Chicago Looks to Expand E-Scooter Program; Risk of Personal Injury Increases

 Posted on April 05,2022 in Accident Liability

As electric scooters, or e-scooters, become more popular in Chicago, they potentially present an environmentally friendly alternative to driving and a more sanity alternative to taking public transportation. However, one significant consequence of more e-scooters is the increase in dangerous e-scooter accidents.

Not only do e-scooter riders often speed down the street without taking appropriate caution in regard to vehicular traffic, they often also violate the rules and ride on the sidewalks with pedestrians. This can present dangerous hazards to pedestrians and even pets, who are caught by surprise when e-scooter riders go flying past at high speeds. Add this to the danger that e-scooter riders face when they get into car crashes, and you have a perfect storm of dangerous accidents waiting to happen. As summer approaches and the city of Chicago allows three companies to apply for permits to operate up to 6,000 electric scooters, those who have been injured in e-scooter accidents may wonder if they can take action.

E-Scooters Present Dangers While Being Ridden and While Docked

While e-scooter accidents most often happen when a rider crashes into a vehicle or pedestrian, injuries also occur when e-scooters are left strewn about on sidewalks, curbs, and other public areas. Although e-scooters may be convenient for those who use them, many people complain of the nuisance e-scooters cause when they are ridden recklessly or left laying on the ground. Chicago hopes to mitigate some of the nuisance complaints by requiring e-scooters to be locked to appropriate objects after use, although this measure does not reduce risks while scooters are being ridden.

Understand Where E-Scooters Are Allowed

One of the best pieces of evidence you can have when suing someone for injuring you on an e-scooter is whether that person used the scooter legally. E-scooters will not be allowed in certain areas that are frequently congested with pedestrian and bicycle traffic, including the Lakefront Trail, the 606 Trail, O’Hare Airport, and public transportation. They are also not allowed on sidewalks. While scooters will allegedly be equipped with alarms that sound when they are ridden in inappropriate places, some people are skeptical that this will be an effective deterrent for riding on sidewalks.

Who Is Responsible for an E-Scooter Accident?

While the law requires e-scooter companies to register these vehicles and to carry minimum liability insurance, when e-scooter drivers are the responsible party for accidents, drivers may not have automobile, personal, or home insurance that covers injuries caused by their actions. The emerging legal complexity of e-scooter accidents is a major reason why consulting an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can be so beneficial when pursuing damages for your injuries.

Meet with a Lake County Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer

Riders of electric scooters can cause or suffer serious injury with just a split second of careless action. If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident, schedule a complimentary case review with a skilled Lake County accident attorney at Salvi & Maher, LLP. Our team is well-versed in recent developments in Illinois electronic transportation laws and will do our best to help you recover damages for your pain, suffering, and loss. Call us now at 847-662-3303.

Source:

https://news.wttw.com/2022/01/13/e-scooters-set-return-chicago-s-streets-they-ll-be-banned-606-trail