Electric scooters have risen in popularity over the past few years as a more affordable alternative to having a car, especially for young adults between the ages of 18-25. Their compact nature makes it easy to zip across college campuses. Minnesota state law categorizes electric or motorized scooters essentially as bicycles, meaning they may not operate on highways or sidewalks. They must adhere to all traffic laws and stay in the bicycle lanes on roads and streets.
One downside of electric scooters is they are much more likely to be severely injured in accidents than their car-driving counterparts. This has to do with many factors, including the weight and size of the vehicle as well as a lack of safety technology included in the scooter. There are also many roads and streets without proper bike lanes, making operations confusing. If you have gotten into an electric scooter accident due to another driver’s negligence, the dedicated team of Minneapolis electric scooter accident lawyers at Knutson + Casey will help you navigate the claim process. Using our many years of experience, we will begin building up your defense to help ensure you receive compensation for your damages.
Operating an electric scooter may present a unique set of challenges. For one, every road has different bicycle lane options and traffic stops. It is important to familiarize yourself with the area, so you are not presented with a road that has no options for you to continue driving. Secondly, while the compact nature leads to smoother rides and quick transportation time, it also lends itself to a risker trip. Electric scooters do not come with any sort of safety technology, and you are much more likely to be severely injured when in an accident. Three different types of electric scooter accidents include the following:
Maybe the bicycle lane is very narrow or the vehicle beside you swerves just a little too close, but getting struck by a car while on your electric scooter is often damaging. Motor vehicles are a lot heavier than electric scooters, and you are left exposed to the elements without any doors, windows, or a seatbelt. Being propelled from your scooter may leave you with broken bones, a concussion, scrapes and bruises, and more.
Bicycle lanes were not originally designed for electric scooters, and you must be cautious of this while operating them. Pedestrians utilize the bike lane legally with bicycles and sometimes illegally by running or walking in them. Getting tangled with a fellow pedestrian may lead to scrapes, bruises, property damage, and even the possibility of being pushed out into oncoming traffic.
You may be in your lane, wearing your helmet, surrounded by other rule-abiding pedestrians and drivers, and still get in an accident. It is possible the scooter manufacturer is liable for your accident. Sticky accelerators and faulty brakes make operating your electric scooter hazardous for both yourself and your fellow travelers. If you have been in an accident or even caused an accident due to your scooter malfunctioning, a skilled Minneapolis injury attorney will help you investigate the route cause.
Like a motorcycle accident, you are at risk for lower extremity injuries while in an electric scooter accident. This includes burns, road rash, and torn muscles and ligaments. Other common injuries may include:
By working with a Minneapolis electric scooter accident lawyer, you may categorize your injuries and determine an appropriate financial number for compensation. Damages may be acquired for:
Knutson + Casey knows how quickly your life may change for the worse and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve to begin getting yourself back on your feet. Through police reports, medical files, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness accounts, we will begin to build your case and get you the evidential support you need to bolster your claim for financial compensation.
In a matter of moments, you may go from zipping around safely on your scooter to experience an accident that sends you to the hospital. Electric scooter accidents often result in very serious injuries that may lead to large hospital bills and weeks of missed work. Knutson + Casey has helped the Minneapolis community get access to the compensation they rightfully deserve for many years and would love to do the same for you.
Our Minneapolis electric scooter accident lawyers will worry about filing your claim and gathering evidence while you recover from your injuries and focus on getting your life back on track. Initial consultations are risk-free. To speak to someone today, please give us a call at (507) 344-8888 or send in our contact form.