Common Risks and Injuries from E-Scooter Accidents
| July 10th, 2023
Electric scooter use in California has increased over the past several years, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around town. These motorized vehicles are the go-to option for short-distance commuting, with the popular e-scooter model LINK traveling around 420,000 miles and taking more than 270,000 trips in Los Angeles as of January 2022.
Despite their convenience and environmental benefits, e-scooters can cause serious injuries that require diagnostic imaging, hospital stays, and follow-up care. 1,354 people were injured by e-scooters in the greater Los Angeles area between 2014 and 2020, 6% of whom required inpatient admission.
If you suffer injuries in an e-scooter accident due to another’s negligent behavior, you can seek compensation. The California e-scooter accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can review evidence to determine what caused your accident and help you pursue a fair settlement from the liable party.
The Risks of E-Scooters
E-scooters can be a convenient way to commute in California cities, but they pose unique risks to riders. The most common e-scooter risks include pedestrian or vehicle collisions, falls, and accidents caused by mechanical failure.
- Collisions with Pedestrians or Vehicles
The compact size and high-speed capability of e-scooters can increase the likelihood of collisions, especially in crowded urban areas. For example, riders can have trouble maneuvering through pedestrian-filled sidewalks or busy intersections, leading to accidents and injuries. From 2014 to 2020, there were 2 fatalities due to e-scooter riders being hit by vehicles in LA.
- Falls Due to Poorly Maintained Roads
Uneven surfaces, potholes, or road debris can cause riders to lose balance and fall from their e-scooters. These hazards can be particularly dangerous when riders travel at high speeds or are unfamiliar with the road conditions.
- Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure
E-scooters can experience technical malfunctions like brake failures or sudden power cutoffs. This can result in an accident, injuring the rider or others sharing the road. For example, a rider’s e-scooter battery malfunctions, causing it to shut down suddenly. Since e-scooters can travel between 15 to 30 mph, abruptly stopping can throw the rider forward, causing injuries to the rider or pedestrians.
Common Injuries
E-scooter accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries, including fractures, concussions, and spinal cord damage. A 2022 study found that 945 e-scooter riders visited the ER for treatment after a crash, while 21 were treated in a critical care unit and 72 in an inpatient visit.
- Fractures
A 2021 study revealed that fractures accounted for nearly 39.2% of all e-scooter-related injuries. Among the commonly fractured bones are those in the upper extremities, such as the wrist, forearm, and shoulder. Fractures can cause chronic pain, restrict mobility, and often require medical intervention, including casting, surgery, or rehabilitation.
- Concussions
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury frequently associated with e-scooter accidents. These injuries occur when a rider experiences a sudden blow or jolt to the head, causing the brain to move within the skull.
In a 2022 study, concussions were observed in 38.8% of e-scooter accidents. Even seemingly mild concussions can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and well-being, impacting memory, focus, and mood.
- Spinal Cord Damages
While less common, severe e-scooter accidents can cause spinal cord damage. A 2022 study found that spinal and rib fractures accounted for 2.1% of e-scooter injuries. Spinal injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. The consequences of spinal cord injuries are often life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
E-Scooters and Liability
To file a personal injury claim, you must determine who is at fault and submit evidence to prove their negligence. In e-scooter accidents, multiple parties may be held liable, including the rider, the e-scooter company, or other third parties, such as a vehicle driver or municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway.
Our experienced e-scooter accident attorneys from Berg Injury Lawyers can help you gather strong evidence for your case and file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company.
For example, we can use photographs of the accident showing damage to you and the scooter, skid marks, road signs, and traffic signals to prove a driver was speeding or an uneven sidewalk led to your accident.
We can also use medical reports and witness statements to support your claim and help you win a fair settlement for your economic and intangible losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
California law requires insurers to decide on a claim within 40 days of receipt. Once your attorney submits claim documentation, the insurer must notify you within this time whether it will accept or deny the settlement demand.
If they refuse to pay, we can submit additional evidence and negotiate for fair compensation. If you cannot reach an agreement, your legal team can help you file a personal injury lawsuit for a California judge or jury to decide your damage award.
Navigating E-Scooter Accidents: Seek Compensation With Berg Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been involved in an e-scooter accident in California, our attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can help you win damages for your injuries. We’ve won millions of dollars in settlement awards for our personal injury clients. We will use our experience and knowledge in e-scooter injury cases to ensure you receive compensation for your losses due to another’s actions.
Contact our legal team today for a free consultation. We will review your e-scooter accident to determine fault, help you file a claim, and protect your interests so you can recover the damages you’re owed.
