What to Expect After a Scooter Accident in California
Rideshare-style electric scooters can be found throughout many cities in California. Residents have the ability to manage the vehicle through a mobile application and drop them off at other locations when they are done riding. Scooters allow individuals to get where they need to go while minimizing pollution.
Plus, they are really fun.
But any personal injury lawyer in California knows that they can also be dangerous. In general, people ride the scooters without helmets on pedestrian sidewalks. This can be hazardous to anyone whether on foot or by scooter. Even though riders should stick to the streets, some are frightened by the thought. Riders can also be injured by motorists, or malfunctioning scooters.
Typical Injuries Sustained in a Scooter Accident
Much like cyclists, there is not much that can protect the rider from collisions. Pedestrians can also be hurt by riders, who are riding unlawfully on walkways. A few common injuries that may be suffered in scooter accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Sprains and stress
- Cuts and lacerations
- Facial injuries
- Contusions
These injuries can also vary in severity, which may influence the amounts recovered should you initiate a lawsuit. Seeking medical treatment immediately after an accident is the most important step. Even if you think you aren’t injured. It’s interesting what will reveal itself in the body years later. Err on the side of caution for your health; go to the emergency room. Follow your doctors orders.
When the Other Person Is Responsible for the Accident
While some riders, who are disobey traffic laws, may be at fault in certain cases, the riders can also be the victim, too. Usually, they are injured by motorists while crossing roadways or riding in traffic lanes. A driver may be held liable if he or she is:
- driving under the influence,
- speeding,
- aggressively driving, or
- using a cell phone
Riders could also be hurt if malfunctioning brakes or tires on the scooters cause the accident. Not to mention, poorly maintained roadways can pose a major liability for any city. A licensed attorney can examine your unique situation to determine who is at fault.
Anticipated Medical Expenses after a Scooter Accident
After a scooter accident, there may be both in-patient and out-patient medical costs. Individuals may have costs associated with ambulance rides, emergency room visits, and extended stays while in recovery.
Follow-up medical care can include future x-rays and surgery. When people suffer major injuries in electrical scooter accidents, they may need physical therapy. Sufferers of major head injuries might be required to participate in long-term special needs programs that demand 24/7 care for the rest of their lives.
Cost of Hiring a California Personal Injury Lawyer
Traditionally, personal injury lawyers have charged clients a “retainer.” A retainer is basically large payment to a law firm held in a trust account that an attorney will bill against. This eliminates risk for the law firm. They get paid whether they win your case or not.
Stearman Law uses a more consumer-friendly approach. I operate on a contingency-fee basis. Instead of asking for payment up-front, we take a reasonable percentage from recoveries won in or out of court. This motivates me to maximize an award in your favor. In short, I don’t get paid unless you get paid.
California Imposes Time Limits on Claims
In California, there is a statute of limitations in effect for all types of accident claims, including those that involve electrical scooters. The statute of limitations for personal injuries is 2 years. This implies that your claim needs to be filed no later than two years after the date of your injury or from when the injury was discovered. If you do not file your claim in time, the ability to recover damages will be lost.
Contacting a scooter accident attorney in California as soon as possible will give you the best possible chance to make a claim for your injuries. At Stearman Law, I want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation in one of two ways:
- Fill out my contact form by clicking here.–OR–
- Call my office at (714) 871-7778.
I will personally speak with you about the details of the case. We look forward to assisting you during this difficult time.