Some are in favor, some are against them, but it seems E-scooters are here to stay
In New Jersey, accidents happen often, regardless of what a safe motorist you are. As the state, among others, diversifies its ride-sharing options, cases of accidents increase. Many new ride-sharing services utilize such things as bicycles and electronic scooters. One could imagine that, for commuters that aren’t used to operating such vehicles, this could pose a problem and a danger to others on the road. Read on to learn more about how the onset of electronic scooters such as Ojo, Lime, and Bird are causing an uptick of accidents, and what you can do if you’re injured in an accident involving an e-scooter.
Are E-scooters allowed in New Jersey?
E-scooters are not only allowed in New Jersey; they are being introduced as an alternative to commuter-sharing services utilizing cars and bicycles. As such, e-scooters are coming on the scene in full force. However, with this introduction of the e-scooter option for commuters who aren’t used to operating such vehicles in cities such as Hoboken, there is an increase in accidents. As city municipalities determine whether e-scooters are safe fixtures on their streets as a commuter-sharing option, you can educate yourself on what to do if you are injured in an accident involving an e-scooter.
How can an E-scooter cause injuries?
Because e-scooters are so compact, the places in which they can cause an accident are many, and the people they can impact are also diverse. One of the primary ways in which e-scooters cause injuries are that they are improperly handled. Because commuter-sharing services provide the technology to people who are not used to operating such equipment. On top of that, another important aspect to take into account is that no license or insurance is required for using e-scooters, which means an inexperienced driver is allowed to operate them. This can cause catastrophe as riders to move through the public roadways dangerously (in bike lanes, on sidewalks, not adhering to pedestrian laws and motorist laws). Also, e-scooter riders may underestimate the size or power of the technology. Assuming that the electric vehicle is compact and therefore easy to maneuver, a driver could cut too close to other people and animals, causing collisions with handlebars or even running over toes and paws.
Additionally, because of the diverse use, e-scooters have a much higher chance that they are going to malfunction. This can create dangerous situations as malfunctions can occur in the middle of roadways, such as in the case in which the brakes lock without warning. Alternatively, the acceleration function can catch, creating a highly dangerous situation in which an e-scooter can lose control and run into a motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian, including children.
Finally, one of the ways in which scooters can cause accidents is by its improper placement. Instead of parking a scooter where it is supposed to be placed – or in the absence of proper parking for e-scooters at this time – an e-scooter could be leaned against a wall or railing causing a risk for an unsuspecting pedestrian’s slip-and-fall.
What types of injuries are most often caused by E-scooters?
E-scooters can cause a diverse array of injuries. Upon falling from a scooter, one can experience a sprained, fractured, or broken bone; a head or neck injury of varying severity; vertebral and spine injury; ankle or wrist injury; face injury caused by impact with an object such as the ground; dental injury; toe and foot injuries caused by having extremities run over; and much more.
These injuries can have short- and long-term effects, and e-scooter riders are not the only ones who are at risk for injury.
What can I do if I’m injured in an e-scooter accident? What are my options? How can I recover damages in an accident involving an e-scooter?
If you have been involved in an e-scooter accident and you were injured, you have options; and you can recover damages in an accident involving an e-scooter. Just as in any accident involving a motor vehicle, the most important first thing to do is seek medical attention. Call 911 to request an ambulance if needed, and request the presence of New Jersey municipal authorities. Once you and anyone involved have received the medical care they require, provide all information authorities need to develop an accident report. Should you file a personal injury claim – even if your symptoms don’t show up immediately – it will be essential to have a completed accident report submitted with the local authorities. This information, which includes contact information of all involved parties, as well as their insurance information; victim and witness testimonies; and other pertinent information regarding the scene of the accident will provide helpful when filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Have you been injured while using a scooter? Contact our Personal Injury team for a free confidential consultation at our Hamilton office.
If you have been in an accident involving an e-scooter, it’s essential that you seek the support of a New Jersey accident lawyer. Regardless of how extensive the injuries are, we can fight to ensure that you recover damages. Our attorneys successfully represent clients injured in e-scooter accidents and other incidents resulting in injuries in Trenton, West Windsor, Hamilton, Princeton, Titusville, and nearby towns in Mercer County. At Cohen & Riechelson, we understand how important it is to protect you as you’re engaging in commuter-share services and to advocate for the financial compensation required to support your full recovery.
Contact us at 609-528-2596 for a free consultation to discuss your e-scooter accident today.
