Surge of E-Scooter Accidents Rise with Popularity

Between 2017 and 2021, the number of emergency visits related to e-scooter accidents rose 450% as the popularity of the devices rose. As the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow across the country, so too do the number of accidents related to e-scooters. Here in California, companies like Lyme and Bird have deposited e-scooters all across major cities. Individuals can rent the e-scooters at a reasonable price, ride them to their destination, and then deposit the e-scooter at the location when they arrive. Another individual in need of the e-scooter can then use it for their benefit.

While e-scooters may be fun and convenient, they are also dangerous. Many riders tend to ignore helmet requirements that put them at a greater risk of head injury. The scooters are often deposited at destinations in an unsafe way creating a tripping hazard. Deposited e-scooters present a potential danger to vehicles on the road, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Improper e-scooter parking creates risk for pedestrians

Improper e-scooter parking creates a risk for those who use wheelchairs, the elderly, and the blind. They also increase the risk for those who have a small amount of sidewalk space. This can include urban communities and low-income communities as well. E-scooters can potentially create obstructions that result in trip and fall accidents.

That begs the question, what liability does an e-scooter company have to the public? In many cases, the answer is none. E-scooter companies tend to hide behind user service agreements that reduce the company’s liability for where and how an e-scooter is parked. In other words, they blame the customer for failing to park the e-scooter properly. This, of course, doesn’t address the overall problem.

Head injuries likely in e-scooter accidents

Head injuries are among the most common types of injuries suffered by individuals who are using e-scooters. They can also be suffered by pedestrians who collide with e-scooter riders on sidewalks and roadways.

Common accidents generally boil down to one of three situations. Those include a pedestrian or cyclist who is injured by an e-scooter rider, an e-scooter rider who is injured due to another person’s negligence, or a mechanical defect in the e-scooter that causes an accident. In some of these situations, you may be able to file a lawsuit. This is especially true when there is a mechanical defect with the e-scooter that causes an injury to a rider. In many cases, the e-scooter company will fight claims related to these injuries and blame the rider for their own injuries.

It can be difficult to sue an e-scooter company for negligence. However, it is possible with the help of an experienced attorney.

Contact an Oakland, CA E-Scooter Injury Attorney Today

 The Oakland, CA e-scooter injury attorneys at Venardi Zurada represent the interests of those who are injured on an e-scooter. If you have sustained an injury due to a malfunctioning e-scooter, you may be able to file a claim against the company for negligence. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation, and we can discuss your injuries in more detail.

Source:

smartcitiesdive.com/news/e-scooter-accidents-surge-as-the-micromobility-devices-popularity-grows/635478/