If you are a fan of rideshare services, you may also be a fan of the latest craze to take over many cities in the United States — rental electric scooters. Electric scooters are the newest form of rideshare transportation that is catching on in large and small cities. Companies like Bird Rides and Lime are offering electric scooters for rent, much like the bike-share companies.
Many people find electric scooters easy to use and convenient. The scooters can be locked and unlocked with a smartphone and can travel at speeds of up to 15 mph. However, there are risks and dangers associated with electric scooters.
Accidents Involving Electric Scooters Are Increasing
Many people do not believe that scooters pose much risk because they do not travel at high rates of speed. Other people view the scooters as “toys” because they resemble manual scooters that many children ride. However, injuries and deaths involving electric scooters are increasing. Electric scooters are no safer than any other motorized vehicle.
Just last month, a man in Washington, DC was killed while riding a Lime electric scooter. An SUV struck Carlos Sanchez-Martin and drug him over a dozen yards before pinning him under the vehicle. A Dallas man was killed in an electric scooter accident last month too. The 24-year old man apparently fell off the electric scooter and died from his injuries at the hospital. The scooter was found about 100 yards away from the victim and was broken in half. The victim’s family believes the incident was not an accident and someone else was involved.
According to an article in The Washington Post, visits to emergency rooms are increasing as the use of electric scooters increase. The Post interviewed doctors in emergency rooms in seven cities. The doctors report they experienced an increase in severe accidents after companies began offering the electric scooters for rent.
Texas Regulates Electric Scooters
Local municipal regulations and the Texas Transportation Code regulate the use of electric scooters throughout Texas. Some of the important regulations for electric scooters that riders should know include:
- Riders on electric scooters must wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18 years.
- No experience, training, license, or registration is required to rent or use an electric scooter.
- Electric scooters may only operate on roads that have a speed limit of 35 mph or below.
- Many cities forbid electric scooters on sidewalks.
- Except when making a left-hand turn, riders on electric scooters must remain as close to the right side of the road as possible.
Many cities are passing regulations and laws governing electric scooters, as are some states. If you intend to rent an electric scooter from a rideshare company, you should research the regulations in your city to ensure you comply with all laws.
Why Are Electric Scooters Dangerous?
Electric scooters pose several risks and dangers for riders. Some of the reasons for the inherent dangers of electric scooters include:
- Scooters are even more difficult to see on the road than a motorcycle because of the small size and lack of a frame.
- Riders have absolutely no protection during a collision because the scooter has no frame.
- Because riders are not required to complete training for the use of a scooter, many of the riders are inexperienced.
- Potholes, road debris, and other obstacles can easily cause a rider to lose control of the scooter. Electric scooters are unstable as the wheels lock easily and the is balancing on two small wheels.
- Riders very rarely wear helmets or other protective gear when riding an electric scooter.
- Riders may not be familiar with traffic laws related to scooters.
Determining what caused the electric scooter accident is essential for recovering compensation for your injuries. One or more parties may be liable for your damages depending on the circumstances and facts in your case. Our Houston electric scooter accident attorneys investigate your scooter accident to identify the responsible parties and gather evidence to hold those parties liable for your losses and damages.
Some of the common causes of an electric scooter accident include:
- Riding on sidewalks or uneven surfaces
- Inexperienced riders
- Road hazards or adverse weather conditions
- The actions of other motorists
- Instability
- Riding a scooter with another person
- Debris in the road
- Extremely low visibility for other motorists
If you are injured in an electric scooter accident, our Houston electric scooter accident attorneys want to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Damages in an Electric Scooter Accident
Injuries in an electric scooter accident can range from mild injuries to traumatic and life-threatening injuries. Broken bones, neck injuries, brain injuries, cuts, bruises, back injuries, and sprains and strains are just some of the injuries riders sustain in an electric scooter accident. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries. Insurance companies also use a delay in medical treatment to defend against injury claims.
Damages that may be included in a Texas electric scooter accident claim include:
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Future and ongoing medical or personal care
- Loss of household services
- Loss of guidance, support, companionship, and counsel
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability and impairment
It is important to carefully document all losses and damages to maximize the amount of money you may receive for your injury claim.
Call a Houston Electric Scooter Accident Attorney for More Information
The Texas electric scooter accident lawyers of Weycer Law Firm want to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to receive for your scooter accident. For a free consultation, call (713) 668-4545. You may also use the chat feature on our website for information 24/7.