A growing number of lawsuits have been filed by people who were injured in e-scooter accidents involving Lime, Bird, and other electric scooters — including riders, pedestrians, and drivers.
Need a Texas E-Scooter Injury Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by an e-scooter as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: Apollo Phantom E-Scooters Recalled
In August 2023, around 4,000 Apollo Phantom E-Scooters were recalled after 3 people were injured in crashes. The problem is that a bolt can break or loosen and cause the stem of the scooter to loosen or detach.
High Rate of Severe Injuries After E-Scooter Accidents
Drugs & Alcohol Fuel Epidemic of E-Scooter Accidents
E-scooter injuries and deaths are often linked to alcohol, illicit drug-use, and not wearing helmets, according to a study published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open.
Out of 103 people who were hospitalized with e-scooter injuries, 98% were not wearing helmets. Furthermore, over half suffered severe injuries like brain bleeding or broken bones needed surgery.
About 40% of the victims had a blood-alcohol level over the legal driving limit of 0.08. About half of the victims also had drugs in their system, such as THC (marijuana) or methamphetamine.
E-Scooter Injuries on the Rise
Electric scooters, also known as “dockless scooters” or “e-scooters” are a quick and cost-effective way to zip around urban areas. Unfortunately, the convenience comes with a price. Thousands of people have been injured on scooters, and several people have died.
What is the Problem?
E-scooters are designed to go up to 15 miles per hour, but they can go even faster on a downhill. This may seem slow, but it is plenty of speed to cause severe injuries or death — especially if the rider falls off, the scooter malfunctions, or the rider is involved in a car accident.
“As one doctor put it, hitting your head on a scooter fall is about the same trauma as being hit in the head with a baseball bat.”
Common Types of Scooter Injuries
Even at slow speeds, scooter accidents can be devastating. Even minor car accidents on a scooter can be fatal. Pedestrians are also at risk of tripping over parked scooters. Some common injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Organ damage
- Bone fractures
- Broken wrist, ankle, toes, and fingers
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Face lacerations
- Teeth damage
- Eye injury and vision loss
- Scarring
- Paralysis
- Permanent disability
- Death
Pedestrians Injured by Scooter
You don’t have to be riding a scooter to be injured by one. Pedestrians who trip over a parked scooter may be able to file an injury lawsuit. Pedestrians who are hit by someone on a scooter may be able to seek compensation from the rider’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
Car Accidents with Scooters
Car accidents with a scooter are usually the most serious type of accident. If the accident is caused by the negligence of a distracted driver, the scooter rider may be able to file a lawsuit and seek financial compensation from the driver.
Broken Scooter Accidents
Scooters sometimes malfunction during use — either as a result of poor manufacturing, inadequate maintenance, or vandalism. For example, Lime scooters were recalled after several reports of the baseboards cracking off the steering column.
Lime Scooter Recalls
In November 2018, a recall was issued for Lime scooters after reports of the scooters breaking in half during use. Just a few weeks earlier, around 2,000 Lime scooters were recalled because the battery could catch on fire.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against the City?
People who are injured on scooters may be able to file an injury lawsuit against the city if the accident was caused by poorly maintained streets. For example, Los Angeles is facing several scooter lawsuits from people who were injured while riding scooters, people who were injured by scooters crashing into them, and pedestrians who tripped over scooters.
Need a Scooter Injury Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.