Questions To Ask Before Hiring A California E-Scooter Accident Lawyer

Even through complaints about increased traffic, controversies about safety, and a global pandemic, it is clear that e-scooters are here to stay in the US. These vehicles are practically a staple in large urban areas like Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco and San Jose, and ridership is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. Statistics reveal that the e-scooter market size was $19.4 billion in 2020, and it is expected to exceed $28 billion by 2026. This is good news for those who get around via e-scooter ridesharing, which is often more convenient and affordable than driving a car.

Still, the risk of e-scooter accidents remains high, despite implementation of enhanced safety measures and updates to the vehicles themselves. If you were hurt in such an incident, retaining legal counsel is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Because this might be the first time you have ever needed representation, here are a few questions to ask before hiring an Oakland e-scooter accident attorney. 

How does insurance work for e-scooter collisions? Insurance is closely tied to fault when it comes to motor vehicle accidents, including e-scooters. If you were hurt by a negligent driver while riding, you would file a claim with his or her insurer. You will be required to prove that the at-fault motorist caused the accident through the failure to exercise reasonable care when driving. 

What are the strengths and weaknesses with my case? Lawyers cannot make guarantees about the outcome, but they can tell you which facts work in your favor – and what might adversely affect your rights. One key issue is whether you were also negligent while riding an e-scooter, which can be a major weakness under California’s comparative fault rules. If you were careless, your compensation might be reduced. 

Will my claim settle or go to court? Every e-scooter accident case is different, but insurers are often willing to resolve your claim by agreement. These companies are less likely to settle for a fair amount if the evidence of fault by their policyholder is sketchy or if your injuries were not severe. When the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, the next step is a lawsuit. An attorney can provide insight on what to expect. 

Is there a time limitation on my e-scooter accident case? Yes, the California statute of limitations applies to these crashes, and the clock starts ticking the date of the e-scooter collision. You have two years to file a lawsuit in court, even if you are still discussing settlement with an insurer. If you allow the deadline to expire, you lose your rights forever. 

Our Oakland E-Scooter Accident Lawyers Can Provide Answers

Finding the right fit with a personal injury attorney can be challenging, but these questions should help guide you. You can ask our team at Venardi Zurada, LLP about other issues that impact your case, so please contact our offices in Oakland or Walnut Creek, CA to schedule a consultation. We can offer additional details after learning about your circumstances.

Resource:

grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/electric-scooters-market