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At Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at Law, our Chicago scooter accident lawyer helps victims injured in crashes involving electric scooters throughout the city. We know how quickly these popular transportation devices can lead to serious injuries when accidents happen. Our scooter accident lawyers possess deep knowledge of the unique laws and regulations that apply to these newer vehicles. Always seek medical treatment first. Then, let our personal injury lawyer pursue the liable parties for just financial compensation.
E-scooter accidents create legal challenges that differ from typical car crash cases. Many riders don't realize that scooter companies use complex user agreements that limit their liability. Insurance companies often deny claims or make unfairly low offers because they know most victims don't understand their rights in these newer types of accidents.
Medical bills can pile up quickly after a scooter crash, especially when serious injuries occur. Our scooter accident attorneys know how to identify all possible sources of compensation, from the scooter rider's own insurance to the e-scooter company's policies. Let us guide you as you pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent parties.
Electric scooter riders face significant injury risks due to their exposed position, the scooter's small wheels, and typical speeds of 15-20 mph. Unlike cars, e-scooters offer no protection in a crash, leaving riders vulnerable to direct impact with vehicles, pedestrians, or the pavement.
Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that can cause permanent disability. Many e-scooter riders skip wearing helmets, especially when using rental scooters for short trips. Even "minor" head injuries can lead to long-lasting symptoms, including memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.
Facial injuries occur frequently when scooter riders fall forward over the handlebars during sudden stops. Broken noses, fractured cheekbones, broken jaws, and dental injuries often require surgical repair and can leave permanent scarring. These injuries not only cause physical pain but can lead to emotional distress from a changed appearance.
Skin abrasions happen when riders slide across the pavement after falling from their scooters at speed. These painful injuries can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that remove several layers of skin and expose underlying tissues. Severe road rash requires careful cleaning to prevent infection and may need skin grafting in serious cases.
Arm and leg fractures commonly occur when riders instinctively extend their limbs to break their fall during a crash. Wrist and forearm breaks are especially common as riders try to catch themselves. Ankle and leg fractures can happen when scooters hit obstacles or when riders are struck by vehicles.
Back and neck injuries can range from painful sprains to catastrophic spinal cord damage. The jarring impact of hitting potholes, curbs, or vehicles can compress spinal discs or fractured vertebrae. Severe spinal injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis, permanently changing victims' lives.
Scooter accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for your injuries. Determining liability requires careful investigation of the specific circumstances, including whether traffic laws were broken, if equipment malfunctioned, or if dangerous road conditions contributed to the crash.
Negligent drivers bear responsibility when they hit scooter riders, fail to yield the right of way or create dangerous situations through distracted or impaired driving. Many drivers still don't properly watch for smaller vehicles like e-scooters, particularly at intersections or when making turns. Drivers must follow the same duty of care toward scooter riders as they would toward cyclists or pedestrians.
Scooter companies may share liability when they provide poorly maintained equipment, fail to warn about known risks, or create confusing rules for riders. Some companies skimp on maintenance checks between rentals or continue to rent scooters with known mechanical issues. Municipalities can be liable when poorly maintained roads, unmarked hazards, or inadequate bike lanes contribute to crashes.
Manufacturing defects like faulty brakes, unstable steering, or battery problems can cause accidents even when riders follow all safety rules. Scooter companies and manufacturers have a legal duty to provide reasonably safe products and to recall or repair known defects promptly. When they fail in this duty, they can face product liability claims from injured riders.
Design flaws in some scooter models make them inherently less stable or more prone to specific types of accidents. Small wheel diameter, high center of gravity, and inadequate lighting are design choices that can make scooters more dangerous than necessary. Companies that prioritize style or cost-cutting over safety features can be held accountable when these choices lead to preventable injuries.
You can still seek compensation even if you weren't wearing a helmet, though the defense may try to reduce your recovery by claiming "contributory negligence." Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for your injuries.
Yes, you can pursue claims against scooter companies when equipment failures like brake malfunctions, steering problems, or sudden power loss cause accidents. These product liability claims require proving that the defect existed when the scooter was provided to you and directly contributed to your injuries.
Pedestrians injured by e-scooter riders can pursue claims against the rider who hit them and potentially against the scooter company in certain circumstances. These cases typically involve the rider's personal insurance or homeowner's/renter's insurance, though coverage questions for scooter accidents can be complex.
You can file claims against government entities when dangerous road conditions like potholes, unmarked construction, or improper signage cause scooter accidents. These claims have special requirements and shorter deadlines, typically requiring a formal notice of claim within one year of the accident.
Illinois generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit, called the statute of limitations, is shorter for claims against government entities, so consulting with an attorney promptly helps protect your legal rights.
Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at Law can help you work through the complex legal process of filing a scooter accident claim. Our experienced scooter accident attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options in clear, understandable terms. Give us a call today to schedule a free initial case consultation.
