Fort Lauderdale Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Electric scooters have become very popular in Fort Lauderdale over recent years. The companies that rent these scooters promote them as being a convenient and environmentally-friendly way to get about the city. Unfortunately, electric scooters must still interact with other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians and accidents do occur. These accidents result in very serious injuries. If you have been injured, it is important to speak to a Fort Lauderdale electric scooter accident lawyer who can provide the legal advice you need.
Why are Electric Scooters So Dangerous?
Electric scooters are not the safe vehicles they are touted to be. Electric scooters are generally not allowed on sidewalks in Florida and so, riders must travel on the road with other vehicles. Electric scooters are less stable than other vehicles and they are also much smaller. Scooters are not equipped with a steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts. When riding an electric scooter, riders are very vulnerable and exposed. When they are involved in an accident, electric scooter riders suffer the most severe injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the increasing popularity of electric scooters has also resulted in a higher amount of emergency room visits. The CDC has also stated that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the most common type of injury sustained by electric scooter riders. A TBI requires an extensive amount of recovery time and accident victims can suffer long-term effects.
Broken bones are the second most common type of injury suffered in electric scooter accidents. Broken legs, arms, wrists, and hips are all common injuries in electric scooter accidents.
Determining Liability After an Electric Scooter Accident
Determining liability is never easy after an electric scooter accident. Most commonly, fault lies with at least one of the following:
- Negligent drivers: Though they have been around for a few years, many drivers still do not know or remember to watch for them as they do other vehicles. Drivers may not respect the fact that electric scooter riders must drive on the road, and they may not provide them with enough space.
- Negligent scooter riders: Many people who ride electric scooters have never operated one before. Even scooter riders who are familiar with these vehicles may operate them in a reckless manner, such as traveling between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic.
- Rental companies: Rental companies have a responsibility to inform riders how to operate the vehicle safely, and to make sure their vehicles are all in good working order before someone operates them.
- Government entities: Defective road conditions such as potholes and uneven pavement can also cause electric scooter accidents. Government entities responsible for maintaining the roads can also be held liable when they fail to take these measures.
Call Our Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
After suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you do have legal options. At Spencer Morgan Law, our Fort Lauderdale electric scooter accident lawyer can explain what those are and help you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to. Call us now at 305-423-3800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.