According to TechCrunch, shared electric scooter rides accounted for 45.8 percent of all micro-mobility trips in 2018. Sharing a scooter may have seemed like a good idea pre-Coronavirus. Today, most such services are shuttered along with the majority of other businesses deemed “non-essential” throughout LA and Orange County. But some people own their own scooters and may still be using them for essential trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, or doctor. In fact, with traffic at an all-time low across Southern California (and the world!), now is the perfect time to break in a new electric scooter. But what happens if, despite mostly empty highways, you are involved in an accident while riding one? Would you know what to do?
Electric Scooter Risks
The same reasons that make scooters eco-friendly, affordable and convenient also make them dangerous. Leaving a small carbon footprint means the vehicle is tiny, offering virtually no protection against oncoming cars. What’s more, since they are entirely open, they fail to protect drivers and passengers from other road hazards, including pedestrians! Of course, you can improve your personal safety by wearing a helmet and heavy clothing. But, if you are struck while on a scooter, you could suffer a life-altering accident.
What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident
If you are driving or riding on an electric scooter which hits an inanimate object, another vehicle or malfunctions in any way, this is what you should do:
1. Call 9-1-1
No matter how trivial the accident may appear, call the police. People often experience whiplash and other side effects from accidents after they leave the scene. Call 9-1-1- to report the electric scooter accident to police. When officers arrive, provide factual details about what happened. Request a copy of the police report. If you fail to call the police, the law requires you to file a police report within 10 days of the accident. In some cases, officers will decline to appear on scene unless involved vehicles impede traffic and/or injuries are obvious. Let the police make this call.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Head to the emergency room immediately after an accident that which results in serious injury. Even if you’re unsure you were injured, see a physician within 24 hours. Having documentation which shows your diligence in these matters can help you if you need to make a future claim because internal injuries are not immediately apparent.
3. Collect Evidence
While waiting for police to arrive, gather information about the accident. Care for the injured and stay clear of the roadway so you won’t be involved in a secondary accident. Record the following information:
- Name and contact information for all involved parties
- License plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information for everyone involved.
- Names and contact information for witnesses (if applicable).
- Photographs of the scene, injuries, and property damage
- Take a few notes on a piece of paper or in your phone to help you recall details.
4. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Ontario or Irvine, California
Hiring a local personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your claim management. Law firms such as Moet Law has the capital, experience, and human resources to compete with large corporations and insurance companies you would be ill-prepared to face on your own. Working with a professional attorney will ensure that you won’t have to settle for a fraction of what your case is truly worth. Most personal injury law firms, such as Moet Law, take personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means the law firm will take a percentage of amounts recovered. In short, we don’t get paid unless you win your case. So our interests are aligned.
Types of Electric Scooter Accident Cases
The most common issue riders face relative to electric scooter safety is negligence by a motorist, municipality, or scooter company. The negligent party is the one you would take to court when you file a lawsuit. Your personal injury attorney will be able to help determine who is at fault in such a case. These may include:
- Driver Error
Electric scooter accidents often involve motorists on public roadways. Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. So, sadly, road-related accidents are inevitable. If a motorist is found to have acted negligently which resulted in your accident, you may be able to hold him or her accountable in court. - Road-Maintenance
In some cases, cities fail to adequately maintain roadways where a scooter accident occurs. As a result, potholes, construction debris, and large cracks in the roadway may lead to dangerous riding conditions which could result in injury. If this is the case, your attorney might recommend you sue the associated municipality. - Manufacturer Defects
Inland Empire and Orange County emergency rooms are seeing an influx of injuries which arise from malfunctioning electric scooters. If your injuries arose from a flaw that caused the scooter to operate unsafely, you may have a case against the electric scooter’s manufacturer. Ask an experienced personal injury attorney to find out who could be held liable.
About Moet Law in Irvine and Ontario, California
The attorneys at Moet Law specialize in compensation law and will pay attention to even the smallest detail. We specialize in personal injury cases, including electric scooter accidents, wrongful death, DUIs and associated loss of financial and emotional support. If you think you may have grounds for a personal injury case, email or call Moet Law today (866) 424-0789.
