Electric scooters are becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation. Scooter sharing companies such as Bird and Lime are now expanding their reach and hiring employees in cities across the country, including Philadelphia. With this, many questions are arising as to the safety of these motor vehicles. As they grow in popularity, accidents become more prevalent. There have been instances of riders and pedestrians falling victim to electric scooter injuries due to factors such as unsafe driving or riding, lack of awareness, or defective scooters.
There’s also the question of if insurance will pay when an accident does happen. Finding a source of compensation for injuries resulting from an electric scooter accident, such as Bird and Lime scooters, can prove to be problematic. If the injured rider or pedestrian has insurance, their insurance company or that of the person at fault may cover the cost of damages. Although the law requires vehicle drivers to have insurance, there is no such requirement for electric scooter riders. This can be frustrating, especially if an injury was due to the negligence of another. Some common electric scooter accidents and injuries result from:
- Crashes and single rider injuries due to defective or malfunctioning scooters
- Rider injuries caused by road hazards such as potholes or uneven pavement
- Scooter collisions with a pedestrian, bicyclist, car, or another scooter
- Scooter riders being “doored” by a vehicle
- Drivers who swerve to avoid hitting an electric scooter rider and hit another car
In any of these instances, it will depend on who or what is proven to be at fault in the accident that usually is stuck with the financial aftermath. Legally, it will depend on if the scooter rider, the scooter company, a pedestrian, or a vehicle driver was at fault for injuries sustained. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is also responsible for keeping roads safe and clear of hazards, so if this was the cause of an accident, you could make a claim. In addition, if a defective scooter was the cause of the injuries that a person or persons sustained, the scooter company may be sued.
Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys in Philadelphia
Scooter accidents can cause catastrophic injuries that can affect not just you but your entire family. Trying to recover from an injury can be an extremely difficult time in your life, and figuring out who is legally required to compensate you can make it even worse. If someone else’s negligence was the cause of an accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about the financial burden of medical costs and lost wages that could arise from this situation. It’s imperative to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney that will understand your situation and fight for you. Kwartler Manus, LLC is a team of skilled and aggressive legal representatives that will fight to get you the best possible compensation.
Contact our firm at (267) 457-5570 to discuss your case today!