You must have seen them in town. Sticking to the edge of the sidewalks, sometimes riding on a bike path. They look light in the distance, though you'd like to assume they have some safety features. When you get on for the first time, you realize they are light and can't accelerate too much because you lose control.
In large cities, electric scooters have become very common in the last ten years. They serve as alternatives to travel distances in less time besides having an eco-friendly component in their favor.
However, these means of transport do not always guarantee the integrity of their users. Due to the notorious difference in weight, any other vehicle in the environment can hit it and generate serious consequences.
Even so, user adoption of this type of vehicle in areas such as Brooklyn is still strong. Even part of the digital revolution, such as integrating an app on your phone with a particular scooter rental brand, has worked in the industry's favor regarding user experience.
The electric scooter accident attorneys in Brooklyn at The Ward Law Group have experience dealing with accident cases for 30 years. We have seen various scenarios and identified the steps necessary for a solid legal strategy.
To determine the type of scenario we are dealing with, we must conduct a case evaluation with our experts. That way, we can determine if you qualify for compensation to repair the damages.
Although electric scooters are not bad, they bring a plus to the fact that they are environmentally friendly, considering their low level of carbon emissions. Knowing the vehicle's capacity in detail is important to avoid assuming it can withstand certain speeds or will not tip over when it collides with an object.
However, not reading the technical specifications of every scooter you ride is not the most serious part of the issue. In more critical situations, some users resort to scooters under the influence of substances that alter consciousness, from psychotropic drugs to alcoholic beverages.
Reckless behavior while riding a scooter is punishable in New York State. We'll explore that in a few points in this post. We want to explore more about electric scooter accidents in Brooklyn, describe the common facts that often characterize them, and try to summarize a prognosis regarding the compensation that would apply to your case.
Don't be afraid of scooters. They can be very handy at times. But do know a few precautionary measures to help you ride safer while crossing Brooklyn. Do not go late at night in this vehicle making a fool of yourself after having consumed a few liters of alcohol. Don't do those kinds of shows that could endanger the entire community. You better get home safe and sound. It will always be a better decision.
Experience has allowed us to see countless cases. The doors of our office are open to our entire community. We do not anticipate diagnoses without first knowing the characteristics of your case. Maybe there were lost wages during your whole time without being able to return to work. Maybe you will need compensation to cover all your medical bills. One of our personal injury lawyers will give you more details.
If found liable, someone will need to pay for your pain and suffering. Financial compensation could apply in these cases. Liable parties must be identified first. Insurance companies also play an important role in the whole formula. You will better understand your legal options after meeting with one of our experts in electric scooter accident cases and recovering compensation in these cases.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
Here are some of the causes that lead to these accidents. We mention something about driving these vehicles under the influence of any substance, whether recreational or prescription, which generates a degree of alteration in consciousness.
There is also the group of distracted drivers who forget the world while they are lost in a song on their headphones. Unlike other motor vehicles, scooters' acceleration makes you lose control in seconds. Novices are more vulnerable to dealing with such problems as they do not detect throttle sensitivity.
In short, the causes of a Brooklyn electric scooter situation could be diverse. You should identify the causes that led to your experience. Could even a malfunction in the scooter you were using at the time be considered a cause of the accident? That would involve the company that manufactures them or if it was rented from scooter companies that provide the service with deficient vehicles.
These are the causes that our experts identify as the most common in this type of case after ten years of cross-checking data and analyzing each case:
• Distracted Riding: Some scooter riders become dangerously distracted by using their smartphones, adjusting music, or engaging in other activities while operating the scooter. This distraction diverts their attention from the road and can lead to accidents.
• Excessive Speed: Riding electric scooters at excessive speeds is a common cause of accidents. High speeds can make it difficult to react to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of crashes.
• Lack of Helmet Use: Many riders fail to wear helmets, a critical safety precaution. In the event of an accident, the absence of a helmet increases the risk of head injuries, which can be severe or fatal.
• Inexperienced Riders: Inexperienced riders may struggle to handle electric scooters, especially in traffic. They might not anticipate potential dangers or understand how to navigate challenging situations, making them more vulnerable to accidents.
• Unsafe Riding Conditions: Poor weather, road conditions, or uneven terrain can make riding electric scooters hazardous. Slippery roads, rain, or ice can reduce traction and stability, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Negligent Drivers: Accidents can occur when car drivers fail to notice or yield to scooter riders. This lack of awareness or disregard for scooter riders' right of way can lead to collisions.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Rules: Some scooter riders disregard traffic signals and signs, such as running red lights or stop signs. This risky behavior can result in accidents and harm themselves and others.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions or defects in the scooter's mechanics, such as braking or steering issues, can cause accidents. Regular maintenance and safety checks are essential to prevent mechanical failures.
• Obstacles and Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, or other road obstacles may cause accidents when scooter riders cannot safely navigate around them.
• Riding on Sidewalks: Scooters riding on sidewalks can collide with pedestrians and obstacles like trash cans or signposts, posing risks to both riders and pedestrians.
• Sudden Stops: Unexpected stops or swerves by riders can catch other road users off guard, leading to rear-end collisions or loss of control.
• Impaired Riding: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and coordination, making it difficult for riders to react to potential hazards or maintain control of the scooter.
• Dooring Accidents: Scooter riders may collide with car doors that suddenly open in their path when parked vehicle occupants exit without checking for approaching scooters.
• Unsafe Parking: Poorly parked scooters can obstruct sidewalks and create pedestrian hazards, forcing riders to navigate around them and potentially causing accidents.
• Vandalism or Tampering: Deliberate damage or tampering with scooters can lead to accidents when riders are unaware of issues such as brake tampering or damaged components.
Tips for Preventing Electric Scooter Accidents
Taking care of our integrity may sound easy, but for some reason, some people forget it or cloud their minds and react when they already have the situation in front of them.
In this regard, we want to share some tips to help prevent such events. We know that they will be very useful to all our readers:
• Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident.
• Obey Traffic Laws: Follow all traffic laws and regulations, including obeying traffic signals, signs, and speed limits. Treat your scooter as a vehicle.
• Stay in Bike Lanes: Ride in designated bike lanes or areas whenever possible. These lanes are designed to provide a safe space for scooter riders.
• Avoid Sidewalk Riding: Do not ride on sidewalks, as this can pose a danger to pedestrians and increase the risk of accidents. Use the road instead.
• Stay Visible: Make yourself visible to other road users by wearing bright clothing and using lights or reflective accessories, especially at night.
• Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars: Keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain full control of your scooter. Avoid using your smartphone or other distractions while riding.
• Be Alert and Focused: Stay alert and focused on the road ahead. Avoid distractions, including texting, talking on the phone, or listening to loud music.
• Check Scooter Condition: Inspect your scooter for mechanical issues or damage. Ensure that brakes, lights, and tires are in good working order.
• Mind the Speed: Stay within the recommended speed limits for your scooter. Avoid excessive speeds that can make it difficult to react to unexpected obstacles.
• Signal Your Intentions: Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops to other road users. Communicate your intentions.
• Avoid Riding in Bad Weather: Consider avoiding scooter rides in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice. Slippery surfaces reduce traction.
• Watch for Parked Cars: Be cautious around parked vehicles, as occupants may open car doors without warning. Maintain a safe distance.
• Stay Sober: Never ride an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment and coordination can lead to accidents.
• Avoid Rush Hour Traffic: During peak traffic times, avoiding congested areas and choosing less busy routes may be safer.
• Take Rider Education: Consider taking a rider education course to learn safe riding practices and improve your scooter-handling skills.
Understanding Electric Scooter Laws in Brooklyn
It is not necessary to study law for many years or to have a doctorate to know some general rules, many of them common sense, which respond to the raison d'être of promoting harmonious coexistence in the community. Everything must follow a balance, in which heavy vehicles can move with much lighter vehicles, such as scooters, without this being a problem.
Respecting the roads and putting everything in its place can bring harmony to the city. But, sometimes, people forget that search for harmony and get confused with the chaos of rush hour, of the city that never stops, and results in stress for those involved in those dynamics.
Zen recommends maintaining a state of meditation even during chaos. Because order and chaos are intertwined in intrinsic characteristics that ultimately make everything a single substance, prevention and education must be worked on at the wheel of any vehicle for a city to function with that level of fluidity.
Some of the legal principles that govern Brooklyn are based on the following logic:
• Helmet Requirement: In Brooklyn, riders are typically required to wear a helmet while operating electric scooters, similar to bicycle helmet laws. Wearing a helmet significantly enhances safety and reduces the risk of head injuries.
• Minimum Age Limit: Brooklyn may have a minimum age requirement for electric scooter riders. Typically, this age limit is around 16 or 18, depending on local regulations.
• Speed Limits: These vehicles often have speed limits set by local authorities to avoid scooter crashes. In Brooklyn, these speed limits can vary, but they are generally capped at around 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h) for shared e-scooters and may be lower for privately owned ones.
• Designated Riding Areas: Brooklyn may have specific areas designated for electric scooter use. This can include bike lanes, shared paths, and certain streets where e-scooters are allowed. Riding on sidewalks may be prohibited.
• Parking Regulations: Electric scooter riders must adhere to parking regulations. In some areas of Brooklyn, scooter-sharing programs require users to park scooters in designated parking zones or racks to maintain order and safety.
• No Riding Under the Influence: Similar to driving laws, electric scooter riders are typically prohibited from operating their scooters under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Traffic Rules Apply: Electric scooters are considered vehicles in many areas, including Brooklyn, and riders are expected to follow all traffic rules and regulations. This includes obeying traffic signals, signs, and right-of-way rules.
• Insurance Requirements: Some regions may require scooter-sharing companies to provide insurance coverage for riders. This coverage may vary but often includes liability protection for accidents involving third parties.
Contact an Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
The experts at The Ward Law Group will be on hand to answer your call. It will be interesting to learn more about the post-accident and the situations you have dealt with recently. Believe us, we have already discovered the magic of letting others speak and practicing active listening. It has paid off for us because we can be attentive to details.
Contact us today. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free case consultation!