More and more people are choosing to rent a shared electric scooter when they need to make short trips around the city these days. A scooter can move surprisingly fast and an uncaring rider can easily cause an accident though. Sometimes a shared electric scooter accident is cut and dry, but sometimes it can actually be quite difficult to assign blame or find an insurer to sue. This is when you might need the help of a Queens pedestrian accident attorney.
What Are NYC’s Rules About Shared Electric Scooter Operation?
NYC has specific rules about shared electric scooters. If you are riding one, you should:
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Not exceed speeds of 15 miles per hour
- Stay in bike lanes or roads with speed limits 30 miles per hour or lower
- Not ride on sidewalks
- Wear a helmet, but it’s only mandatory for 16- and 17-year old riders
A rider who violates these rules could be held liable in an accident.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Likely in a Shared Electric Scooter Accident?
Accidents like these can lead to serious injuries, especially for pedestrians or the scooter riders themselves. Common injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ damage
- Facial trauma
- Road rash
Serious injuries can result in a pile of medical bills and weeks of missed work. You should be able to sue for compensation that can help make up for your healthcare expenses and lost wages.
Who Can I Sue After a Shared Electric Scooter Accident?
Suing someone after a shared electric scooter accident can be more difficult than expected though. Let’s say that the scooter rider causes the accident. They may not have any kind of insurance coverage since it is not mandatory. You may have to hope that the rental company that lends out the scooter has a policy.
If a driver hits you while you’re riding a scooter, that case can be a bit more cut and dry. You should be able to get compensation through the driver’s insurance policy if they are found to be negligent.
An accident can also be caused by a defect in the scooter itself. In cases like these, a rental company could be found liable for not maintaining its equipment. You could also find yourself in a situation where the scooter rider broke a rule by driving on a sidewalk or speeding, but the accident was also caused by a defect in the scooter, like bad brakes. This is why we recommend talking to an attorney if you get hurt in a shared electric scooter accident. Cases like these can get complex quickly.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have been injured in a shared electric scooter accident, we may be able to help. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and ask to schedule a consultation. We can help you hold any liable parties accountable for their negligence.
