Who Is Responsible for an Electric Scooter Accident in Maryland?
In recent years, the popularity of electric scooters has seen a dramatic increase, especially in bigger cities. As fuel prices and other commuting related costs have increased, electric scooters have provided a more cost-effective alternative for getting around. Also, with recent court decisions being made, whether the scooter is street legal is also an issue. As the use of electric scooters has grown, so has the number of injuries that occur during their use. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 57,800 electric scooter related injuries in 2020.
Like any accident involving two or more parties, fault will need to be determined in order to determine damages and work out insurance considerations. If you find yourself in a situation where you are involved in an electric scooter accident, having support from us at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you navigate this challenging time and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in Electric Scooter Accidents
The nature of electric scooter injuries aren’t that different from accidents involving bicycles and other such forms of transportation. In fact, it could be argued that the advantages of using an electric scooter are canceled out by the disadvantages—especially when there is an accident. In short, electric scooters offer very little protection from other vehicles, meaning that if there is a collision, serious injuries are likely to occur. Most of the time, these types of accidents lead to the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
Because these injuries will likely be serious, the road to recovery will be difficult. Hospital visits, specialists, and rehabilitation may become frequent. This can cause a great deal of strain, both financially and mentally.
Different Types of Electric Scooter Accidents
Obviously, electric scooter accidents can involve many different scenarios. While they are most likely to occur on a city street, there are various other factors that are typically involved that can lead to common types of accidents, including:
Struck by Another Vehicle
Probably the most common accident occurs when a driver strikes a person on an electric scooter. These also lead to the most serious injuries, as the person on the scooter has virtually no protection against a moving vehicle. Because the vast majority of electric scooters are operating on busy city streets, they are traveling among a large number of fast moving cars. Because things are moving so fast, a split second decision or mistake can lead to serious consequences, either in the form of an injury or property damage.
Losing Control of the Scooter
Because they are a relatively new entity, users are typically not the most experienced when it comes to operating an electric scooter. This can cause obvious issues, usually resulting in the person falling off of the scooter and injuring themselves or slamming into parked cars or other stationary objects causing property damage.
Mechanical Failures
Because the technology of electric scooters is relatively new, that can mean that the scooter itself can malfunction. When that happens, the person on the scooter is very likely to be injured, usually being thrown off the scooter down onto the pavement.
Who Is Responsible for an Electric Scooter Accident?
The answer to this question depends highly on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, fault is assigned among four parties:
- Driver of vehicle that struck a person on an electric scooter
- Person on the electric scooter
- The manufacturer of the electric scooter
- The city or entity that maintains the roadway where the accident occurred
A driver is at-fault when their negligent or reckless driving caused the accident with the electric scooter, while the person on the electric scooter is liable for any damage or injury they cause when there is no other party involved.
As to the other entities, the scooter manufacturer is liable for any injuries the scooter user suffers because of a mechanical failure or an otherwise defective part or software causes an accident. Along those same lines, the city can be held liable if the electric scooter injury is caused by an improperly maintained road or sidewalk.
Consult a Knowledgeable Maryland Electric Scooter Accident Attorney
Being injured in an electric scooter accident can be a scary experience. Thankfully, if you decide to work with our knowledgeable, experienced Maryland personal injury attorney at The Law Office of Hillel Traub, you don’t have to go through this alone. Hillel Traub is a former lawyer from MVA and has over 20 years of experience in dealing with these types of cases. We know how to position your case to get you maximum compensation to restore your health. If you have been injured in an accident involving an electric scooter, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office by phone at (410) 580-1100 or by filling out our contact form.