Steven A. Bagen | October 2, 2024 | Personal Injury

Two green and white electric scooters parked near a sidewalk, leaning against a post, with cars parked alongside them.

Electric scooters – or E-scooters – have become a common mode of transportation, especially in busy urban areas. However, with the large number of E-scooters on roads and sidewalks comes the increased possibility of accidents involving these vehicles.

E-scooter accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, usually stemming from the negligence of others. In some situations, these accidents may happen when motor vehicle drivers become distracted and fail to watch for scooter riders. At other times, these accidents may result from defective roadway or sidewalk conditions.

If you recently suffered injuries in an E-scooter accident, you want a knowledgeable Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyer on your side who can walk you through the entire process. Your lawyer will first obtain a copy of the police report, investigate the accident circumstances, and determine your claim filing eligibility.

Your lawyer may then file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and aggressively negotiate for the compensation you deserve. If the insurance company denies the claim or refuses to compensate you fairly, your attorney can file a lawsuit in the state court system and, if necessary, take your case to trial.

 

E-SCOOTER ACCIDENT GUIDE

How Do E-scooter Accidents Most Frequently Happen?

E-scooter accidents have become more common in cities as these vehicles grow in popularity, and many E-scooter accidents occur due to others’ negligence.

  • One of the main causes of E-scooter accidents is reckless or distracted drivers. When drivers fail to pay attention to the road, they may not notice an E-scooter rider in their path. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, reduces a driver’s ability to react in time, increasing the chance of a collision. In some cases, drivers may not check their blind spots before turning or merging, which can result in hitting an E-scooter rider.
  • Poorly maintained roads also contribute to many E-scooter accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on the road can cause an e-scooter rider to lose control and crash. It is often the responsibility of local governments or property owners to maintain safe road conditions, and failing to do so can result in accidents due to negligence.
  • Another common cause of E-scooter accidents is pedestrians acting carelessly. For example, a pedestrian may suddenly step into a rider’s path without looking, forcing the E-scooter rider to swerve or stop suddenly to avoid hitting them. Similarly, people walking their dogs without proper control of the leash can create unexpected obstacles for E-scooter riders that lead to debilitating injuries.
  • In some cases, accidents happen due to the negligence of companies responsible for maintaining the E-scooters themselves. Poorly maintained or defective scooters, such as those with malfunctioning brakes or wheels, can cause an accident. If a company fails to ensure that the e-scooter is in proper working condition, they may be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result.

An experienced Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your E-scooter accident and identify all potentially liable individuals or entities.

Most Common Injuries in E-scooter Accidents

E-scooter accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe. The most common injuries typically involve the head, face, arms, and legs, and they often require immediate medical attention.

  • Head injuries are among the most serious that can happen in an E-scooter accident. Riders who fall or are struck by a vehicle can hit their heads on the ground or other objects. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are especially common in these situations. TBIs may require imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to determine the severity. Treatment can range from rest and medication to surgery for more severe cases. In some instances, long-term therapy or rehabilitation is necessary to recover fully.
  • Another common injury in E-scooter accidents is fractures, especially in the arms, wrists, and collarbones. When a rider is thrown off a scooter, they may instinctively try to break their fall with their arms, leading to broken bones. X-rays are usually necessary to diagnose these injuries, and treatment often includes setting the bone, wearing a cast, or, in more serious cases, surgery to insert metal plates or pins.
  • Facial injuries are also common in E-scooter accidents. Riders may experience cuts, bruises, or fractures to the nose, jaw, or cheekbones if they fall face-first onto the pavement. These injuries may require stitches, plastic surgery, or dental work if the teeth are damaged.
  • Road rash, a painful scraping of the skin that occurs when a rider skids across the pavement, is another frequent injury. While mild cases of road rash can be treated by cleaning and bandaging the wound, more severe cases may require skin grafts to repair the damaged tissue.
  • Lastly, injuries to the knees, ankles, and legs are common – especially if a scooter rider falls awkwardly on the ground or a vehicle strikes them. Ligament tears, sprains, and broken bones may occur, often requiring physical therapy, braces, or surgery.

Important Evidence in E-scooter Accident Cases

In an E-scooter accident case, proving fault and obtaining compensation requires gathering strong evidence. The more solid the evidence, the better the chances of establishing liability and recovering damages. Here are some of the most important pieces of evidence necessary to prove the key legal elements of an E-scooter accident case.

  • Police reports are one of the most important pieces of evidence. If law enforcement responds to the scene of the accident, they usually create an official report that includes details of what happened, who was involved, and whether anyone received a citation (and if so, the reason for the citation). This report can establish important facts, such as the cause of the scooter accident and whether the other party was acting negligently.
  • Photographs and videos from the accident scene are also vital pieces of evidence. These visual records capture the immediate aftermath, showing property damage, the location of the vehicles or scooters, weather conditions, road hazards, and injuries. Photos of skid marks, traffic signals, and street signs can also demonstrate exactly how the accident happened. If available, security camera or dashcam footage may provide even stronger evidence of the events leading up to the crash.
  • Witness statements are another key element in proving fault in an E-scooter accident. Eyewitnesses who saw the crash unfold can provide objective accounts of what happened. They may have noticed details that you missed, such as the behavior of the other driver before the crash or whether they were using their phone at the time.
  • Medical records are essential for proving the extent of your injuries. These records show not only the injuries you sustained but also the treatment you received and the long-term effects of the scooter accident. This evidence is vital for proving the damages in a personal injury case, as it demonstrates how the accident has affected your health and well-being.
  • E-scooter data from the scooter company can also serve as important evidence. Some E-scooters are equipped with GPS tracking, speed data, and usage logs. This information can be useful in showing how fast you were going, the route you took, and the exact time of the accident.

Collecting and preserving these pieces of evidence is critical to proving the legal elements of an E-scooter accident case. With the right evidence, you can demonstrate who was at fault and prove the extent of your injuries, helping you obtain the fair compensation you deserve.

How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Help with Your E-scooter Accident Case?

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An experienced E-scooter accident lawyer can be a valuable ally if you’ve suffered an injury in an accident. They offer numerous services that can strengthen your case and maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the most important ways an E-scooter accident lawyer can help with your claim or lawsuit.

  • First, a lawyer will investigate the E-scooter accident thoroughly. They will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos, videos, and medical records to piece together a strong case. They may also work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to prove how the accident happened and who was at fault. By building a solid foundation of evidence, your lawyer can show that another party’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries.
  • A lawyer will also handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties involved. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t accept a settlement that is less than what you deserve. They know the tactics insurance companies use and will fight hard to protect your rights.
  • In addition, your lawyer can calculate the full value of your claim. It’s not just about covering immediate medical bills. An experienced Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyer will consider long-term medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages you may face as a result of the accident. By accurately calculating the value of your claim, your attorney can pursue the maximum compensation available. 
  • If settlement negotiations don’t result in a fair offer from the insurance company, your lawyer can represent you in court. While many cases are settled before trial, some do end upin litigation. An experienced lawyer will represent you in front of a judge and jury, presenting your case in the most compelling way possible.
  • Lastly, an e-scooter accident lawyer can provide you with peace of mind. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but having a knowledgeable attorney on your side means you can focus on recovering while they handle the legal aspects of your case.

In short, an experienced E-scooter accident lawyer can help by investigating the case, negotiating with insurers, calculating damages, and representing you in court if necessary, all while ensuring that your rights are protected.

Available Third-party Compensation in an E-scooter Accident Claim or Lawsuit

If you’ve suffered an injury in an E-scooter accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. The forms of compensation you can receive depend on the details of your case, but here are the most common categories of available third-party compensation:

  • The first type is medical expenses. After an accident, medical bills can quickly pile up. You may need treatment at the emergency room, surgery, physical therapy, or medication. In some cases, long-term treatment or rehabilitation is necessary. Compensation can help cover all of these costs, including hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
  • Another form of compensation is for lost income. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you lost while recovering. This may include earnings, salaries, bonuses, and even missed opportunities for overtime or promotions. In cases where the injury has long-term effects on your ability to work, you may also be compensated for the loss of future earning capacity, which accounts for how your injuries affect your ability to earn income in the future.
  • You can also receive compensation for pain and suffering. This is meant to address the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. Unlike medical bills or lost income, pain and suffering are harder to calculate because they involve non-economic damages. However, compensation for pain and suffering can significantly increase the amount of money you receive.
  • Additionally, you can recover compensation for property damage. If your personal property, such as the E-scooter or other belongings, was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace those items.
  • In some cases, depending on the jurisdiction, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the person or entity that caused the accident – especially if their behavior was reckless or particularly dangerous. Punitive damages are not always awarded, but they can significantly increase the total compensation award you receive.

Call an Experienced E-scooter Accident Lawyer in Your Area Today

If you sustained injuries in an E-scooter accident that resulted from someone else’s negligent conduct, you are not alone. A skilled Gainesville Personal Injury Lawyer in your area can swiftly evaluate your accident circumstances, file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.