Electric scooters can be an alternative for shorter distances within New York City. Because they are an electric alternative, their environmental impact is less than that of a motorized vehicle. That is why using these types of scooters could contribute to the care of the planet.
In addition, they could be a much cheaper and faster option. Electric scooters in Queens have become more popular as more companies offer them. It is a worldwide trend which has served as an alternative to traffic in big cities.
However, many unknowns exist regarding electric scooters as a transportation alternative in large cities. The first question that arises is how safe they can be.
Many users who want to sue for electric scooter accidents say they struggle to control the scooter. How was that possible? Are the indications about the scooter's use not clear? Will that mean a percentage of liability from the manufacturers?
Due to a lack of experience, users either sped up too much or failed to notice nearby cars and motorcycles. Also, users have crashed into nearby objects or walls because they lost control of the scooter.
After seeing electric scooter accidents in Queens, we wonder how much responsibility the scooter makers have in these situations. Are the companies suddenly not improving the safety of these vehicles because they want to save costs they do not want to take? Answering these questions is part of the research we do at The Ward Law Group when we receive these cases in our office.
Several aspects must be evaluated to determine liability from electric scooter accidents. Among them is whether or not there has been negligence by both the user and the manufacturer.
This can be a complex process for someone unfamiliar with New York law. However, with the experience of our professionals, the process will be more straightforward for you. We carefully analyze each case to find the best legal plan and compensation for our clients affected by this situation.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
The causes involved in this type of case can be diverse. As mentioned before, a thorough investigation of what happened is needed initially. However, having received hundreds of cases over the years, we have been able to group some of the main causes.
In this way, we also help our community identify the main risk indicators and activities that should be avoided when driving one of these vehicles. Using scooters while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be risky for the driver and people nearby. For instance:
Negligent Riding
Careless riding is one of Queens's main causes of electric scooter accidents. Some scooter users may do dangerous things like driving carelessly, going too fast, or using a phone while riding. These actions endanger the rider's safety and the safety of other road users and pedestrians. Electric scooters are fast and easy to control. However, riders may not always realize this. As a result, accidents or loss of control can occur.
To address these problems, riders must operate electric scooters responsibly, observe traffic laws, and always prioritize safety. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can offer insightful advice on legal obligations and potential compensation in an accident caused by careless riding.
Road Hazards
Navigating Queens' streets on an electric scooter can be difficult due to numerous road hazards. Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and a lack of designated scooter lanes can increase accident risk. Electric scooters have smaller wheels than regular bikes, which makes them more likely to lose balance or control on uneven roads.
Scooter riders should be especially alert and adaptable to their surroundings when approaching potential road hazards. Using bike lanes and avoiding traffic problem areas can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. It's crucial to remember that not all accidents brought on by road hazards are the rider's fault. If road conditions contributed to the accident, speaking with a scooter accident attorney can help establish liability and pursue compensation.
Equipment Malfunctions
Electric scooters can cause serious injuries if they malfunction, despite being designed for efficiency and convenience. Scooter problems like faulty brakes, steering, or batteries can cause accidents and loss of control. Riders may suddenly be unable to stop, change direction, or navigate safely, risking collisions with cars, pedestrians, or objects.
Users and scooter-sharing businesses should regularly check and maintain electric scooters to avoid accidents caused by faulty equipment. If an accident is caused by a defective scooter or malfunctioning part, an electric scooter accident attorney in Queens can help determine liability and hold responsible parties accountable for the resulting injuries and damages.
Traffic Violations and Non-Adherence to Traffic Laws
Traffic violations and disregard for the law significantly influence accidents involving electric scooters in Queens. Some riders ignore traffic signals and cause accidents with vehicles or pedestrians. Additionally, unsafe situations can be created, and the probability of accidents is increased by improper lane changes, failure to yield, and illegal turns.
At The Ward Law Group, we always emphasize the importance of following traffic laws. We must teach civic education in schools and ensure our community understands this. Otherwise, the doors of chaos will remain open, and the percentage of accidents could increase, and that is precisely what we want to avoid.
Lack of Rider Experience and Training
Inadequate training and rider inexperience with electric scooters can also lead to accidents. Many scooter-sharing programs provide electric scooters to the public. However, they do not teach them to ride safely, take security measures, or be aware of potential dangers. Inexperienced riders may struggle to control the scooter, especially in hazardous driving scenarios or densely populated locations.
To solve this issue, scooter-sharing companies and local governments can educate individuals and conduct safety campaigns. These initiatives aim to teach people how to use scooters properly and responsibly. Additionally, before traversing congested streets, riders should take the initiative to practice riding in controlled situations and progressively strengthen their skills.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Can you imagine riding full speed on one of these electric scooters after a heavy snowfall? Do you think you could make your way through the ice-covered sidewalk? Heavy rain could also take away your vision. Can an electric scooter make its way through puddles of water or strong winter winds that reach the entire Atlantic coast?
Bad weather may also cause this type of accident, as we have found answers to all the related questions.
Riders of electric scooters in Queens may experience significant safety risks due to unfavorable weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. Slick road surfaces have less traction, making brake and driving safely harder. Accidents are more likely in bad weather like rain or snow because it's difficult for other drivers to see scooters.
Be careful when using an electric scooter, and change how you ride in bad weather. Accident risk can be reduced by driving slowly, keeping a safe distance from other cars, and avoiding sudden maneuvers. Scooter riders should consider delaying their trips and putting safety before convenience when the weather is bad.
Things like traffic violations, new riders, and bad weather can impact the frequency of e-scooter accidents in Queens. To make scooter riding safer in Queens, riders should follow safety guidelines, get proper training, and consider weather conditions.
Understanding Electric Scooter Laws in Queens
The following is a summary of the main rules and laws that Queen's users of electric scooters should be aware of:
Helmet Requirements
Electric scooter users in Queens, as well as the rest of New York, must wear helmets. All scooter drivers in New York State, regardless of age, must wear an approved helmet when operating a scooter (Section 1238). This rule is intended to improve rider safety by reducing the danger of head injuries. Riders must choose a helmet that meets state safety standards and provides enough protection.
You may find this law strange because you have likely seen many scooter riders who do not wear helmets. However, the fact that people do not respect a law does not mean that the law does not exist.
Knowing and following the rules is important for a scooter rider to avoid accidents and legal trouble.
Speed limits
Electric scooter riders in Queens must adhere to set speed limits to ensure a responsible and safe ride. Riders are generally expected to ride scooters at speeds that are acceptable for the current conditions and do not endanger themselves or others. In contrast, particular scooter speed limitations may vary depending on local legislation and road classifications. Excessive speeding can have legal consequences for motorcyclists and cause accidents.
Designated Riding Areas
Like other areas of New York, Queens might have designated areas where electric scooters are permitted. Scooter riders should familiarize themselves with local laws to find where to ride. Scooters may occasionally be permitted on designated shared pathways or bicycle lanes. However, riders should refrain from using sidewalks because doing so can endanger pedestrians.
All users must be fully aware of Queens' electric scooter legislation. Riders can make cities safer by wearing helmets, following speed limits, knowing where to ride, and obeying traffic rules. Riders should stay updated with any law changes or updates to comply with local regulations when riding electric scooters in Queens. This is important for ensuring safety.
Determining Liability in Electric Scooter Accidents
As mentioned earlier, determining a degree of legal liability can be tedious, although it can be difficult to determine the degree of legal responsibility.
Negligence and Liability
Negligence in electric scooter accidents can mean reckless driving, ignoring traffic rules, or not caring for the scooter. Some aspects regarding the liability debate around scooter accidents could be the following:
Potential Parties at Fault
1. Scooter Riders:
The rider of an electric scooter bears primary liability for safe operation. If riders cause accidents by speeding, running red lights, or riding on sidewalks, they may have to pay for the damages.
2. Motorists:
Drivers of all vehicles, including electric scooters, must share the road responsibly and be aware of their surroundings. A driver can be held responsible if they cause a crash with an electric scooter. This can happen if they are not careful, such as texting while driving or not giving way.
3. Scooter Rental Companies:
The scooter company may be held accountable when a malfunction or lack of maintenance causes an accident. Rental companies must guarantee the maintenance and safety of the scooters they provide.
4. Municipalities:
Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or hazardous road conditions may exacerbate electric scooter accidents. If poor road maintenance or design is a contributing factor, a municipality may be held partially responsible.
Evidence in Liability Determination
To establish liability, various forms of evidence may be considered:
- Eyewitness Statements: Accounts from people who saw the accident can offer important details about what happened.
- Video Footage: The accident may be captured by surveillance cameras or even smartphone recordings that can be used to reconstruct what happened.
- Police Reports: Key information can be documented, and official police reports can offer an objective viewpoint at the accident scene.
- Expert Analysis: Experts in accident reconstruction can examine the scene, the vehicle damage, and other elements to explain how the accident happened.
As we can see, an accident of this type could become a complex case. To determine which legal strategy to follow, a thorough and personalized analysis is necessary.
Contact a Queens Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
You can rely on our expertise to help you with your electric scooter accident in Queens. 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 has been 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 take care of legal matters. We will bring justice to you. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation.