The Impact of Alcohol Use on E-Scooter Accident Liability in Minnesota

E-scooters offer a quick, fun, and efficient way to travel around Minnesota, but when alcohol is involved, they become a serious hazard. Alcohol consumption impacts balance, reaction time, and overall judgment, making accidents more likely. Minnesota treats e-scooter incidents involving alcohol with similar severity to DUI cases for motor vehicles, affecting liability and compensation in these cases. For anyone involved in an e-scooter accident, understanding the role of alcohol in determining liability is critical.

With years of experience handling accident and liability cases, Knutson + Casey is here to help clients navigate the complexities of e-scooter laws in Minnesota. We provide dedicated support and guidance, whether you’ve been injured by an impaired rider or face liability concerns yourself. Reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.

The Effect of Alcohol Use on E-Scooter Accident Liability

Operating an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol significantly impacts accident liability. Like other motorized vehicles, riding an e-scooter while intoxicated impairs coordination, judgment, and reaction times, making accidents more likely and increasing the risk of serious injury. Minnesota law treats e-scooter incidents involving alcohol with similar seriousness as traditional DUIs, meaning that intoxicated riders may face legal consequences and bear greater liability in accidents.

Increased Risk of Being Held Liable

When an intoxicated individual is involved in an e-scooter accident, Minnesota courts often view alcohol use as a contributing factor to the incident. Alcohol impairs motor skills and judgment, making it difficult for the rider to maneuver safely, assess surroundings, and react to obstacles. As a result, an intoxicated rider is likely to be found at least partially liable for the accident, especially if alcohol use is shown to have directly influenced the collision. Even if another party contributed to the accident, the intoxicated rider’s liability could still be substantial due to Minnesota’s comparative negligence laws.

Comparative Negligence in Minnesota

Minnesota follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that fault in an accident can be shared between parties based on each person’s contribution to the incident. For example, if both an intoxicated e-scooter rider and another individual acted negligently, the court will assign a percentage of fault to each party. However, if the intoxicated rider’s fault is determined to be over 50%, they may be barred from recovering damages and could be responsible for covering the other party’s damages instead.

Proving Liability in an E-Scooter Accident

To establish liability in an e-scooter accident, certain elements must be proven to show that one party’s negligence directly caused the accident and resulting injuries. The following are the essential components needed to prove liability:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party owed a duty of care to others, meaning they were expected to act in a safe and reasonable manner. E-scooter riders, like all road users, have a duty to follow traffic laws and avoid behavior that endangers others.
• Breach of Duty: The duty of care was breached when the responsible party acted recklessly or violated safety rules. Examples include riding under the influence, ignoring traffic signals, or failing to yield. Evidence, such as witness statements or footage, can support claims of a breach.
• Causation: There must be a direct link between the breach and the accident. This involves showing that the breach directly led to the accident and injuries. For example, if an intoxicated rider lost control, causing a collision, the breach (riding while intoxicated) directly caused the injuries.
• Damages: The injured party suffered actual damages, which may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering. Without clear damages, a liability claim cannot be sustained, even if all other elements are present.

Our experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, document damages, and build a strong case for fair compensation.

Protect Your Rights After an E-Scooter Accident

E-scooter accidents involving alcohol create a complicated path to determining liability and securing fair compensation. At Knutson + Casey, we understand the challenges faced by those injured in e-scooter incidents and the nuances of Minnesota’s liability laws. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through each step of your case, ensuring you’re informed and supported from start to finish.

Whether you were injured by an intoxicated rider or need assistance addressing liability concerns yourself, our team will help build a strong case, gather essential evidence, and advocate on your behalf. Don’t face this process alone. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your options. Call us at (507) 344-8888 or connect through our contact form.