Carlsbad Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Electric scooters are a fun way to move about Carlsbad and are increasingly popular with young people and tourists. An electric scooter can travel up to 15 miles per hour, and many companies including Bird and Lime allow you to rent them by the minute. Like any motorized form of transportation, however, electric scooters can get into accidents. Many people are suffering from horrible head, neck, and back injuries after falling off their scooter or getting struck by a fast-moving car. If you’ve been in an accident and are injured, call Pursley Law Firm today. Our Carlsbad electric scooter accident lawyer can meet for a free case evaluation.
Why Scooters Are Dangerous
Riding on a scooter is similar to riding on a bicycle. In any collision with a car or stationary object, the rider is completely vulnerable. A direct blow to the body will cause serious injuries, including internal organ damage, fractured ribs, and soft tissue injuries. The scooter rider can get tossed into traffic, where another vehicle might strike them, or they suffer terrible head and back injuries.
Scooters also confront many hazards that lead to accidents. Although not allowed, many people ride them on sidewalks. Pedestrians can step in front of a scooter, or debris and trash on the sidewalk can upend them. Many rental companies include helmets, but too many riders refuse to wear them. Other people ride while holding a box or package, which removes a hand from the bars.
California Vehicle code § 21235 covers electric scooters and sets the following requirements:
- 15 mph speed limit
- Mandatory helmet
- Valid driver’s license
- No passengers
- No operation on a sidewalk or highway
- Both hands on the handlebars
Still, many scooters get struck by negligent drivers who are distracted or in a hurry. If you contact us, we can discuss the possibility of receiving compensation for your accident. Many of our clients make a claim on a negligent motorist’s liability insurance to receive money for property damage, pain and suffering, income loss, and medical bills. Some injuries require extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy, so a victim might also seek future medical expenses.
We can also discuss possible defense strategies, such as blaming you for the accident. Some people violate the rules listed above, and you are at least partially responsible for your accident if you do. Under California law, any comparative negligence can reduce the compensation you receive for your injuries proportionally. For example, if you are 65% at fault, you will only receive 35% of your damages.
In some situations, an accident stems from a scooter defect. The rental company might fail to properly service their scooters, or the manufacturer is responsible. We can inspect any scooter to see if you might make a claim against these parties.
Call Us as Soon as Possible
Pursley Law Firm is an established California law firm helping personal injury victims. To learn more about what steps to take following an accident, speak with our Carlsbad electric scooter accident lawyer in a consultation.
