Electric scooters have become more popular in recent years as a different way to get around. People use them for commuting or just for enjoyment.
Scooter companies offer cheap transportation by letting people use their devices scattered around the city. However, along with this transportation method, electric scooter accidents also occurred.
Back in 2018, nearly 15,000 e-scooter injuries were reported nationwide. These figures surprised the authorities, moving them to start awareness campaigns and reinforcing road education.
At The Ward Law Group, we know the dangers of getting into a transit accident while riding an e-scooter. Therefore, our scooter accident lawyers provide their personal injury knowledge and service to help victims recover fair compensation for their losses.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
An electric scooter lawyer in Yonkers examines cases, investigates facts, and determines accident causes. Understanding the common causes of electric scooter accidents allows them to build a solid argument to represent their clients.
Negligent Riding
One of the primary factors contributing to electric scooter accidents is negligent riding behavior. This encompasses a range of actions, from reckless speeding to ignoring traffic rules.
Some riders may disregard pedestrian right-of-way, fail to yield at intersections or engage in distracted riding, such as texting while operating the scooter. This behavior significantly increases the likelihood of collisions and accidents.
Using this eco-friendly mode of transportation can lead to accidents and make people vulnerable to car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck and bus accidents.
Road Hazards
Like many cities, Yonkers has its share of road hazards that can harm electric scooter riders. Uneven surfaces, potholes, loose gravel, and debris can all lead to loss of control and accidents. Riders must remain vigilant and navigate their routes carefully, especially in areas with less maintained infrastructure.
Drivers Who Fail To Respect e-scooter riders
Everyone has the right to use public roads. However, e-scooters must be extremely careful when using busy streets. It's recommended that every rider use their respective safety gear and bright clothes to help drivers see them.
Equipment Malfunctions
While electric scooters are designed for reliability, like any mechanical device, they can experience malfunctions. Brakes may fail, accelerators may become stuck, or tires deflate unexpectedly.
Regular maintenance and reporting issues promptly to rental companies are important to reduce risks from equipment malfunctions.
Lack of Awareness and Education
A contributing factor to electric scooter accidents is a general lack of awareness and education among riders and other road users. Pedestrians may not anticipate the speed of scooters, while motorists may not be accustomed to sharing the road with them.
Authorities in Yonkers, New York, have implemented educational programs, and raising public awareness about safe scooter operation is crucial in reducing accidents.
Understanding Electric Scooter Laws in Yonkers
When discussing laws in Yonkers, New York, e-scooters adhere to almost the same criteria as e-bikes. Authorities in New York define a scooter as a transportation device with handlebars and a floorboard or seat that may be powered by electric and/or human power.
People must not operate an e-scooter over 15 MPH. To use this transportation, remember not to ride it on sidewalks as it can lead to accidents involving pedestrians.
E-scooters can ride over bike lanes and streets with speed limits no greater than 30 MPH.
The law says that helmets are recommended for all e-scooter riders. However, it is only strictly required if the rider is 17 or under.
Determining Liability in Electric Scooter Accidents
Regarding electric scooter accidents in Yonkers, establishing liability can be crucial to seeking compensation for the injured rider.
Negligence of Other Road Users
In many cases, the negligence of other road users plays a significant role in electric scooter accidents. Motorists may fail to yield the right of way, ignore traffic signals, or even engage in distracted driving.
In such instances, the vehicle's driver involved in the accident may be held liable for the injuries sustained by the e-scooter rider. It is crucial to gather evidence, such as witness statements and accident reports, to establish the other party's negligence.
Road Hazards and Municipal Negligence
Poorly maintained roads and infrastructure can contribute to electric scooter accidents. If a road hazard, such as a pothole or uneven pavement, leads to an accident, the municipality responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
It is important to document the condition of the road and gather evidence of any previous reports or complaints about the hazardous condition.
Manufacturer or Rental Company Liability
In some cases, equipment malfunctions or defects may contribute to the accident. If the scooter itself is found to have a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be held liable.
If the scooter was rented, the rental company may be responsible for injuries due to maintenance and upkeep issues.
Pedestrian Negligence
Electric scooter riders often share spaces with pedestrians. If a pedestrian's negligence, such as jaywalking or sudden movements, leads to a collision with the e-scooter rider, the pedestrian may be liable for the accident.
Contributory Negligence of the Rider
While less common, there may be cases where the e-scooter rider's actions contribute to the accident.
For instance, if the rider was operating the scooter recklessly or disregarding traffic rules, their actions, which are contributory negligence, may be a factor in determining liability.
The fact is that your electric scooter accident attorney in Yonkers must determine based on the evidence, interviews with eyewitnesses, and statements of all involved parties.
The investigation's thoroughness is crucial in deciding if your case gets the fair compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation Available to Electric Scooter Accident Victims
When involved in an electric scooter accident, victims may be entitled to various types of financial compensation to help alleviate the financial burden and address the physical and emotional toll of the incident.
Knowing your legal options is part of your rights as a Yonkers, New York state citizen.
Medical Expenses
One of the primary forms of compensation for electric scooter accident victims is coverage of medical expenses. This includes costs related to hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of their medical treatment, both immediate and future, arising from the accident.
Lost Wages and Income
Recovering from an electric scooter accident often requires time away from work. Victims may be eligible to claim compensation for lost wages, including current and future earnings impacted by the accident. This can also encompass benefits like sick leave or vacation days utilized during recovery.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, account for the emotional and physical distress experienced by the victim due to the accident. This can encompass many factors, including physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and even mental health impacts.
While more challenging to quantify, pain and suffering damages are critical to seeking total compensation for the victim's experience. If you want to ask for this type of compensation, your lawyer must prove that you sustained severe injuries due to the accident.
Property Damage
In an electric scooter accident, damage to the scooter itself is a valid compensation claim. This includes repairs or replacement of the scooter and any accessories or personal items damaged in the incident. Victims are entitled to have their property restored to its pre-accident condition.
Statute of Limitations for Electric Scooter Accident Claims
You usually have three years to file a personal injury claim against someone who caused the accident. However, some exceptions may extend or shorten this period.
For example, suppose your accident was due to a road hazard, and your lawyer determined that a particular municipality is liable because there was a lack of maintenance on the road.
In that case, you may have less time to file a claim, and you will have to send a notice of claims where you let them know your intentions to file a lawsuit.
That notice of claim must be done within 90 days from the day of the accident, and afterward, you have up to 2 years to file the claim. You must complete that part to avoid the opportunity to ask for compensation.
On the other hand, there is the exception where the three years can be extended. If the injured party was underage, their 3-year period will start until they turn 18.
Contact an Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer in Yonkers
You can rely on our expertise to represent you regarding your electric scooter accident in Yonkers. We understand how stressful these cases can be for you or your family.
The Ward Law Group has vast experience in personal injury cases and have been proven successful in many previous cases. Our clients have been recovering from injuries and the financial hardship their accidents caused.
Don't hesitate to contact us; we listen to you and explain every step easily so you can relax and focus on your recovery while we care for legal matters. We will bring justice to you. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation.