What to Do After a Motorized Scooter Accident Injury

The prevalence of electric scooters on North Carolina streets has increased steadily over the last few years. In downtown Charlotte, electric scooters are a fun, economical, and convenient mode of transportation. Unfortunately, as electric scooter use increases, they are more at risk of scooter injuries. Electric scooters are quieter and smaller than other motor vehicles on the road.

Riding an electric scooter may seem easy, but it takes a certain degree of skill. If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident, whether you were riding the scooter or you were a pedestrian or driver, it is crucial that you understand your rights. Victims of electric scooter accidents caused by another person's negligence can pursue compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

The first step in recovering compensation after being injured in a scooter accident is determining who is liable. Given the nature of electric scooters being ridden on city streets, there are two general categories of accidents involving scooters. The first category involves vehicles that collide with scooter riders. The second involves scooter riders who caused accidents because of their negligence. If a driver causes an accident because of his or her negligence, the driver is at fault. For example, if a driver is distracted or drives through a yellow or red traffic light or stop sign and collides with an electric scooter rider, the driver would likely be at fault.

Electric scooter riders can be more difficult to see than regular vehicles. When drivers are not paying attention, they can easily miss a scooter rider. Scooter riders have the right of way to cross intersections. When the driver is negligent, their car insurance will cover the injured rider’s medical expenses and repairs needed for the electric scooter.

Other cases involve electric scooter riders who negligently collide with a driver. In some instances, scooter riders get on electric scooters while they are intoxicated with drugs or alcohol. They may not be paying attention to vehicles and dart out into a driver’s lane, causing a collision. Another common accident that can be caused by negligence happens when a scooter rider merges lanes incorrectly. When a scooter rider does not change lanes safely, it can cause a vehicle to brake or swerve abruptly. In other cases, scooter drivers themselves are distracted and hit property, a pedestrian, a car, or another scooter rider. In these instances, the scooter ride can be held accountable and liable for any damages that result from the accident.

The steps you take after being involved in a scooter accident can help or hurt your claim for compensation. The most important step is to call 911 and ask for an ambulance and a police officer to come to the accident scene. If you are unsure how severe your injuries are, it is better to err on the side of caution and request an ambulance. Not only is it important to do so so you can recover, but it is also essential to establish medical records showing that you were injured.

You should stay at the scene of the accident, or you may face a potential hit-and-run charge. Take photos of the scene of the accident and record any damage. You should also take photos of your injuries. Ensure you get contact information for any witnesses, including the other individual's insurance information and driver's license number. The police officer who comes to the accident scene can file a police report that could help you prove negligence. Make sure you follow your doctor's orders and take all your prescribed medication.

As the use of electric scooters continues to rise, it is difficult for North Carolina cities to keep up with the changing laws and technology. The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, stay on top of all significant developments related to electric scooters in accidents involving them. We have a proven track record of holding companies and individuals accountable when their negligence results in serious injuries.

Our attorneys will demand answers and justice from the person or company who put your safety at risk. If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in an electric scooter accident, contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can fight for you.