Electric scooters have become a fun and easy way for people to travel from place to place. Whether a person uses their electric scooter to get around a busy city like Los Angeles or to navigate a college campus, it has been reported that there are over 85,000 electric scooters in use across the United States. While electric scooters may be the trendy way to take a tour or ride around town, accidents can happen at any time.
Younglove Law Group is a personal injury law firm with experience helping clients who have been injured in electric scooter accidents. If you are considering riding an electric scooter in California in the future, there are serious risks you should consider first.
Are Electric Scooters Dangerous to Ride in California?
While electric scooters may seem harmless, they can actually cause you to be at higher risk of an accident. If you are thinking about using an electric scooter, there are several risks you should consider first.
Lack of Experience
Many e-scooter riders hop on without having much, or any, experience. Electric scooters are not as simple to operate as they may seem, and the lack of experience can cause the driver to get hurt. If you are thinking of riding an e-scooter, consider taking one for a test drive in an empty and safe space first.
Lack of Bicycle Lanes
E-scooter drivers are supposed to remain in bicycle lanes or on the sidewalks, but that is not always an option for riders when in cities like Los Angeles where bike lanes are sparse. This forces riders to drive on busy roads with other motor vehicles that could potentially hit them.
No Protection
If a person is involved in an accident while riding an electric scooter, there is no protection to keep them from being injured. It is likely that the rider will be thrown from the scooter and will sustain severe injuries. This is why it is crucial that riders wear a helmet and other safety gear.
Lack of Visibility on the Road
Due to the small size of electric scooters, it can be difficult for a driver of a larger motor vehicle to notice an e-scooter rider. This lack of visibility can result in a deadly accident.
Dooring Accidents
These accidents occur when a person in a parked vehicle opens their door into the path of an electric scooter rider, causing them to crash into the door.
Road Hazards
It can be difficult for riders to maneuver out of the way of hazards on the road.
While electric scooters may be an exciting and scenic mode of transportation, there are risks to consider before choosing to ride one.
Common Injuries Resulting from Electric Scooter Accidents
If you or a loved one has been involved in an electric scooter accident in California, you may have suffered severe injuries as a result. Some common injuries suffered by electric scooter accident victims include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Loss of limbs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident, you may be owed financial compensation for your losses and injuries.
Contact a California Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
After being involved in an electric scooter accident with a negligent party, victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for their losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering. To get help with your electric scooter accident claim, contact a California electric scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Younglove Law Group is a team of personal injury lawyers with experience helping clients in California who have been involved in electric scooter accidents. Our award-winning legal team provides our clients with the dedicated and trusted representation they need to build a strong claim. To schedule a free case review, contact us here or call (949) 691-3660.