Involved in an Electric Scooter Accident in Norwalk, CT? Injury? We Can Help

What are Electric Scooters?

In the last decade, electric scooters have become a staple in the U.S., providing an easy, convenient, and affordable mode of transportation. In 2018, e-scooter companies rapidly expanded across the country, scattering scooters across streets and sidewalks in cities from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco. Major e-scooter rental companies in the U.S. include Lime, Bird, Skip, and Spin.

E-scooters can be located and unlocked generally by using a smartphone application. Rides are paid by the minute, and after a ride, users can leave the scooter at the location of their choice. While there are benefits to using the electric-powered scooters, such as to avoid traffic congestion, many riders are unaware of the safety risks involved.

If you or someone you know has been injured because of an e-scooter accident in Norwalk, our attorneys at Lemberg Law can help get you the damages you deserve, which can include but are not limited to:

• Medical expense reimbursements
• Payment of lost wages
• Compensation for future medical costs
• Payment for future earnings
• Damages for pain and suffering

Most Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents

The top speed for e-scooters generally range from 14 mph to 19 mph, depending on the e-scooter rental company. While this speed may not seem fast, it is still substantial enough to lose control and result in a serious accident. E-scooter accidents can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as: 

• Mechanical Defects: Brake problems, flat tires, handlebar collapses, or electric motor issues are some of the mechanical issues an e-scooter can have.
• Road Hazards: An e-scooter can easily encounter hazards on the road, such as potholes, debris, loose gravel, fallen branches, or anything in its direct path. For example, in July 2019, a San Antonio woman said that she was thrown off of her Lime scooter after she hit a pothole, resulting in serious injuries to her head, face, neck, knee, forearm, and wrist.
• Swerving & Doors: An e-scooter can swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian, car, bicyclist, or another rider, causing rider to lose their balance. E-scooter riders can also be hit by a car door of a vehicle, or when a vehicle is backing up or turning.
• Trips & Falls: Because riders can leave e-scooters scattered on sidewalks or streets after they are done using them, people are at risk of tripping or falling over e-scooters left in public places.

Other causes of e-scooter accidents include distracted drivers in vehicles and careless behavior on behalf of the scooter driver, such as intoxicated riding, texting while riding, not wearing a helmet, disregarding traffic signals and stop signs, and more.

Common Injuries from Electric Scooter Accidents

According to a research study by medical journal JAMA Surgery, nearly 40,000 injuries occurred from electric scooters in the U.S. between 2014 and 2018. Some of the most common mechanisms of injury by an electric scooter include fall, collision with an object, and being hit by a moving vehicle or object. Injuries from an electric scooter can include:

• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Broken or fractured bones
• Damage to organs due to trauma
• Lacerations
• Death

 Even if your injuries are initially treated properly, you may still end up with long-term chronic pain, permanent disability, or disfigurement.

Helmet use has been estimated to reduce the odds of head injury by 50%, and a head, face, or neck injury by 33%.

Liability in Electric Scooter Accidents

• Every case is different; lability will shift to the party responsible for its cause. An investigation into the accident may be needed to assign liability when the fault may not be as obvious.
• The driver of another auto vehicle, such as a car, bus, bicycle, or motorcycle, could be liable. If the accident was caused by negligence on behalf of the vehicle driver, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signs and signals, failure to yield, or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the driver could be responsible for the victim’s injuries.
• An e-scooter rider could be fault for the accident. A rider that exhibits negligent behavior, such as texting or riding under the influence, may put other people in danger. However, you should speak with a lawyer before assuming responsibility for an e-scooter accident.
• The scooter company could be liable. If the e-scooter malfunctions due to handlebar collapses or a break glitch, the manufacturing company may be responsible for the resulted injuries.
• The city could also be responsible for the accident. Roadway defects, such as potholes or loose gravel, that should have been fixed could be incredibly dangerous for e-scooter riders.

How to Use Electric Scooters Safety

E-scooter companies encourage rider safety in many ways. For example, Lime has a list of guidelines on its website for users to follow when riding its e-scooters. The company’s guidelines include:

1. Always follow helmet laws
2. Park property by curbside
3. Do a pre-ride safety check
4. Apply brakes to slow down/stop
5. Be mindful of road obstructions
6. Always follow traffic laws

Lime’s safety site also contains pictures of hand signals for riders to use, such as how to signal a left turn, right turn, or to stop. While it is difficult for Lime to enforce their safety guidelines, its recommendations are readily available for riders to refer to on their app and website.

There are also a number of state laws that are designed keep riders safe, such as imposing speed limits on e-scooters and requiring the use of helmets.

FAQs about Electric Scooters:

Taking the necessary precautions before operating a bicycle can reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Before you ride, you should:

1. Prepare your bike: It is crucial to choose a bike that fits you. Ride one person per seat, with both hands on the handlebars unless you are signaling a turn. All items should be in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. Tuck and tie shoe laces, pant legs, or any loose clothing to prevent it from getting caught in the bike chain.
2. Wear the proper equipment: Life-saving equipment include a properly fit bike helmet, bright clothing, and reflective gear. If you are riding at night or when visibility is poor, use a white front light, red rear light, and reflectors on your bike.
3. Plan your route: Choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. The safest route may be away from traffic and in a bike lane or bike path.

FAQs about E-Scooter Accidents:

What should I do if I am involved in a e-scooter accident?

First and foremost, you should check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured and call the police for help. Whether you were driving the scooter or were hit by one, you should get the information of everyone involved, including their full name, addresses, and phone numbers.

If the accident involved one or more vehicles, get a general description of each vehicle, insurance information, and driver’s license information. Try to get as much information as possible to show that you are not liable for the accident, such as photographs of the scene and testimonies from witnesses. If you need medical attention, save copies of your paperwork, such as bills and receipts.

Is there anything I should not say during the e-scooter accident or to insurance companies?

You should not apologize to anyone or accept blame for the accident, as this can be misinterpreted by the insurance companies and used against you. You also do not have to give a statement to the other insurance company right away. It might be best to consult with a lawyer before even talking with your own insurance company or accepting any type of initial settlement.

Should I see a doctor after the e-scooter accident, even if I do not think I’m seriously injured?

You should absolutely visit a doctor after being in any type of accident. While you may feel like the injuries are minor or not there, you could have injuries that may become serious if not treated. It’s better to take precautions when dealing with your health. Seeing a doctor will also create medical documents that can serve as evidence if you do decide to peruse legal action.

I wasn’t wearing a helmet while riding an e-scooter; am I still entitled to compensation from a driver who at fault?

Whether or not you were wearing a helmet is irrelevant in determining the damages that you may get from the driver at fault, however insurance companies may use your lack of wearing a helmet in attempt to reduce the amount that they play in your claim.

How much compensation am I entitled to for being injured in an e-scooter accident?

The amount of compensation you are eligible for relies on a variety of factors, including whether the rider was at fault of your injuries, if the scooter company was at fault, if a pedestrian was at fault, or if a city or business was a fault for a hazard in your accident.

How much you receive in damages also depends on the sum cost of your injuries, and the effects of an injury vary from person to person. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.

How much time to do I have to file an e-scooter personal injury claim in Norwalk?

If you were hurt by a vehicle that is owned or operated by a district or government entity, in many states, there is only a brief period—sometimes less than 60 days—in which a claimant can sue a government body who may be responsible for an accident.

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim that is not against a government body, under Connecticut law, you must file a personal injury or property damage claim within two years of the date of the accident. If someone suffers a wrongful death, the two-year limit starts on the date of the victim’s death from their injuries.

You should reach out to an attorney sooner, rather than later, in order to have plenty of time to build a strong case. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the entire process, including state, local, and national transportation laws.