What Is a Scooter Accident Lawsuit?
Either riders or pedestrians may find themselves involved in a scooter accident. When such accidents result in injury, it could open the door to a scooter accident lawsuit. While an electric scooter app may recommend that users wear a helmet while riding, they do not have to do so, nor do scooter companies provide users with helmets.
Consumer Reports reveals that since the fall of 2017, eight people died in scooter accidents. Those who sustain injuries at the hands of another must understand their rights in the matter to improve their chances of receiving fair and full compensation in a Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter injury lawsuit. Injured parties must know who bears liability in an accident, such as a driver or even a scooter rider if the rider hits and injures a pedestrian. Because of the number of potentially liable parties in a scooter accident suit, it is a good idea to work with an experienced legal professional.
What If a Driver Causes a Scooter Accident?
Inattentive, intoxicated or drowsy drivers may not notice scooter riders. These actions may cause an accident and create grounds for a Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter injury lawsuit. Before taking legal action, injured riders can file a claim through the responsible party’s insurance provider, but this depends on the state. In a fault-based state, the motorist’s insurance policy covers the rider’s injuries. In no-fault states, injured riders who have health insurance can file a claim through their own policy.
No matter if the injured person lives in a fault-based or no-fault state, they may sue for sustaining catastrophic injuries that outstrip the negligent driver’s insurance limits or if the collision happened because the driver drove drunk or otherwise broke the law. Another reason to consult an attorney and take legal action is if the collision resulted in the rider’s death. Some accident victims consider seeking a Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter accident settlement if they suffered mental anguish or physical pain and suffering.
What if a Driver Causes a Scooter Accident?
Inattentive, intoxicated or drowsy drivers may not notice scooter riders, which may cause an accident and create grounds for a Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter injury lawsuit. Before taking legal action, injured riders can file a claim through the responsible party’s insurance provider, but this depends on the state. In a fault-based state, the motorist’s insurance policy covers the rider’s injuries. In no-fault states, injured riders who have health insurance can file a claim through their own policy.
No matter if the injured person lives in a fault-based or no-fault state, they may sue for sustaining catastrophic injuries that outstrip the negligent driver’s insurance limits or if the collision happened because the driver drove drunk or otherwise broke the law. Another reason to consult an attorney and take legal action is if the collision resulted in the rider’s death. Some accident victims consider seeking a Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter accident settlement if they suffered mental anguish or physical pain and suffering.
What If a Defect Causes a Scooter Accident?
Even if riders use scooters far away from motor vehicles, they may still sustain injuries. Sometimes, defective batteries and abrupt braking cause scooters to catch fire, harming riders. Examples of injuries sustained from defective machines include broken teeth, road rash, bone fractures, cuts and burns. Those injured because of a defective scooter may pursue a part manufacturer or scooter company for compensation.
One of the biggest differences between scooter injuries caused by drivers and those resulting from a defect is that product liability law removes the burden of proof for injuries sustained from a faulty scooter. Victims do not have to show evidence of the scooter company or manufacturer’s negligence to receive a Lime scooter accident settlement. The primary objective in such situations is proving that the scooter had a defect that caused harm.
What If a Hazardous Roadway Causes a Scooter Accident?
Scooter riders must use the utmost caution when traveling on poorly maintained roadways. Small cracks, potholes and similar road defects that motor vehicles handle with ease can become serious hazards for scooters. City governments have a responsibility to repair and maintain sidewalks, bike paths and roadways for public safety.
In most states, tort claims allow citizens to pursue negligence claims against neglectful government entities. Still, sovereign immunity may act as a liability lawsuit shield for government agencies. Injured citizens should focus on the negligence aspect of the incident and seek financial recovery via an injury lawsuit.
No matter the strategy for taking legal action against a government entity, harmed victims may have a reduced window for their state’s statute of limitations for suing the city government. Suing the local government may also involve additional steps. This makes it essential to work with a trustworthy and experienced legal representative.
How Can Pedestrians Sustain Injuries From Scooters?
A person does not have to ride a scooter to file a scooter accident suit. One benefit of electric scooters is users may leave them anywhere. But that advantage may also become a hazard to others. Some scooter users leave the machines lying flat on roadways, sidewalks and crossing areas where pedestrians may trip over them and injure themselves. Sometimes, other scooter riders or cars run over abandoned scooters.
Who Are Other Liable Parties in Scooter Accident Lawsuits?
Scooter accidents may involve several liable parties, making it essential that victims understand who bears fault for their injuries. Scooter users may collide with pedestrians, making the rider potentially responsible for resulting harm. Sometimes, pedestrians go out of their way to cause a scooter rider to crash, making the person on foot the responsible party.
When pedestrians trip over abandoned scooters and hurt themselves, the scooter company becomes the liable party. Then again, the city could bear responsibility for a pedestrian’s injuries. For example, if the local government does not clear walkways of scooters.
Much like a city government, business owners also have a responsibility to keep walkways and work areas clear of debris. Scooter users may take legal action against negligent business owners who fail to keep their premises clear and mark hazards.
How Much Are Scooter Accident Suits Worth?
Because of the many variables involved in a single scooter accident, calculating an average lawsuit settlement proves difficult. Injury severity, the specific responsible party and long-term harm are a few factors that determine an accident settlement. The scooter user may also bear fault for the incident, which also affects the settlement amount.
To maximize their final settlement amount, injured victims should work with a local attorney experienced in scooter accidents. Legal advocates know what evidence to gather, which professionals to consult and the laws involved in a single incident. Harmed parties should focus on recovering. As opposed to going against insurance companies or government bodies, or pursuing uncooperative private citizens to recover compensation.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer
Anyone harmed in an incident with a scooter must take quick action to protect their rights and receive just compensation. Submit a request online or call us today at 866-345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
