Bird/Lime Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooters involve the most complicated and nuanced areas of law at the moment. Because it is a new industry, there are many new legal issues. Think about it. Is there a law to wear a helmet? Can you ride them on a sidewalk or city street? Can you ride them with the flow of traffic or against the flow of traffic? Who do you sue if you are injured from a fall due to a pothole or road hazard?
If you do not know the answers to these questions, do not fret, nearly 90% of people using electric scooters are not aware of the laws. The laws are always evolving and you need a qualified professional to stay on top of them. That is why you need to hire a lawyer immediately when involved in a scooter accident to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
It started in beach cities, like Santa Monica, but it is quickly spreading throughout all of Los Angeles. Electric scooters from companies such as Bird, Lime, Lyft, Jump and Spin are offering a new way for people to get around urban areas. Electric scooters are a quick, easy, and cheap way to get around short distances, such as your own neighborhood. However, they say that most accidents occur within a 1-mile radius of your home.
Due to the inherent mobility of these scooters and the fact that you can pick them up and put them down virtually anywhere in the city, the scooter companies put riders at a very high risk of an injury inducing accident – either from falls or collisions with other vehicles.
Accidents can occur on scooters just like they can with regular vehicles. In fact, many accidents occur between scooters and vehicles. Negligent driver’s may not see you and hit you while you are riding your scooter. Malfunctioning or broken scooters can injure you; the brakes might lock up or a tire might go flat causing you to fall off or run into something. You may even be injured as a pedestrian who is struck by someone else operating a scooter.
We are here to help you address those injuries and fight for your rights. The Franklin attorneys remain up to date on the laws and have secured many favorable settlements for electric scooter injuries. We are aggressive and thorough advocates for our clients. Call or e-mail to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.
New Industry, New Legal Issues
Although the laws are constantly evolving as the city figures out what do about the uptrend in electric scooter demand, at the moment, here are some basic tips based on California laws that you should guide you while operating an electric scooter:
Carry a valid driver’s license or permit when operating one
Wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet, no matter your age
Preferably ride along designated bike lanes on the street
Do not carry any package that does not allow for at least one hand on the handlebar
When disembarking, leave the scooter upright with its kickstand – do not leave the scooter on its side
Park the scooter in a way that is not blocking pedestrian traffic
Never have more than one person per scooter
Do not attach yourself or the scooter to any cars while operating one