Many cities in California including Los Angeles has allowed the use of electric scooters. Electric scooters such as Bird or Lime are appealing to many riders as they offer a convenient alternative mode of transportation. But as convenient as they may be, riders should be aware of the numerous risks associated with electric scooters.
Electric Scooters Safety Issues
Although the popularity of electric scooters continues to rise in Los Angeles, there are a number of safety issues that can easily injury the rider or nearby pedestrians.
Due to their weight, electric scooters are often unstable and provide no bodily protection. As such, the chances of an accident involving an electric scooter accident is significantly increased.
In terms of size, electric scooters are small – making them hard for motorists to see. It’s not hard for motorists to collide into an electric scooter simply due to their size.
Many riders operate electric scooters at high speeds up to 15 miles per hour – making the impact of an accident even more serious. Some riders even refrain from wearing helmets or any protective gear.
Certain road hazards such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or roadway debris can cause scooters to crash when riders try to avoid to maneuver around these dangers.
Additionally, riders may have little to no experience operating an electric scooter – posing even more risks to nearby pedestrians and motorists. A large percentage of Lime and Bird riders have never even ridden one before.
Types of Electric Scooter Injuries
The various safety issues illustrate the types of accidents that can happen when operating an electric scooter. Other accidents can include but are not limited to injuries to due vehicular malfunction, crashes due to road hazards, and crashes after being chased by an off-leash dog.
As a rider, you can easily get hit by a swerving car. As a pedestrian, you can get injured after getting hit by a scooter rider or even trip on a scooter that is left in front of a building or the middle of a sidewalk
An electric scooter crash can result in various injuries from minor injuries such as cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as concussions or spinal cord damage. Victims can even sustain broken bones, back, or neck injuries. Electric scooter accidents can cause serious damage and these injuries illustrate just how dangerous they can be. In severe cases, electric scooter accidents can even result in wrongful death.
From 2017 to 2018, there have been 249 scooter-related emergency visits. A majority of the victims sustained injuries as a result of falling off the scooter or getting hit by another vehicle.
Seek Legal Counsel from Expert Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been involved in an electric scooter accident, you need an experienced electric scooter accident lawyer to fight for you. Scooter companies are protected by defense lawyers who are skilled at protecting their clients and challenging your claims. Our highly skilled attorneys have won cases throughout Los Angeles and will make sure you are represented through the entire legal process.
