With the summer months approaching, the increased use of scooters and electric bicycles (e-bikes) often leads to a rise in accidents and associated injuries. Understanding common incident types and their resulting injuries can help riders recognize the risks and the importance of seeking appropriate compensation when accidents occur.
As the popularity of electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bicycles (e-bikes) continues to rise, so does the incidence of related accidents and injuries. Recent data reveals a significant surge in such incidents nationwide. For instance, e-bike injuries escalated from 751 in 2017 to 24,493 in 2022, while e-scooter injuries increased from 8,566 to 56,847 during the same period. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for riders to be aware of the potential risks and the importance of seeking appropriate compensation when accidents occur.
Common Incident Types and Associated Injuries
- Collisions with Motor Vehicles: – A motorist fails to notice an e-bike rider while making a left turn at an intersection, resulting in a collision. Such accidents can lead to severe head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures.
- Dooring Incidents – A scooter rider travels alongside parked cars when a driver suddenly opens their door into the rider’s path, causing a collision.These incidents often result in facial injuries, dental damage, and upper extremity fractures.
- Loss of Control Due to Road Hazards – An e-bike rider encounters a pothole or uneven pavement, loses control, and falls. Falls from such hazards frequently cause fractures to the tibia, femur, and other leg bones, as well as soft tissue injuries like lacerations and abrasions.
- Mechanical Failures – A scooter’s brake system malfunctions while descending a hill, leading to a crash. Mechanical failures can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe spinal cord injuries, depending on the crash’s severity.
- Collisions with Pedestrians – A scooter rider on a sidewalk collides with a pedestrian stepping out of a store. Both parties may suffer injuries such as contusions, sprains, or fractures.
- Group Riding Accidents – Multiple scooter riders traveling together fail to maintain safe distances, leading to collisions among themselves. These accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including head trauma and limb fractures.
- Reckless Riding Behaviors – A rider attempts to perform stunts or rides at excessive speeds, losing control of the scooter. Such behaviors often lead to serious injuries, including spinal cord damage and internal injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
Victims of scooter and e-bike accidents may be entitled to compensation covering:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery, as well as diminished earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of the damaged scooter, e-bike, or other personal property.
Determining liability in these incidents can be complex, involving factors such as driver negligence, product defects, or unsafe road conditions. Consulting with experienced personal injury attorneys is crucial to navigate these complexities and ensure fair compensation.
Understanding these common accident scenarios and associated injuries highlights the importance of cautious riding and awareness of one’s surroundings. In the unfortunate event of an accident, seeking prompt medical attention and legal counsel can significantly impact the recovery process and the ability to secure appropriate compensation.
Why Choose Ellis Riccobono, LLP?
At Ellis Riccobono, LLP, we understand the profound impact that scooter and e-bike accidents can have on individuals and their families. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice. Our approach combines skill, resources, commitment, compassion, and empathy to ensure that our clients are not just another case number.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a scooter or e-bike accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and work towards securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.