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A DC E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Get You Justice

If you were involved in an e-scooter accident in Washington, DC, you have the right to compensation. The Washington, DC scooter accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long understand the trauma accident victims are going through, both physically and emotionally. They offer free consultations to prospective clients and will take the burden of the claims process off your shoulders so you can focus on the most important thing: a full recovery.

What Are Electric Scooters?

The electric scooter boom has come to Washington, DC and it’s here to stay. Electric scooters are motorized versions of kick scooters. DC residents can rent them by the minute. The e-scooters are “dockless” and can be “docked” anywhere as soon as the rider is done – at a stop sign or even in the middle of the sidewalk.

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Nearly 1 in 6 District residents use an e-scooter to commute to and from work, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. They are a great way to enjoy the DC scenery, while avoiding its awful rush hour traffic. However, electric scooters, while fun and convenient, can also be quite dangerous to riders and pedestrians sharing the walkways. WTOP reports that around 30 percent of scooter riders who are involved in an accident on the scooters suffer fractures or broken bones, while another 30 to 40 percent suffer traumatic head injuries.

Will Insurance Cover a Scooter Accident in DC?

DC e-scooter riders should be aware that while the scooter rental companies carry liability insurance, the digital rental agreement that riders have to sign before taking a scooter usually relieves the company of liability. Certain bigger scooter companies in DC, such as Bird and Lime, offer some form of protection to the rider if the scooter is found to be faulty. Be sure to speak to your Regan Zambri Long scooter attorney regarding the accountability of the rental company and if you have a legitimate claim against them. Other forms of insurance scooter riders can use when they are involved in an accident are:

Personal health insurance: Your personal health insurance would help cover your medical costs related to the scooter accident. However, your insurance would not cover the medical expenses of anyone else involved in the accident.

Auto insurance: Your own auto insurance will not cover scooter accidents, as e-scooters are not considered a vehicle. However, if you were the victim of a scooter accident involving a motor vehicle, you may make a claim against the driver’s auto insurance.

Homeowners or renters insurance: While most policies will exclude scooters, there are exceptions to motorized vehicles if they are being used to help maintain your property or assist you with a disability.

Personal Liability Umbrella policies (PLUP): This type of protection could cover other people’s property damage or medical costs if the accident was your fault. This coverage would not, however, cover your own personal medical costs.

What Damages Can I Collect from My Scooter Accident?

The recent DC contributory negligence law makes it easier for scooter riders, cyclists, and pedestrians to sue for damages following an accident. Generally, Washington, DC’s contributory negligence laws state that if the plaintiff (the person making the claim) is at all responsible for the accident, then that person cannot recover damages. However, the new law titled The Vulnerable Collision Recovery Amendment Act of 2019 states that “vulnerable users” (an individual using a bike, scooter, motorcycle, skateboard, or other similar mode of transportation) only has to prove that they are less than 50% at fault for the accident in order to collect compensation. This makes it easier for e-scooter accident victims to collect damages for the following:

Medical expenses: Medical expenses can include emergency transportation, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, and follow-up visits.

Loss of income: If you are not able to return to work following your accident because of your injuries, your claim can include the lost wages you would have earned.

Loss of future income: If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, or another catastrophic injury that leaves you unable to ever return to work, your claim can include the loss of the future income you otherwise would have earned.

Pain and suffering: Chronic physical pain and emotional distress, such as PTSD, are serious effects of scooter accidents. You should be compensated accordingly.

Who Is Liable in a Scooter Accident?

Since there are several ways an e-scooter accident can occur, there are several parties that can potentially be held responsible for the accident. This is exactly why you need a Regan Zambri Long Washington, DC scooter accident lawyer by your side. Determining the party at fault for your accident is the most essential component to winning your case. Your lawyer will use the evidence gathered to discern the party or parties at fault and then relentlessly work to make sure they are held accountable for their actions.

The possible parties liable for your e-scooter accident are:

A motor vehicle driver: Drivers can cause e-scooter accidents by driving distracted, drowsy driving, speeding,

The e-scooter company: If you were provided a faulty bike, then the e-scooter company could be liable for your accident. It is the responsibility of the scooter rental company to properly maintain the scooters before each and every trip.

The e-scooter manufacturer: Sometimes, even with proper maintenance, there is a flaw in the design of the scooter. If your accident was caused by a faulty scooter because of an inherent flaw in its design, your Regan Zambri Long Washington, DC product liability lawyer may determine the scooter manufacturer is ultimately responsible for your accident.

Washington, DC: The sidewalks and roadways in the District need to be properly maintained, especially with many of its residents now occupying them with scooters. If your accident was caused by a dangerous pothole, debris on the road, malfunctioning traffic lights, or uneven and poorly kept sidewalks, you may have a claim against Washington, DC for your scooter accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC

What Are Common Types of Scooter Accidents?

E-scooter accidents are unique because the scooter acts as sort of a vehicle, but interacts on sidewalks with normal pedestrians and in bike lanes. So, accidents can range from e-scooters colliding with passenger vehicles to scooters colliding with people walking or riding bikes. Some of the most common types of accidents include:

Single Scooter Accidents: Most accidents involving scooters are single vehicle accidents, where the rider simply loses control, either making a turn too quickly or misjudging the road conditions.
Auto Accidents: Since 2018, 30 people have been killed in an electric scooter accident. About 80% of those deaths were from collisions with cars.
Pedestrian Accidents: Since e-scooters are allowed on the sidewalks, there is a constant risk of getting into an accident with a pedestrian.
Accidents with Another Scooter: Inexperience with handling the equipment paired with the inexperience of navigating the sidewalk or bike lane, greatly increases the chance of an accident with another scooter.

What Are Common DC Scooter Accident Injuries?

A study from the JAMA Network found that the top three injuries from scooter accidents are:

Head Injuries: The study from the Jama Network confirmed that only about 4% of electric scooter riders use head protection when riding. Head injuries can range from concussions to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries.
Fractures: Studies show that arm and leg fractures are, unfortunately, common results of scooter accidents.According to one study on scooter accident-related injuries, the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that almost half of the victims who sustained fractures from a scooter accident needed orthopedic surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries: The third most common injury from scooter accidents are soft tissue injuries. These kinds of injuries are when the victim’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments are affected from the accident. Though these injuries are sometimes overlooked, they can cause chronic pain and take years to fully recover.

Other injuries from scooter accidents include lacerations, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and internal organ damage.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Electric Scooter Accident?

The first thing you should do is call 911, especially if you hit your head during the accident. Injuries are not always visible right away and can develop or worsen with time. Call 911 and report the accident right away. The responding police officer will be able to assist you with the medical treatment you need and will generate a police report of the accident. Make sure to follow the instructions of the officer and do not leave the scene of the accident until you are told to do so.

After your immediate medical needs are addressed, start documenting the scene of the accident. Take photos and video of your own scooter and the vehicle or scooter you collided with. If there are witnesses present, take down their information including their names and phone numbers. Your Regan Zambri Long scooter accident lawyer will use all this documentation in your claim to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation.

Finally, contact our DC scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak with anyone’s insurance company, sign any documents, or agree to any settlements before speaking with a lawyer.

What Are DC Electric Scooter Laws?

The rise in electric scooters forced Washington DC to implement new laws regarding the mode of transportation. These laws are strictly enforced and are meant to keep the streets as safe as possible for all commuters. The newest DC laws for e-scooter commuters are:

Scooters are not allowed in the Central Business District.
Scooters are allowed on sidewalks (outside the Central Business District) and in the bike lanes.
Scooter speed limit is 10 mph.
Riders must be 16 or older.
Riders are not allowed to wear headphones while using the scooter.
Riders must obey traffic signals and all the rules of the road.
Only one person is allowed on a scooter at a time.
Riders will be fined $150 if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Scooter companies must put a cap on the number of scooters they offer to 7,000 per company.
Riders must yield to pedestrians.
Riders must not operate the scooter with a passenger or package that keeps them from gripping the handlebars with both hands.
Riders are not required to: wear a helmet, have a driver’s license, or carry insurance.
Scooters must be appropriately locked up at designated racks or other objects. If the scooter is locked up to a stop sign, for example, the scooter must maintain at least three feet of unobstructed walkway.
Companies must offer 24-hour hotlines to report complaints.
Companies must offer free, virtual safety classes for new riders.
Scooters are not allowed within 300 feet of elementary or middle schools or senior wellness centers unless they are near a Metro station.

Our Washington, DC Scooter Accident Lawyer is Here to Help

If you were injured while riding an e-scooter in Washington, DC or you were injured by a scooter rider, chances are you need help with your claim. For decades, the Washington, DC scooter accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have been helping injury victims throughout the DC metro area. We can get the evidence needed to prove who is at fault and go after the insurance company to make sure you get compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee until we win your case.