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How Common are Scooter Accidents?

December 10, 2022
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Scooters are a great method of transport, especially in dense areas such as California. However, despite its ease of use and simple functionality, scooters aren’t always safe. Accidents happen, and when an accident occurs on a scooter, the rider may sustain serious injuries. The rider is exposed to their external environment since they are not in an enclosed vehicle, and licenses aren’t required which puts other pedestrians at risk if the rider is unsafe. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scooter accident, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney to hear your case. 

The Dangers of Scooter Use

Though motorized scooters may seem like one of the least dangerous methods of transportation in California, scooter accidents are on the rise. With their speeds approaching 15 miles per hour, combined with their exposure to outdoor conditions, make them potentially unsafe. For perspective, in California alone, there were 249 scooter victims admitted into an emergency room in 2019, with 228 of them being riders and 21 of them as pedestrians. Of those, less than four percent of riders were wearing a helmet, likely due to the removal of helmet mandates for scooter riders in California as of 2018. With no lanes dedicated to scooter riders, riders may feel forced to either ride on the sidewalk and threaten pedestrians or be exposed to faster drivers in vehicles on the road. 

Injuries Caused by Scooter Accidents

Various forms of injuries are possible to sustain during a scooter accident. The most common injuries caused by scooter accidents, by both riders and pedestrians, include bone fractures, sprains, head trauma, and surface injuries like cuts, bruises, and lacerations. These injuries are painful and can impede your life significantly. For these reasons, it’s clear to see that riding a scooter isn’t simply a risk-free activity. After all, a scooter is a type of motorized vehicle without significant regulations. 

Causes of a Scooter Accident

There are many causes for scooter accidents. The most common causes of accidents include defective scooters, poor sidewalk or road conditions, and vehicle swerving. First, because scooters are powered by either batteries or motors, they are likely to experience technological issues from time to time. When a scooter malfunctions, especially when owned by a type of bike share service, the person only knows there is an issue with the scooter when it truly malfunctions. Unfortunately, only one malfunction is all it takes to lead to a serious accident. Next, road conditions may lead to accidents if a pebble or crack gets in the way, it can cause the rider to lose control of the scooter. Further, if the rider swerves either on the sidewalk or in the road, it may run into another vehicle or into a pedestrian and cause a personal injury. Regardless of the cause of the scooter accident, victims of those accidents may be eligible for compensation. 

Hire an Attorney After a Scooter Accident

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scooter accident, consider working with a personal injury attorney. They can review your case and help determine who is responsible for your accident. If another person was negligent and caused your accident, you may be eligible to recover financial losses. An experienced personal injury attorney like Debra Bogaards at Bogaard’s Law can review the details of your case and identify the best course of action for you. To request a consultation and review of your case, contact us today. 

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