Scooters offer convenience and versatility, especially for those living in urban areas like Rochester. E-scooters are readily available to rent but there are risks associated with their operation. Accidents involving e-scooters have seen a notable surge. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an e-scooter accident caused by another party’s negligence, contact a seasoned Rochester lawyer from Lacy Katzen LLP for help.
Scooter Accident Lawyers | Fighting for Accident Victims in Rochester
Scooter accidents can be devastating. Fortunately, with the right legal team in your corner, you can recover the compensation you need to help you get back on your feet again. A dedicated Rochester personal injury lawyer at Lacy Katzen LLP stands ready to fight for your rights.
Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents
E-scooters, being smaller and often less visible than other vehicles, are inherently more vulnerable. Injuries can occur both to the rider of the scooter or a pedestrian struck or knocked down by one. A few primary causes of these accidents are:
- Negligent e-scooter riders: Inexperienced e-scooter riders, those operating the scooter in an unsafe manner and those operating the scooter in locations they shouldn’t are at increased risk for causing a crash and injury to others.
- Pedestrian vs. e-scooter accidents: Scooter riders must peacefully coexist with pedestrians and other vehicles. They are typically permitted to be driven on some streets with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. They are generally prohibited on sidewalks unless authorized by local law or ordinance. E-scooters on sidewalks or bicycle paths may cause accidents and injuries to unsuspecting pedestrians who are either struck or knocked down.
- Bicycle vs. e-scooter accidents: Bicyclists or e-scooter riders not following the rules of the road may collide causing injuries.
- Automobile vs e-scooter accidents: E-scooters are typically used on busy city streets where driver inattention can cause devastating accidents. Lack of attention to e-scooter riders, not checking mirrors or blind spots, failing to signal, or not yielding the right-of-way, can result in harmful collisions. Distracted driving, such as texting or using the phone, also poses a significant risk to e-scooter users.
Recovering Compensation After an E-Scooter Accident
The aftermath of an e-scooter accident can be both physically and financially draining. E-scooter injuries can be severe due to the lack of protection for the rider. Common injuries include head and brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, lacerations and even death. Those injured as a result of the negligence of another may seek compensation for their damages including:
- Medical bills: This includes immediate treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and even long-term therapy if needed.
- Lost wages: If the injury prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income.
- Permanent injuries or loss of use.
- Pain and suffering: This can include both physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations
In New York, victims have a limited period of time to initiate a lawsuit after an e-scooter accident. This period, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances might significantly reduce or even extend this time frame. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure no deadlines related to your claim are missed. Missed deadlines may result in you being permanently barred from pursuing a claim.
Contact an E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Today
Scooter accidents, while unfortunate, do not spell the end of the road for victims. With a competent e-scooter accident lawyer in your corner, you can maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve and need. Contact Lacy Katzen LLP today for a free initial consultation.
