Pennsylvania Electric Scooter Accident Attorney

Electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, are a cheap, convenient, and popular mode of transportation in many major cities. Electric scooter services allow you to rent an e-scooter from any street corner. Unfortunately, as with other vehicles, there are risks in riding an electric scooter and some riders have been involved in e-scooter accidents. If you are in a crash with or on an electric scooter, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Pennsylvania electric scooter accident attorneys at Solnick Lawyers can advise you on your legal rights and how to pursue a successful scooter accident claim for compensation.

Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents in Pennsylvania 

Accidents involving electric scooters can happen all too easily and lead to severe injuries.  One of the primary causes of e-scooter accidents is negligent or reckless motorists. Electric scooters are involved in many accidents with other vehicles driven by people who are speeding, driving under the influence, or not observing traffic laws. Drivers are not always paying attention while driving and e-scooters can be difficult to see, particularly in heavy traffic or poor light conditions.

Scooter accidents are also caused by poor road or weather conditions. A slippery road surface, poor visibility, or a pothole can lead to loss of control, particularly for less experienced riders. This, in turn, can cause an accident involving the e-scooter rider and other people such as nearby pedestrians or vehicles.

Additionally, mechanical issues with the scooter itself, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can also lead to electric scooter accidents. Mechanical problems can happen when the e-scooter is not properly manufactured or maintained.

Common Injuries in Electric Scooter Accidents 

In scooter accidents, victims can suffer severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Electric scooters can travel at surprisingly high speeds, and they share sidewalks and roadways with other people and vehicles. 

Common electric scooter injuries include head and brain injuries, usually caused by the impact of the accident if the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet. Broken or fractured bones are also typical, especially in high-speed collisions or when the rider is thrown from the scooter. Riders may also suffer from road rash, a painful skin abrasion resulting from sliding on the pavement, which can lead to scars or infections if not properly treated. Lastly, spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or full paralysis, are also a risk in severe e-scooter accidents. 

The law provides some protection to victims of scooter accidents. As in other accident and personal injury claims, a victim is entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses that are caused by the negligence of another person. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise you on your right to compensation and who might be liable.

Who is Liable in an Electric Scooter Accident? 

Determining liability in an electric scooter accident requires a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. If another driver’s reckless behavior or negligence caused the accident, they can be held accountable, and they or their insurance company will be financially liable for your damages. Similarly, if the accident resulted from poor road conditions, the local government authority or other agency responsible for maintaining the roads could be held liable. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure of the scooter, the scooter manufacturer or rental company might be deemed responsible for the accident, especially if they were aware of the issue but failed to address it.

In all of these scenarios, seeking guidance from knowledgeable electric scooter accident lawyers is essential to navigate the complexities of liability, and ensure that you receive the compensation that you rightfully deserve.

Statute of Limitations For Filing a Scooter Accident Claim 

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including an electric scooter accident claim, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have a two-year window from the date of the accident to commence formal legal proceedings against the person or entity they believe to be at fault. If the lawsuit is not filed within this period, the right to seek compensation may be forever lost. 

It is crucial to note that there could be some exceptions to this rule, depending on the specifics of the case. For instance, if the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations “clock” will not start ticking until they turn 18. It is important to consult with an injury law firm that handles electric scooter accident claims to understand these intricacies, and ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

Compensation Available for Scooter Accident Claims 

Compensation in electric scooter accident cases can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the injuries suffered and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Generally, victims in a personal injury claim are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future loss of earnings. This may include costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, and any necessary ongoing treatment. 

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate victims for more subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are harder to quantify but can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. In some cases, where the at-fault party’s conduct is deemed particularly egregious, punitive damages might also be awarded to deter similar behavior in the future. It is important to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney to accurately evaluate and maximize your potential compensation.

Consult With a Pennsylvania Electric Scooter Accident Attorney

Solnick Lawyers has been helping Pennsylvania accident victims for years. We are experienced in investigating, negotiating, and litigating accident claims to get the best results for our clients. If you or your loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We can help you understand your rights and get compensation for your injuries. Solnick Lawyers is on your side.