Ocala Scooter Accident Attorneys
Electric scooters became a popular form of transportation several years ago. Companies such as Lime and Bird allow people in large metropolitan areas to use an app to quickly and easily rent scooters to get around town. While scooter sharing hasn’t been as popular since COVID, many people buy their own scooters to get from place to place. While scooters are small and offer many benefits, they can be dangerous. If you have been injured in a scooter accident, contact an Ocala scooter accidents attorney today.
Scooter Safety Issues
While stand-up scooters can reach speeds of 15 miles per hour, sit-down ones can go even faster—sometimes as high as 40 miles per hour. If you crash into something while going at that speed, you can suffer serious injuries. Even at slower speeds, riders have suffered injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and back and neck injuries.
Also, these scooters are not always driven properly. They must be driven on the road, but many ride them on sidewalks instead. Also, many weave in and out of traffic in these scooters, increasing their risk of a serious crash.
Types of Electric Scooter Accidents
There are several main ways in which a person can be injured in a scooter crash. They include the following:
- Driver error. Many scooter accidents are caused by scooter riders and other motorists.
Driving a scooter is different from driving a car, so a person not experienced in scooter riding can easily crash. In fact, driving a scooter can be more difficult in some ways, as it requires good balance and coordination. Many people try to ride a scooter while intoxicated, with poor results. Distracted driving and not following traffic laws can also lead to serious accidents. - Road maintenance. Wear and tear on roads can lead to defects. While potholes and large cracks in the road may not be a huge deal for passenger vehicles, they can cause dangerous conditions for smaller two-wheeled vehicles such as scooters. If you were injured in a scooter accident caused by poor road maintenance, you may be able to sue the local government. This type of claim can be complex, though, so seek legal help from an experienced Ocala scooter accidents attorney.
- Manufacturer defects. Many injuries have been caused by malfunctioning electric scooters. Faulty brakes, uncontrollable acceleration, and locking wheels are just some of the issues that have caused scooters to operate unsafely. If you have experienced these issues with your scooter, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer.
Contact an Ocala Scooter Accidents Attorney Today
Electric scooters became popular due to their convenience and eco-friendliness. Plus, they can be fun to ride. However, safety is a big issue. Many people are not properly trained on how to ride them, and this has led to many serious accidents—even fatalities.
If you have been injured in a scooter crash, the personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law can help hold the responsible parties liable so you can obtain compensation. Schedule a consultation with an Ocala scooter accidents attorney today by calling (800) 373-3000.