Washington DC Scooter Accidents How Common Are DC Scooter Accidents?

How Common Are Electric Scooter Accidents in Washington DC?

Studies show that e-scooter riders suffer three times as many accidents as cyclists.  Reports have also shown that while these accidents sometimes occur on the road and involve cars and trucks, electric scooter accidents on sidewalks are also widespread. In fact, in 2020, the Washington Post found that three out of five riders who had been hospitalized after an accident in 2019 had been riding on the sidewalk at the time of the collision.

The Washington Post also reported that between March and November of 2019, more than 100 e-scooter riders experienced injuries that landed them in the George Washington University Hospital emergency room alone.

What Causes Electric Scooter Accidents?

Road conditions, pedestrians, cyclists, motor vehicles, and rider behavior can cause electric scooter accidents.  The most common causes are:

Inadequate infrastructure:

• No dedicated traffic lanes for scooters or sharing space with motor vehicles
• Poor Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause riders to lose control

Motor vehicles

• Motor vehicle drivers don’t notice or underestimate their speed.
• Opening car doors without checking for oncoming scooters or cyclists can result in collisions, known as “dooring” accidents.
• Vehicles abruptly stopping in front of a scooter can lead to rear-end collisions if the rider doesn’t have sufficient time to react.

Mechanical Failures

Malfunctions such as brake failures or sudden accelerations due to technical issues

Inexperienced  and untrained Riders:

• Many riders need more experience with electric scooters or basic knowledge of road rules and safety guidelines.
• Lack of Protection: No helmet is required for adults riding scooters in DC.
• Pedestrian Interactions: Crashes with pedestrians can occur when riders use sidewalks, fail to yield the right of way, or ignore crosswalks.

What Kind of Injuries Do These Common Scooter Accidents Cause?

Electric scooter accidents can lead to a range of injuries, from sprains to brain trauma.  Some common injuries resulting from electric scooter accidents include:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur, especially if riders are not wearing helmets, as well as concussions, skull fractures, and other head injuries.
• Spinal Injuries: Severe injury to the spinal cord could have long-lasting consequences for mobility and quality of life.
• Internal Injuries: High-impact collisions can result in internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or even punctured lungs.
• Dislocations: Joints can become dislocated due to impact force or unnatural twisting motions during an accident.
• Nerve Damage: Nerves can be injured, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in affected areas.
• Sprains and Strains: Soft tissue injuries like sprained ankles, wrists, and knees, as well as muscle strains, are common when riders attempt to stabilize themselves during accidents.
• Contusions and Bruises: Impact on the ground, other vehicles, or obstacles can lead to bruises and contusions on various body parts.

If you have suffered a severe or life-altering injury due to a scooter accident,  call the experienced DC scooter accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long.  They have over three decades of success handling personal injury claims in the DC metro area.

Measures and Safety Recommendations to Help Prevent DC Scooter Accidents and Injuries

While accidents are an unfortunate reality, there are proactive steps that could be taken to reduce their occurrence.  These include:

• Rider education and awareness campaigns to provide riders with knowledge of road rules, operation, and safe riding practices. Investing in educational campaigns can empower riders with the information they need to make informed decisions while on the road.
• Collaborative Regulatory efforts by local authorities and scooter-sharing companies to establish clear rules and regulations that govern scooter usage, such as setting speed and age restrictions and defining where scooters can be ridden and parked.
• Improvements in Infrastructure: Designated scooter lanes can help separate scooters from motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, reducing the potential for collisions. Well-maintained roads and pathways contribute to a smoother riding experience and minimize the risk of accidents caused by uneven surfaces or road hazards.
• Encouraging Proper Helmet Use and Protective Gear: Encouraging and incentivizing riders to wear helmets is a simple yet effective way to mitigate this risk of head injuries. In addition to helmets, wearing appropriate protective gear such as knee and elbow pads can enhance rider safety.

Need Legal Help with Your DC Scooter Accident ?

There are many ways that an e-scooter can be involved in an accident. This means there are multiple parties who could potentially be responsible. Regan Zambri Long Washington DC scooter accident attorney is the best person to have on your side. The most important part of winning your case is determining who was at fault. Your lawyer will gather evidence to determine the party at fault, and then work tirelessly to ensure that they are held responsible for their actions.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with our knowledgeable DC scooter injury attorneys.