Columbus Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer

Since 2018, the residents, visitors, and commuters in Columbus, Georgia have had the option of moving through the city on rented electric scooters. This new mode of travel helps reduce car emissions, gives public transportation riders a “last mile” ride to their destinations, and allows tourists to visit attractions at a low cost.  While electric scooters bring positive opportunities, they also create accident risks and have caused riders and pedestrians serious injury.

Take charge of your legal situation with a Columbus personal injury lawyer.

Electric Scooters in Columbus

There are nearly 3,500 shared mobility devices in Columbus. When electric scooters first arrived, the city government worked quickly to develop rules and regulations.  

The current regulations state:

• Operators must be at least 16 years old.
• Riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
• Scooters can only be ridden on streets, never sidewalks.
• Riders should not exceed a speed of 15 miles per hour (MPH).
• Scooters must be parked on sidewalks but cannot obstruct curb access.

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Electric Scooter Accidents

As more commuters ride electric scooters to work, school, or simply to sightsee, electric scooter accident rates have risen.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) cites statistics from a recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA):

• The yearly number of e-scooter injuries in the United States increased by 222% from 2014 to 2018, when e-scooter rentals became available in many cities.
• In 2014, there were 4,582 injuries.
• In 2018, there were 14,651 injuries.
• Rates of injuries increased from “6 per 100,000 people to 19 per 100,000 people.”
• One-third of injured parties experienced head injuries, more than two times the rate cyclists experience.
• Yearly e-scooter-accident-related hospital admissions increased by 365%, going from 313 admissions to 1,374.

Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents

There are a variety of causes for electric scooter accidents. Some of the more common ones include vehicle or part malfunctions, electrical malfunctions, and vehicle operator errors.

Vehicle or Part Malfunctions

When brakes fail, riders can lose control and collide with pedestrians, other vehicles, or any structure or object in their path. When brake systems are too sensitive and engage too quickly or powerfully, the rider can be ejected from the scooter because of the abrupt stop. The “deck” or platform riders stand on sometimes crack mid-ride, unable to hold up under heavy, consistent use. 

Handlebars can come loose as can the “post,” the pole connecting the deck to the handlebars, causing riders to lose control of steering or the vehicle overall.

Electrical Malfunctions

E-scooters run on batteries with limited charges. Batteries can die unexpectedly mid-ride or when riders cross over electrical boundaries called “geo-fences” scooter companies put in place to prevent riders from taking the vehicles out of range. A sudden stop can lead to accidents. 

Further, most e-scooters have lithium-ion batteries which can overheat and ignite if not properly maintained, causing burns and other injuries.

Vehicle-Operator Error

Driving while intoxicated or distracted, engaging in reckless driving behaviors or speeding are common causes of e-scooter injuries, whether these behaviors are committed by the scooter operator or a different vehicle operator. Further e-scooters are relatively new and available to younger people, and operators often lack experience. Since e-scooters are small and easily fall into other vehicle operators’ blind spots, their unprotected riders can sustain serious injuries in collisions. 

Kids and Electric Scooter Accidents

While municipalities can restrict shareable mobility devices to those 16 years and older, younger kids can privately own and operate e-scooters. U.S. News & World Report presents results from a study in which electric-scooter accident data was collected from 100 hospitals. The average rider age was 11 years old and injuries sustained included head trauma, broken arms, scrapes and abrasions, and lacerations requiring stitches.

Whatever your specific situation, your electric scooter accident lawyer in Columbus will find the precise cause of your accident and hold responsible parties accountable for paying you compensation. 

Your Columbus Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer Will Determine Who Holds Culpability 

To collect a settlement, you must prove the negligent party committed an act or failed to act, and that action or inaction caused the accident leading to your injuries. The cause identifies the at-fault party, and your Columbus electric scooter accident attorney from John Foy & Associates will collect evidence to prove their fault.

A variety of individuals or companies could be held accountable for your injuries, including:

• Scooter company: If a scooter was not properly maintained and a malfunction caused your accident, the scooter company may be responsible.
• Government offices: Your accident may result from hitting a crack, bump, or pothole. If the entities responsible for maintaining safe roads and scooter lanes failed in their duty,  those government offices might bear fault.
• Drivers: If you are a pedestrian injured by a negligent e-scooter rider, they could be held liable. If you are hit by another vehicle while riding a scooter, your lawyer can determine if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.

Your Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer in Columbus Will Fight for a Fair Settlement

E-scooter accident injuries can be severe and cause lasting damage. You may be out of work temporarily or permanently. You may also require costly surgery and treatment. If your injuries are catastrophic, you may need lifelong medical care and financial support.

These serious needs require a substantial settlement, and your electric scooter accident attorney in Columbus will manage your case with skill. They will investigate your accident and file a claim against the appropriate party. Their professional team will collect evidence and negotiate with the at-fault party’s representatives. 

You can count on your attorney will fight for the compensation you need for a stable future.  

The Strong Arm Will Build a Strong Case

Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Columbus electric scooter accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates.  Our team will build a strong case that brings strong results. When you are represented by an attorney from the Strong Arm of Georgia, you are guaranteed fierce, high-quality representation. Contact us today–we are available around-the-clock.