How Dangerous Are E-Scooters?
A National Association of City Transportation Officials report found that Americans took over 130 million trips on e-bikes and e-scooters in 2022. This marks an increase in ridership of over 40% since 2018.
With more people riding these vehicles, it’s no surprise there has been a sharp rise in injuries and fatalities resulting from e-scooter and e-bike accidents. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported a 20% increase in injuries associated with micromobility devices, as well as at least 230 deaths between 2017 and 2022. According to the same CPSC data, increased e-scooter and e-bike ridership is also tied to over 360,000 emergency department visits between 2017 and 2022.
Several factors including rider inexperience and reckless driving in unfamiliar areas cause these accidents.
Common E-Scooter Accident Injuries
The combination of e-scooter speed and riders’ lack of experience can contribute to serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. Injuries can range from minor to severe, including:
- Limb injuries: Broken bones, sprains, road rash, deep tissue contusions
- Internal injuries: Lung contusions, abdominal bleeding, organ damage
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Wrist and elbow fractures, ankle breaks, and broken fingers are some of the most common injuries in e-scooter accidents, according to recent data from UT Southwestern.
Who Is Liable in an E-Scooter Accident?
You’ll have to identify all the parties liable for your e-scooter accident to recover maximum compensation for your losses. Several parties could be responsible, such as:
The Micromobility Company
Before hopping on an e-scooter, the company may have asked you to waive liability in the event of an accident. These user agreements can be aggressive as micromobility companies seek to protect themselves from legal action. This doesn’t necessarily mean they can never be held accountable for negligence, however. Your e-scooter accident attorney can explain how a user agreement might come into play in your personal injury claim.
The At-Fault Driver
If you were hit by a negligent car, truck, or motorcycle driver, you may be able to recover compensation through their insurance policy. Drivers owe other users of the road a duty of care. They can be liable for injuries and other damages if they fail to uphold that duty by driving recklessly or while under the influence.
The Scooter Manufacturer
If the e-scooter was defective or malfunctioned, then the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability laws. The product having a defective design or failing to adequately warn riders of the potential risks of use can also make the manufacturer liable.
Property Owners
If the accident occurs on private property, such as a parking lot or driveway, the property owner may be liable if hazardous conditions contribute to the incident. For example, if a pothole or other uncleared obstacle caused you to crash on someone’s property, they could be held responsible for your injuries.
Proving Fault in an E-Scooter Accident
Many personal injury cases settle out of court. However, our e-scooter accident lawyers in Lancaster won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary, handling all the details so you can focus on healing.
Whether we reach a settlement or go to court, we’ll advocate for your best interests at every step and keep you informed throughout the process.
E-Scooter Accident Compensation
Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries, you could be eligible for several forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income you lost due to missing work because of the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you endured due to the accident.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your damaged scooter.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work and earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation.