Electric scooter accidents in the United States are a constantly growing problem in recent decades, due to the increase in the popularity of scooters as a means of transportation. In most cases, these accidents are caused by the driver's lack of caution, the inattention of pedestrians and other drivers, and the lack of adequate road infrastructure to accommodate scooters.
According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 there were a total of 8,038 scooter-related accidents throughout the United States. Of these, 5,333 resulted in injuries and 70 were fatal. Additionally, the number of scooter accidents has steadily increased since 2014.
Scooter accidents can be especially dangerous for drivers and passengers due to the lack of protection these vehicles offer compared to automobiles and motorcycles. Scooter users must follow the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles, which includes obeying traffic signals and wearing safety helmets.
How safe are electric scooters?
The safety of electric scooters is a matter of concern for many users and regulatory authorities due to their growing popularity in recent years. In general, the safety of electric scooters depends on several factors, such as the quality of vehicle construction, the skill and attention of the driver, the condition of public roads, and the implementation of safety measures by manufacturers.
What to do in case of an electric scooter accident?
If you have suffered injuries, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure your safety and well-being. It is also important to inform local authorities about the accident and file an official report if you have suffered material or personal damages.
In case there are other parties involved in the accident, you may need to consider hiring an attorney specializing in electric scooter accidents to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. The attorney can work with you to evaluate the details of the accident and determine whether there is shared responsibility or if there is a single party responsible for the accident.
Additionally, it is important to gather all available information and evidence about the accident, such as photographs, videos, police reports, and witness testimonies, to help support your claim and demonstrate the other party's liability in the accident.
What are the most common injuries in an electric scooter accident?
The most common injuries in an electric scooter accident may vary depending on the severity of the accident and the protection the user has. However, some of the most common injuries include:Head injuries: Head injuries are a major concern in electric scooter accidents, especially if the user is not wearing a safety helmet. These injuries can include concussions, skull fractures, and other traumatic injuries.Injuries to the extremities: Injuries to the extremities are also common in electric scooter accidents, and can include fractures, sprains, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries.Spinal cord injuries: Electric scooter accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries that can have serious consequences.Skin injuries: If the user is not wearing adequate protective clothing, skin injuries are a concern, including abrasions, cuts, bruises, and burns.Internal injuries: In severe electric scooter accidents, internal injuries can occur, including internal bleeding and injuries to internal organs.
It is important to note that these types of injuries are not exhaustive and that any electric scooter accident can result in a wide variety of injuries.
Types of compensation for a scooter accident
In case of suffering a scooter accident, you may be entitled to receive different types of compensation for the injuries suffered and material damages. These may include:
- Compensation for medical expenses: This compensation covers the costs of medical treatment, including hospital visits, treatments, and medications.
- Compensation for damages: This compensation is awarded for the physical and emotional damages caused by the accident. It can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, loss of quality of life, and other similar factors.
- Loss of income: If the accident prevents you from working, you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost income during the recovery period.
- Material damages: If your electric scooter was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Rehabilitation costs: If rehabilitation treatment is necessary to recover from the accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for these costs.
You should note that compensation for an electric scooter accident may vary depending on the severity of the accident, local legislation, and other case-specific factors. Follow the steps in the following form to schedule your free consultation appointment.
