Bird, Razor, Lime, Lyft, and Spin and other various E-scooter companies have been dropping off hundreds or even thousands of GPS-tracked scooters in cities for the last few years. Users pay a small per-mile or per-minute fee, and can pick up and drop off scooters anywhere they choose, making the shared scooter model extremely convenient.
However, scooter users are finding themselves in dangerous situations, as some cities ban E-scooters from sidewalks, therefore pushing scooter users onto busy, dangerous roadways, often without bike lanes or shoulders. What happens if you get injured by a driver while using an E-scooter? Victims often do not know where to turn, or if they are allowed to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
E-Scooters Could Solve the “Last Mile” Problem, Yet are Chastised in Many Communities
Electric scooter, or E-scooters, start ups are attempting to tackle the “last mile” transportation problem—getting people to and from transportation hubs. For example, someone may live within walking distance of a bus stop, but work a mile or two off the bus line. Or, someone may work near a light rail station, but live two miles from the end of the line in a suburb. This has been a problem for America’s public transportation system for decades, as bus stops and train lines are few and far between, and our road infrastructure is designed solely for cars, not pedestrians or cyclists.
An E-scooter, which can be ridden on the sidewalk, does not have to be folded up to take on a bus, and travels much faster than a person on foot. However, pedestrians and, particularly, drivers have been very critical of E-scooters due to safety concerns, and about lack of usable space (sidewalk space).
Many cities have banned shared E-scooters. Campbell considered this option, but has allowed them for the time being, according to KCBS Radio. Even if you were riding a scooter on public or private property that did not allow E-scooters, you still may have the ability to file a personal injury claim, depending on other factors.
As a Victim, You Have Rights
E-scooter injuries are often severe, particularly if a vehicle was involved. Injuries often include traumatic brain injury, contusions, lacerations, fractured wrist or ankle, fractured arm or collarbone, and sprains and strains. Like other road users, you have the right to sue for medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning ability, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
If you were injured by a driver or another party as an E-scooter user, whether it was your own personal property (you owned the scooter) or it was the property of a rideshare/scooter share company, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Potential at-fault parties could be:
- Driver;
- Bus driver;
- Aggressive pedestrian;
- E-scooter rideshare company; or
- Scooter manufacturer.
A San Jose E-Scooter Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Today
Were you riding a scooter or an E-scooter and suffered an injury from a negligent driver or other party? Our experienced San Jose E-scooter accident attorneys at Solution Now Law Firm are here to help. Call us for a free consultation today.
