scooter rider, cyclists, or driver, or even property owners who have not maintained their property in a reasonable manner.
• File the claim with the insurance companies or file a lawsuit. Not all personal injury claims have to go to court, but knowing what the best legal path to take can be difficult to determine on your own. A personal injury attorney from Regan Zambri Long can determine the value of your claim and negotiate what is the best path forward.
• Get you maximum damages. Unfortunately, when you take on the insurance companies or the liable party alone, you may be bullied into a lower settlement. But if you suffered serious injuries, you shouldn’t settle for less than what you are owed.

At Regan Zambri Long PLLC, we have more than 100 years of combined experience in providing legal aid to our fellow community members. If you or someone you know has been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact our personal injury team immediately for a no-obligation, free case evaluation.

We work on a contingency basis which means that you pay nothing until a settlement or verdict is reached. Don’t delay. Contact Regan Zambri Long today.