Can I Bring a Personal Injury Claim Against a Scooter Driver or Scooter Company?

 Posted on May 26,2020 in Accident Liability

Electric scooters can be fun, cost-effective means of travelling. Unfortunately, these scooters can also be dangerous for both scooter riders and other people. Since electric scooters started increasing in popularity, emergency rooms have seen more and more scooter-related injuries. Scooters that are used improperly or left in walkways or sidewalks can be a hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. If you have been injured because of a negligent scooter driver, you may be curious as to whether you can bring a personal injury claim for damages. Liability for scooter-related accidents can be tricky, so it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to get the help you need.

Scooters Can Cause Serious Injuries to Non-Riders

Ten e-scooter vendors distributed scooters throughout Chicago last summer as part of a pilot program. A survey was conducted to learn residents’ opinions about the influx of scooters. While 84 percent of scooter riders supported continuing the program, interestingly, only 21 percent of non-riders wanted the program to continue.

Although the survey respondents did not have the opportunity to list reasons for their opinions, it is very possible that many individuals opposed to the scooter program have concerns about the scooters being a hazard on roads and sidewalks. Unfortunately, some scooter drivers do not take this obligation seriously and drive in an irresponsible or reckless manner. Scooter drivers may also leave scooters in walkways where they present a falling hazard to pedestrians or bicyclists.

Proving Liability in a Scooter Accident

In order to bring a successful lawsuit against a scooter driver or a scooter company, you will need to prove how the party’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injuries. If your injury was caused by a reckless or negligent rider, you will need to show that the rider’s behavior was dangerous and inappropriate for the given circumstances. If the injury was caused by a faulty scooter, liability may lie with the manufacturer of the scooter.

Proving liability can be very complicated. However, an experienced lawyer will be able to investigate the details of your case and find evidence to support your side of the story. If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact a Waukegan Scooter Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been injured in a scooter accident, contact an experienced Lake County personal injury attorney at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. to discuss your options for pursuing compensation. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling our office at 847-662-3303 today.

Source:

https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/scooters-are-still-set-to-return-to-chicago-this-summer-051220

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf