E-scooter Accidents

Anyone walking around Chicago nowadays will notice the ubiquitous presence of electric scooters on the roadways. The electric scooter companies of Divvy, Lime and Spin were given the concessions to operate in Chicago. The rise of e-scooter use in Chicago is accompanied by a rise of e-scooter related emergency room visits. The e-scooter injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have witnessed the rise in injuries firsthand.

There are a variety of ways people are injured using e-scooters. The most common causes of crashes are as follows:

Collisions with Motor Vehicles and Pedestrians: Electric scooters often share the road with cars, trucks, and bicycles, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Collisions can occur when drivers fail to notice scooters, particularly on congested Chicago streets and in Chicago’s busy and confusing intersections.

Potholes, Gravel, Debris: Chicago’s notoriously potholed and uneven road surfaces, loose rocks and debris pose significant hazards for electric scooter riders. Small wheels can easily get caught in potholes or skid on loose rocks, causing riders to lose control and crash.

Driver Mistakes: Inexperienced riders who might be renting an e-scooter for the first time and may not know how to ride a scooter. They make mistakes such as making abrupt stops, making sudden turns, or failing to yield to pedestrians. These mistakes can lead to accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.

Defective Scooter: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or electrical problems, can lead to accidents. Poor maintenance or manufacturing defects are often to blame in these cases.

Electric Scooters are especially dangerous for the following reasons:

Scooter Small Wheels and Instability: The small wheels of electric scooters make them less stable than bicycles or motorcycles. Once the rider is thrown off balance there is a high probability of being thrown down. This instability can make it more likely the rider will go down after hitting a pothole, uneven surface or debris.

High Speeds: Many electric scooters can reach speeds of 15-30 mph or higher. At these speeds, accidents can result in severe injuries, particularly if the rider is thrown from the scooter onto the pavement.

Visibility: Scooter riders may be hard to see in traffic.

Road Hazards: Potholes, cracks, and debris on the road pose significant risks to electric scooter riders. These hazards can cause sudden stops or loss of control, leading to accidents.

Lack of Experience: As e-scooters are a new phenomenon, many scooter riders lack the experience or training needed to operate the scooters safely. Inexperience can lead to crashes with riders being unaware of the risks involved in riding an e-scooter.

Cuts: Minor to severe lacerations can occur when riders fall on the pavement or collide with objects or vehicles.

Scrapes: Road rash and abrasions are common, especially when riders skid across the pavement.

Broken Bones: Fractures, particularly in the arms, wrists, and legs, can result from falls or collisions.

Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other head injuries are serious risks, especially for riders not wearing helmets.

Bruises: Contusions and bruises are common in falls and collisions, often resulting from impact with the ground or other objects.

Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to protect yourself in case of a fall on pavement.

Check the Scooter Before Use: Inspect the scooter for any damage or loose parts before riding. Ensure the brakes are functioning properly.

Follow Traffic Rules: Obey all traffic signals and signs. Ride in designated bike lanes where available, and never ride on sidewalks.

Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when riding at dawn, dusk, or night. Make sure the scooter has working front and rear lights or reflectors. Don’t be dressed in all black.

Use Both Hands: Always keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain control. Don’t hot dog.

Avoid Distractions: Do not use headphones or mobile devices while riding to be able to hear horns. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.

Ride Solo: Only one person should ride the scooter at a time. Additional passengers can affect balance and control and are a distraction.

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, including pedestrians, other vehicles, and potential hazards like potholes or debris.

Ride at a Safe Speed: Do not exceed the speed limit for scooters and adjust your speed according to the riding conditions. Don’t try to race other riders.

Be Cautious in Wet Conditions: Avoid riding in the rain or on wet surfaces, as they can be slippery and reduce braking effectiveness.

Practice in Safe Areas: If you are new to riding a scooter, practice in a safe, open area away from traffic until you are comfortable.

Follow Age and Weight Limits: Make sure you are within the age and weight limits recommended by the scooter manufacturer.

Park Responsibly: When finished, park the scooter in a safe location where it will not obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles.

An experienced e-scooter injury lawyer can help prove liability if there is another vehicle involved in the crash and get the money compensation that you deserve.

Investigating the Accident: The lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. will thoroughly investigate the accident scene, talk to witnesses and obtain any available video footage of the accident.

Obtaining Medical Records and Bills: We will ensure that all medical records and bills are obtained and accurately reflect the injuries sustained, supporting the claim for compensation.

Negotiating a Settlement with the Insurance Company: The lawyers Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. can handle negotiations with insurance companies, aiming to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Litigating the Case in Court if the Case Cannot Be Settled: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the experienced trial lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. will be prepared to take the case to court and aggressively advocate for your case before a jury.

If you are injured in an e-scooter accident and someone else is at fault, call the lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. for a free consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 4100 N. Western Ave.