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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.
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An electric scooter, also known as an e-scooter, is a two-wheel vehicle that uses an electric motor to propel itself. The rider stands on a platform and uses handlebars to steer the vehicle. It is powered by a battery which can be recharged at a docking station, found around the city. Electric scooters can be rented from the docking station or from an app on your phone.
In recent years, e-scooters have grown in popularity, especially in such a walkable city as DC. 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.
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:
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:
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:
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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 a car accident to scooters colliding with people walking or riding bikes. Some of the most common types of accidents include:
A study from the JAMA Network found that the top three injuries from scooter accidents are:
Other injuries from scooter accidents include lacerations, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and internal organ damage.
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.
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:
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, personal injury 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 the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee until we win your case.
