In Scottsdale, Arizona, electric scooters offer a quick way to travel, but riders have little protection when a crash happens. A collision with a car, a fall caused by a road hazard, or a problem with the scooter can lead to serious injuries.
A Scottsdale electric scooter accident lawyer can investigate the crash and find out who may be at fault. KRLG Injury Lawyers represents injured people in Arizona and helps them seek payment for losses caused by an accident. Call us today at (623) 255-1979 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose KRLG Injury Lawyers for an Electric Scooter Accident Case in Scottsdale, AZ?
Scooter accidents can involve drivers, businesses, property owners, or other parties. The source of payment may also depend on how the crash happened and what insurance coverage is available.
At KRLG Injury Lawyers, our Scottsdale personal injury lawyers have:
- More than 100 years of combined experience
- More than $250 million recovered for clients
- Experience handling serious personal injury claims
Our firm can investigate the accident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and seek payment from those at fault. Contact our Scottsdale electric scooter accident attorneys today for a free case review.
What Causes Electric Scooter Accidents?
Electric scooters are small and can be difficult for drivers to see. Riders may also be thrown from a scooter when they hit a road hazard or are struck by a vehicle.
Common causes of scooter accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drivers failing to yield
- Unsafe turns
- Speeding
- Cars entering bike lanes
- Potholes or damaged pavement
- Scooter defects
- Poor scooter maintenance
- Objects blocking a rider’s path
More than one problem can contribute to a crash. Finding the cause can help show which people or businesses may be responsible.
What Electric Scooter Laws Apply in Scottsdale?
Arizona law generally gives electric scooter riders the same rights and duties as bicycle riders. Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-819 also allows local governments to set some of their own rules.
Scottsdale has local rules for electric scooters. Riders may use sidewalks and multi-use paths unless signs say otherwise. They must yield to pedestrians and follow traffic rules.
Electric scooters are not allowed on Scottsdale roads with a speed limit above 35 mph. Riders can use bike lanes on roads where scooters are allowed.
The rules that applied at the crash site can help show whether a rider, driver, or another party acted carelessly.
Who May Be Liable for an Electric Scooter Accident?
The party at fault depends on what caused the accident. A careless driver may be responsible for hitting a rider, while another party may be at fault when unsafe property or a defective scooter causes the crash.
Possible at-fault parties include:
- A car or truck driver
- A scooter company
- A property owner
- A business
- A scooter maker
- A repair or maintenance company
- Another person who caused the crash
Some accidents involve more than one at-fault party. A lawyer can review the evidence to find each possible source of payment.
What Evidence Can Help Prove a Scooter Accident Claim?
Evidence can help show how the crash happened and who caused it. Some proof may disappear quickly, so it can be useful to gather it soon after the accident.
Important evidence may include:
- Police or accident reports
- Photos of the crash scene
- Videos or security camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage
- Scooter records
- App or rental records
Photos of road conditions, signs, and the scooter itself may also be useful. If a vehicle was involved, damage to the car and scooter can help show how the collision happened.
Medical records can connect the crash to the rider’s injuries and show the treatment needed.
What Injuries Can Electric Scooter Accidents Cause?
Scooters do not have the frame, seat belts, or airbags found in passenger vehicles. A rider may hit the road, a vehicle, or another object during a crash.
Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Cuts and road rash
- Dental injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Some injuries may require surgery, therapy, or months away from work. Severe injuries can also cause lasting pain or disability.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A person hurt because of someone else’s careless actions may be able to seek payment for the harm caused by the accident. The amount depends on the injuries and other facts.
A scooter accident claim may include payment for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lasting injury or disability
Medical bills, wage records, and other documents can help show these losses. Future care may also be part of the claim when an injury has lasting effects.
How Does Arizona Comparative Fault Affect a Scooter Accident Claim?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule. An injured rider may still recover damages even if they share some fault for the accident.
The rider’s payment is reduced by their share of fault. For example, a rider who is 20% at fault may have their damages reduced by 20%.
An insurance company may argue that a rider broke a traffic rule or failed to avoid the crash. Evidence from the scene can help show what each person did before the accident.
How Long Do You Have to File an Electric Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona generally gives an injured person two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some cases have shorter deadlines. For example, claims involving a public body can have special notice rules.
Waiting can also make a case harder to prove. Video may be deleted, witnesses may become difficult to find, and other evidence may disappear.
Contact a Scottsdale Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
An electric scooter accident can leave a rider facing medical care, missed work, and lasting injuries. Finding out why the crash happened can help identify the people or businesses responsible.
A Scottsdale electric scooter accident attorney at KRLG Injury Lawyers can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and seek payment for your losses. Contact the firm to discuss your legal options after an electric scooter crash.