Recovering From Injuries After A Bay Area Electric Scooter Accident
Electric scooters are a popular and convenient way to quickly get around San Francisco, Walnut Creek and other Bay Area cities. They look like a fun, easy solution for short trips. However, most people do not consider the risks of a serious electric scooter crash until they are involved in one. When a relaxing ride turns into a devastating scooter collision, you are often left with painful injuries and complex questions about compensation.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the confusing legal and insurance issues, evaluate your options and protect your right to recover damages. Established in 1985, Bowles & Verna LLP offers trustworthy legal representation in complex personal injury cases, including those involving serious electric scooter injuries.
What Are Electric Scooters?
Electric scooters, often called e-scooters, are two-wheeled devices with a handlebar and a platform for a standing rider. Unlike traditional kick scooters, these devices use a battery-powered electric motor for propulsion. In recent years, companies have launched dockless shared scooter systems in many cities, making them easily accessible for quick rental through a smartphone app. You see these modern, small vehicles on sidewalks and in bike lanes everywhere.
While electric scooters travel much faster than pedestrians, they lack the protection of a full-sized vehicle. This creates a challenging situation for everyone on the road. Navigating the rules for where they can and cannot be ridden often confuses both riders and drivers, leading to an increased number of scooter accidents. If you are suffering from an electric scooter accident injury, you need legal guidance from someone who understands this emerging area of personal injury law.
What Kinds Of Accidents Involve Electric Scooters?
Riders can travel at speeds up to 15 to 20 miles per hour on an e-scooter, which is fast enough to cause significant injuries in an accident. Riders often travel without proper safety gear like helmets, increasing the risk of severe head injuries and other catastrophic injuries. Common accidents can include:
- Collisions with cars: Drivers often fail to see a scooter rider or illegally cut them off, leading to a direct and often devastating scooter collision.
- Accidents with pedestrians: A scooter rider can lose control and strike a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk, causing serious injuries to the walker.
- Rider error or loss of control: The rider can easily hit a pothole, a cracked sidewalk or a piece of debris, causing them to fall and suffer a severe electric scooter crash.
- Product defects: If the brakes fail, the steering locks or the battery catches fire, these malfunctions can cause a sudden, unavoidable accident.
Because riders are fully exposed, even a low-speed fall or impact can lead to severe electric scooter injuries. We frequently handle cases involving broken bones, severe road rash, concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
Who Is Responsible For An Electric Scooter Accident?
Determining who is responsible for an electric scooter crash can be complicated. The answer depends entirely on the specific facts of the accident. Liability may fall on one of several different parties, and sometimes more than one party shares the fault. Negligent parties can include:
- The at-fault driver of a car
- Other scooter riders or bicyclists
- Government agencies responsible for maintaining roads or sidewalks
- The scooter designer, manufacturer or distributor
Our electric scooter accident attorneys understand how to investigate these various possibilities. We collect evidence, interview witnesses and analyze the scene to establish a clear chain of responsibility. Whether you need to file a personal injury claim because you were hit by a car or a product liability claim due to a design defect, we want to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages they caused.
What Types Of Damages Can You Recover After An Electric Scooter Accident?
If you suffer severe electric scooter injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek comprehensive compensation for your losses. These can include:
- Medical bills for emergency treatment, hospital stays and future physical therapy
- Lost wages while you were recovering and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage for scooter repairs or other personal property damage
- Payment for non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering and a reduced quality of life
We work tirelessly to ensure you recover the full amount of both economic and non-economic damages allowed by law. Our electric scooter accidents lawyers fight to maximize your financial recovery to provide stability for your future.
Let A Walnut Creek Electric Scooter Accident Attorney Help
The aftermath of an electric scooter accident often feels overwhelming, especially when contending with severe injuries and complex insurance issues. Our accident attorneys will assess your situation, explain your legal options and develop a strong legal strategy. Our comprehensive approach is designed to recover the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
To schedule a free case evaluation and initial consultation, call us today at 925-478-5763. You can also send us a message through our website. We look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you with your case.