Washington DC Scooter Accident Lawyer

Understanding E-Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are two-wheel personal mobility devices propelled by electric motors. The scooter rider stands on a platform and steers using handlebars. Electric scooters can be rented from the docking station or an app on your phone.

E-scooters have become popular in recent years, especially in metro areas such as DC. However, while fun and convenient, electric scooters can be dangerous to riders and pedestrians sharing the walkways. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported a 22% increase in electric scooter injuries in 2022 nationwide.

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The Types of E-Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC

E-scooter accidents can range from car accidents to collisions with pedestrians or cyclists. Some of the most common types of accidents include:

Single Scooter Crashes: Most scooter accidents are single-vehicle accidents in which the rider loses control, either making a turn too quickly or misjudging the road conditions.
Auto Accidents: Driver negligence causes most car accidents with e-scooters. Additionally, e-scooters can be difficult for drivers to see, particularly at night or during inclement weather.
Pedestrian Accidents: Since e-scooters are allowed on many sidewalks, there is a constant risk of getting into an accident with a pedestrian.
Accidents with Another Scooter: Inexperience handling the equipment paired with inexperience navigating sidewalks or bike lanes greatly increases the chance of an accident with another scooter.

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Common Causes of DC E-Scooter Crashes

Like other collisions, electric scooter accidents are commonly caused by negligence. Negligence includes:

violating traffic laws
distracted driving
poor scooter maintenance
faulty scooters
poorly designed or maintained roads and infrastructure

Heavily populated areas are magnets for all kinds of accidents, including electric scooter accidents. In Washington, DC, these hot spots include the National Mall and the Central Business District. Scooters are not allowed on the sidewalks in these areas.

If you were involved in an electric scooter accident, schedule your free consultation with Regan Zambri Long today.

Washington, DC Electric Scooter Laws

The rise in e-scooters forced Washington, DC, to implement new laws for e-scooter riders and companies. These laws are strictly enforced and are meant to keep the streets as safe as possible for all users. DC laws for e-scooter riders include:

Scooters are allowed on sidewalks, except where prohibited, and in 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 laws.
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 may only offer 7,000 scooters 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 helmets, have a driver’s license, or carry insurance.
Scooters must be appropriately locked up at designated racks or other objects and 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 near a Metro station.

As scooter use continues to grow, new e-scooter laws will likely become effective to promote the safety of all road users.

How the DC Law Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Laws work to protect scooter riders and others sharing the sidewalks and roads, and violating laws, whether traffic or scooter laws, can significantly impact personal injury claims.

Violations constitute negligence in most cases. A negligent motor vehicle driver may try to say you violated scooter laws, thereby avoiding paying compensation. If you did violate a scooter law, you may still be able to file a claim. If you are unsure about your rights under DC’s scooter laws, consulting with a lawyer is your best bet. Regan Zambri Long will help you clarify your legal position and take appropriate action.

Liability in Washington, DC E-Scooter Accidents

Several parties may be responsible for an e-scooter accident. You need a Regan Zambri Long Washington, DC, scooter accident lawyer by your side to determine liability. Your lawyer will gather evidence and make sure all parties are held accountable for their actions.

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

A motor vehicle driver: Drivers cause accidents by driving distracted, drowsy driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
Electric scooter companies: If you rented a faulty scooter, then the e-scooter company could be liable for your accident. It is the responsibility of the 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 design flaw, the scooter manufacturer may be responsible.
A government entity: Sidewalks and roadways need to be properly maintained, especially with many of its residents now using e-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.

Proving fault in any personal injury case requires showing that the liable party violated their duty of care and directly caused the accident and your injuries. Your Washington DC personal injury lawyer will investigate your case, reviewing witness statements, police reports, and any camera footage to determine who violated their duty of care.

Challenges in Establishing Liability

Establishing liability can be difficult. No one wants to take responsibility for an accident. Multiple parties may be at fault for an accident. Or the liable party may claim that you share responsibility and are excluded from compensation under DC’s contributory negligence standard. Our experienced Washington, DC, personal injury lawyers will make sure that all liable parties are held accountable, while you are protected from false liability claims. If you are unsure who may be liable for your electric scooter accident, consult with Regan Zambri Long today.

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Common Injuries in Electric Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC

Scooter crashes cause injuries ranging from superficial to severe. A study from the JAMA Network found that the top three injuries in scooter crashes are:

Head Injuries: The JAMA Network study confirmed that only about 4% of e-scooter riders wear helmets when riding. Head injuries can range from concussions to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries.
Fractures: Studies show that arm and leg fractures are common scooter accident injuries. A Journal of the American College of Surgeons study found that half of scooter accident victims underwent major surgeries.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries are the third most common injury in scooter accidents. These injuries affect the victim’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Though they are sometimes overlooked, they can cause chronic pain and take years to fully recover.

Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even broken bones can have permanent consequences and complications. With scooter insurance being far from guaranteed, injuries may not always be properly attended to, leading to a higher risk of complications and consequences.

You should always seek medical attention immediately after an electric scooter accident, even with no visible injuries. Your medical record will establish a connection between the accident and your injuries, which is critical to seek compensation. Once you have received medical treatment, hire Regan Zambri Long to fight for your rightful compensation.

Insurance Coverage for DC Electric Scooter Riders

DC electric scooter users should be aware that while scooter rental companies carry liability insurance, the digital rental agreement that riders sign before taking a scooter usually relieves the company of liability for accidents not caused by company negligence. A Regan Zambri Long electric scooter accident attorney will help you navigate insurance claims. In general, coverage is situational.

Personal health insurance: Your health insurance will help cover your medical costs related to the scooter accident. However, your insurance will not cover the medical expenses of anyone else involved.
Auto insurance: Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover electric scooters as vehicles. However, if you were the victim of a scooter accident involving a motor vehicle, your insurance will cover your injuries sustained. Some insurance companies are starting to offer electric scooter coverage under specialized mobility insurance policies.
Homeowners or renters insurance: Most policies exclude scooters, but 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 protection could cover other people’s property damage or medical costs if the accident were your fault. It will not cover the cost of your scooter injuries.

Insurance after an accident can be confusing. During your consultation, Regan Zambri Long will help you understand your legal options.

Steps to Take After a Washington, DC E-Scooter Accident

The first thing you should do is call 911. Emergency services will assist in initial medical treatment and advise you of further care. Injuries are not always visible immediately and can develop or worsen with time. Follow the instructions of responding officers, and do not leave the accident scene until you are told to do so.

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

Finally, contact our Washington, DC, scooter accident lawyers 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. You can schedule your case evaluation with Regan Zambri Long immediately after your accident to receive guidance.

Compensation in Washington, DC E-Scooter Accident Cases

Washington, DC’s contributory negligence laws state that if the plaintiff (the person making the claim) is responsible for the accident, they cannot recover damages. However, 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 have to prove that they are less than 50% at fault for the accident to collect compensation, including:

Medical bills: Medical expenses include emergency transportation, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, and follow-up visits.
Loss of income and future wages: If you cannot return to work following your accident because of your injuries, your claim can include the lost wages you would have earned.
Pain and suffering: Chronic physical pain and emotional distress, such as PTSD, are serious effects of scooter accidents.

Compensation can be impacted by the severity and longevity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the negligence involved.

Once your lawyer has all the facts, they will demand a settlement from the liable party and begin settlement negotiations. If negotiations fail, they will take your case to trial. Regan Zambri Long’s experienced legal team can maximize your compensation. Call us today at 202-960-4596.

Why Choose Our Washington, DC Scooter Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries while riding an e-scooter in Washington, DC, or a scooter rider injured you, let Regan Zambri Long handle your claim. The experienced Washington, DC injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have been helping victims maximize their compensation for decades.

Our team is familiar with DC scooter laws and will ensure you are protected from false negligence claims. We have recovered thousands of dollars for our injury clients and will do the same for you. Our clients are our top priority. Our contingency fee structure means you don’t pay anything until we make a recovery in your favor.

When you or a loved one are suffering injuries from an electric scooter accident in DC, you need the specialized knowledge of Regan Zambri Long. Schedule your free case evaluation with our Washington, DC, scooter accident lawyers today by calling 202-960-4596.

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