Scooter Accident Attorneys in Kent, WA
Scooters are small, lightweight vehicles that are easy to maneuver and can travel in areas where larger vehicles cannot. Scooters are popular among children and adults alike. They can be used on roads and sidewalks, as well as on trails and grassy areas. Unfortunately, scooter accidents are not uncommon, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports a “dramatic increase” in injuries and hospitalizations associated with the use of e-scooters in the United States between 2017 and 2018.
Additionally, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Austin Public Health conducted a study that estimated 20 injuries per 100,000 rides. Because of this high number, most states have enacted laws requiring all motorized scooters to be registered with the DMV and insured by an insurance policy that provides coverage for injuries sustained while riding one of these vehicles.
Legally, victims need to understand that under state law they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. If you or your loved one has been injured in a scooter accident, it’s important that you contact a personal injury lawyer so they can get started on your case right away.
Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for people of all ages. From children to adults, electric scooters are fun and easy to use. However, you should be aware of some risks associated with riding an electric scooter.
The biggest risk of riding an electric scooter is that you could fall off the bike and sustain serious injuries. Although there are brakes on these bikes for regulating speed – and to control when you go down hills or around corners, your scooter can still fail to stop and hit other vehicles or people on the road.
Another risk with these vehicles is that they aren’t built for off-road conditions such as dirt roads or sand dunes. While these bikes are designed for on-road use only, they can easily be destabilized by small potholes causing accidents.
In addition, electric scooters are often used by people who don’t have adequate training or knowledge about how to handle them safely. If you’re riding one unsupervised, it can be difficult to control and could result in an accident.
Electric scooters also expose the rider’s body, unlike cars. They are not made to protect riders in the event of an accident. In the case of a crash, many electric scooter riders suffer serious injuries.
Also, electric scooters are built with low ground clearance and thin tires, making them difficult to control when operating on uneven terrain or turning corners. They also have limited brakes and do not have seat belts for protection in the event of an accident.
Lastly, scooters pose a significant risk to riders because they lack protective features such as crumple zones, airbags, and antilock braking systems (ABS). Riders may sustain serious injuries if they collide with another vehicle or object while riding an electric scooter.
It is, therefore, important for riders to take safety precautions whenever they use an electric scooter or bike. But if you are injured in a scooter accident, you can contact a lawyer to help you to prove liability and recover damages from the liable party.
Scooter accidents can be devastating and leave you with severe injuries and losses. Some of the most common damages you may be able to recover from scooter accidents are:
Medical Costs
In the event of a scooter accident, it’s important to know that your medical bills are likely to be significant. When you’re hit by a vehicle, you’ll be taken to a hospital for treatment. Doctors will need to check you out and get any necessary tests done on you to determine the severity of the injuries. You may also need medical equipment to help treat your injuries.
In addition, the costs of physical therapy can be high. Physical therapy may be required after an accident to prevent further injury or restore lost motion. Physical therapy typically includes exercises designed to strengthen muscles and joints affected by injury – range of motion exercises or functional movement training for certain joints, and therapeutic modalities such as electrotherapy or heat. You may need to visit a physical therapist for months after your accident, which can add up quickly. This could include visits to rehab facilities. You might even require surgery later.
Lost Wages/Loss of Earning Capacity
Accidents happen, but when they do, you need to take care of yourself so that you can recover well. You may not be able to work at full capacity for weeks or even years after an accident — if your injury was severe enough — which means that there will be lost income during this time. The more serious the injury, the longer you’re unable to work; therefore, the liable party ought to compensate you for lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Scooter accidents can cause severe pain as well as emotional trauma that lasts for years after the initial injury has healed. These damages are not easy to quantify because there are no figures to quantify the amount of suffering. A judge or jury determines how much pain and suffering damages to award. You can talk with Kent car accident attorney about your pain and suffering so as to negotiate the optimal compensation that would help cover the injuries.
Loss of Consortium (Loss of Companionship)
Loss of consortium could be the loss of a partner’s emotional support, companionship, and sexual relations. If you have been injured in a scooter accident, you may be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium.
To recover damages, your claim should be filed within the state’s statute of limitation. For example, the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury cases is generally three years (Chapter 4.16 RCW). This means if you don’t file your case within this space, you may miss out on compensation.
However, in some cases, the court may extend the statute of limitations if the injury was not apparent at the time of the event. Also, there can be an exception to the statute of limitations if, for some time after the injury event, the victim was incapacitated.
Also, you must show that the injury was caused by the negligence of another person or entity. This means that you must prove that the other party was at fault for your injuries. You may also use evidence such as medical records to show the severity of your injuries.
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The law is complicated and can be confusing when it comes to scooter accidents. It’s important to ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is handled properly. If you don’t understand how the process works, then hiring a lawyer can help ensure that your interests are protected throughout this process. A lawyer will be able to help you with the following:
Determine if You Have a Case
The first step in any personal injury claim is determining whether or not there is a valid claim. If you believe someone else is accountable for causing your injury, then it is important to contact an attorney immediately after the incident.
Determine Who’s Liable for Your Injuries
In many cases, scooter accidents can be caused by other drivers, pedestrians, and other parties. If someone else was responsible for causing your injuries, this person might be liable for your damages or injuries. The negligent party is the one you would take to court when you file a lawsuit.
Your personal injury attorney can help determine who is at fault in such a case, these may include:
- The company that manufactured the e-scooter – if the injury occurred as a result of a product defect
- The negligent driver – if the accident was a result of the driver’s negligence, such as driving under the influence, failure to observe traffic rules, etc.
- The municipality – construction debris, large cracks, and potholes created dangerous riding conditions, resulting in an injury.
Gather Evidence to Build a Strong Case
A lawyer will be able to help gather evidence that supports your claims and helps prove liability in court. This evidence includes medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the accident.
Representation in Courts
A personal injury lawyer can represent you in court if necessary. In some cases, such as when the damages are very large or if the injuries are permanent, a lawyer may represent you in negotiations for the optimal compensation for your case. This can include negotiating with insurance companies.
Negotiations for Optimal Compensation
If you choose to hire an attorney to represent you in court, they will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company regarding your compensation. A scooter accident claim is an intricate and complicated process that requires careful attention and communication between you, your insurance company, and your attorney. A lawyer can advise you on the best course of action so that you can receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident, it’s important that you immediately contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney from Herschensohn Law firm will assess your case and advise you on how best to proceed with your compensation claim. A lawyer can help protect your rights by obtaining the relevant evidence to prove your case in court proceedings.
Call us today at (206) 588-4344 and get a free case evaluation.
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If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Pedestrian accidents can be complicated, and it is important to have someone on your side who can help you navigate the legal process.
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Herschensohn Law firm can help you investigate your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (206) 588-4344 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
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