Scooters have become quite popular in the last few years as a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city.
While scooters can be fun and easy to get around on, they can also present dangers to riders and those around them.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury after a scooter accident, the Law Office of Chuck Geerhart is ready to help you.
What Makes Scooters so Dangerous?
Scooters are considered dangerous for a variety of reasons.
Besides the fact they offer riders no protection, electric scooters can also prove unsafe because:
- Most riders have little to no experience maneuvering scooters;
- They can be hard to see, causing frequent accidents;
- Riders often ride them on the sidewalk even if they’re not supposed to;
- Some riders operate scooters while impaired; and
- It is difficult to enforce helmet and other safety gear requirements.
For these and other reasons, scooter accidents happen frequently and typically result in injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a San Francisco scooter accident, do not hesitate to contact a scooter accident attorney as soon as possible.
Recent Case Settlement
FACTS: A 45-year-old woman was riding a rental scooter to work on Market Street.
As she entered the intersection at Van Ness, a large truck to her left took a right turn in front of her, causing her to hit the pavement and suffer serious leg injuries involving multiple surgeries.
Chuck Geerhart established that the client had every right to ride her scooter in the bike lane under Vehicle Code sec. 21229 and that the truck owed a duty to see her in its mirrors before turning under Veh. Code, § 22107.
RESULTS: $1 million policy limits settlement, without litigation.
Types of Scooter Accidents
No two scooter accidents are the same, and details can vary.
There are different types of scooter accidents, but the most common involve collisions with vehicles or pedestrians or an overall malfunctioning scooter.
Accident with Vehicle
Scooter and car accidents are common.
If the car’s driver was negligent and their negligence caused the accident, the scooter rider is often entitled to compensation.
On the other hand, if the scooter’s rider was negligent, they are typically responsible for their own accident.
Scooter companies usually place responsibility for accidents on the riders and list this in their rental agreements.
Accident with Pedestrian
If the scooter rider was negligent and caused an accident with a pedestrian, the injured pedestrian may have a claim for damages.
However, unlike car accidents, there typically is no insurance coverage if a scooter rider hits a pedestrian.
In these situations, the liability falls completely on the rider. It may be difficult for pedestrians to recover compensation for their injuries.
Defective Scooter
If an individual is injured due to a defective or malfunctioning scooter, scooter companies typically carry liability insurance to cover injuries.
The scooter company will need to investigate, but if there is a determination that the defective scooter caused the accident and injuries, the victim is likely to recover from the scooter company’s insurance.
Common Scooter Accident Injuries
Depending on the type and cause of accident, scooter accident injuries can be serious.
Common injuries include:
- Fractured or broken bones,
- Head injuries,
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Back injuries, and
- Neck injuries.
It is important to seek medical care for the resulting injuries, and some injuries may worsen if left untreated.
If you’ve suffered an injury after a scooter accident, discuss your case with a qualified San Francisco scooter accident lawyer.
What To Do After a Scooter Accident in California
It is important to be prepared in case of an unexpected scooter accident.
Scooter accidents are unique, and therefore certain steps should be followed in an attempt to build a claim.
Call 911
After a scooter accident, call 911. If there are severe injuries, request medical attention on the scene.
The police will quickly arrive at the scene and gather information to generate a police report.
Seek Medical Attention
If you did not receive medical attention at the scene of the scooter accident, be sure to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician as quickly as possible.
In certain circumstances, injuries are immediately apparent, but in others, injuries take some time to surface.
A full physical examination may shed light on your injuries and allow you to begin your recovery.
Your medical records will play a large role in your potential future claim.
Collect Evidence
If possible, begin gathering evidence at the scene.
This can include:
- Name of all parties involved,
- Driver license and insurance information,
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, and
- Witness contact information.
The more evidence you collect, the better.
Every piece of information you collect can help your scooter accident attorney build a stronger claim.
Contact a California Scooter Accident Lawyer
After a scooter accident, contact a scooter accident attorney to discuss your case.
Your lawyer will gather details of the accident and answer any questions you may have.
If you have a claim, your attorney will work diligently to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Consult with a Skilled and Knowledgeable San Francisco Scooter Accident Attorney
The Law Office of Chuck Geerhart is dedicated to helping injured clients when they need us most.
Chuck is a seasoned trial attorney who has dedicated his career to helping injured clients during their toughest moments.
Our firm takes on a limited amount of cases at a time to be able to give clients the personalized attention they need and deserve.
Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can help you.
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