Electric scooters are a fun, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to get around town. However, riding an electric scooter has its share of risks, and accidents can result. If you believe someone’s negligence caused or contributed to an electric scooter accident that injured you, contact Stein & Shulman, LLC. With over 60 years of combined legal experience, our personal injury lawyers dedicate themselves to helping injured people throughout Chicago. You deserve a strong legal advocate to help you after an electric scooter accident. Call Stein & Shulman, LLC today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Electric Scooter Accidents?
Electric scooters are micro-mobility devices similar to hoverboards and e-bikes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), injuries from electric scooters are on the rise:
- Electric scooter-related fractures, burns, and other injuries increased by 21% in a recent year
- 223 fatalities were related to micro-mobility devices in a five-year period
- Riders aged 14 and younger account for 36% of those injured in that five-year period
Common Injuries from Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The CPSC report shows that the most common injuries are those to the upper and lower limbs, head, and neck:
- Head and Brain Injuries — Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are among the most severe consequences of scooter accidents. Even with a helmet, a fall or collision can cause significant brain trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Fractures — Broken bones are common in electric scooter accidents, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. The impact of a fall or collision can easily fracture bones, requiring extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — Sprains, strains, and deep bruising affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Rest, physical therapy, and pain medication can help promote healing and restore mobility.
- Contusions, Abrasions, and Lacerations — Cuts and bruises are typical in electric scooter accidents. These painful injuries may need stitches and other medical attention to prevent infection.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Severe scooter accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are life-altering and require immediate medical intervention, long-term care, and rehabilitation.
Who Might Be Responsible for Your Injuries?
Several parties could be responsible for your electric scooter injuries.
- Scooter Companies — Electric scooter companies are responsible for ensuring their scooters are safe for public use. They should provide clear operating and safety instructions and regular maintenance. If a faulty scooter caused your injuries, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Motorists and Other Road Users — If a driver or cyclist hits you because they were distracted, speeding, or violating traffic laws, they could be liable for your injuries.
- Municipalities — Cities and municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions, making them potentially liable if a pothole, uneven pavement, or lack of proper signage contributes to your injuries.
How to Prove Liability in an Electric Scooter Accident
Proving liability in an electric scooter accident requires showing how the other party caused or contributed to your injuries. An electric scooter accident attorney can establish liability by collecting evidence of negligence or wrongdoing, such as:
- Maintenance records from the scooter company
- Photos of the accident scene, including the scooter and other relevant information, such as a broken sidewalk
- Surveillance footage or videos from a bystander
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records, including photos of your injuries and diagnostic tests
Illinois Laws on Negligence and Statute of Limitations
Illinois has a comparative negligence law. Under this law, multiple parties may share fault for an accident. For example, a reckless driver can be liable if they hit you with their car. However, if you were operating an electric scooter in a prohibited area, you might also be responsible:
- You may pursue compensation if your percentage of fault is 50% or less.
- Your percentage of fault reduces the compensation you are awarded by the same amount. For instance, if you are 20% responsible for a crash causing $250,000 in damages, you could recover only $200,000, or 80%, to account for your percentage of fault.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits allows an injured person two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the party that harmed them. If you miss the filing deadline, you lose your opportunity to seek compensation through the court system.
How an Experienced Electric Scooter Attorney Can Help
Trying to pursue compensation after an accident is challenging. You might not have the resources, time, or energy to exert your legal rights fully. An experienced Chicago electric scooter accident attorney can provide:
- Case Evaluation — An attorney can assess the strength of your case and identify liable parties. They’ll review the evidence, determine the extent of your injuries, and estimate your losses from a physical, emotional, and financial perspective.
- Evidence Gathering — Attorneys have the resources and skills to collect and preserve evidence to support your claim. They can obtain maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements that might be difficult for you to gather independently.
- Negotiation — An attorney can negotiate with the at-fault party or their insurer for maximum compensation. They know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and can counter them effectively.
- Legal Representation — If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney can represent you in court. They will present your case, argue on your behalf, and work to get the best outcome.
- Support — Having an attorney can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Compensation for Electric Scooter Accident Injuries
If you prove that another party was responsible for your injuries, you could recover money for various types of accident-related losses:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Call for a Free Consultation with an Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt in an electric scooter accident that wasn’t your fault? The experienced Northbrook attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients, and we’ll work just as hard for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The law office of Stein & Shulman routinely represents victims in Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Wheeling, Palatine, Crystal Lake, Mundelein, and Lake and McHenry counties.
