Electric scooters have quickly become a go-to part of urban transportation—they’re fun and convenient. However, they also come with certain risks. Whether you’re riding a scooter or walking nearby, an unexpected collision can lead to serious injuries. Here’s what you should know.
Common causes of electric scooter accidents
Electric scooter accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Rider error is one of the main causes. Scooter riders can lose control due to inexperience, overconfidence or ignoring traffic laws. Speeding or reckless behavior, such as weaving between cars or riding on sidewalks, often lead to collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.
In other cases, motorists may be at fault. Drivers who fail to notice scooters or do not yield to them, especially in crowded city streets, can cause serious accidents. Distracted driving, speeding and not checking blind spots are all common factors.
Faulty equipment or poor maintenance of the scooters themselves can be contributing factors. For example, defective brakes, a broken handlebar or faulty tires can all lead to accidents. Finally, bad road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement, can cause scooters to tip over.
What to do after an accident
Your main priority is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can worsen over time. Getting checked by a doctor ensures that any hidden damage, such as concussions or internal injuries, are identified and treated early. Plus, having a medical report is critical for any legal claims you might pursue. As you work through your recovery, keep records of all doctor’s visits, treatments, medications and how your injury affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
Once your health is addressed, report the accident. If it happened on a public road, the police should be notified, and a formal report should be filed. If you were using a rental scooter, such as a Lime or Bird, it’s equally important to report the incident to the company.
Gathering evidence at the scene can strengthen your case. If possible, take photos of the scooter, your injuries, and any other vehicles or environmental factors involved in the accident. If there were witnesses, collecting their contact information can also be useful. Every detail, no matter how small, can contribute to proving what happened.
Scooter accidents often involve complicated legal issues, including multiple parties and overlapping insurance claims. The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you understand your legal options, guide you through the process of filing a claim and work to secure compensation.
Call an experienced Columbus accident lawyer today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your accident claim. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.