Electric scooters are an increasingly popular way for people to get around cities quickly without using a car. However, electric scooters can be hazardous to the rider and others around them, especially if motorists do not exercise adequate care and caution.
E-Scooter Injuries on the Rise
As the number of people using e-scooters across the country has risen sharply in recent years, so have the number of scooter-related injuries. A recent press release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that:
- Over a recent three-year period, at least 71 people died from using micromobility products like e-scooters.
- More than 190,000 emergency room visits were due to injuries from micromobility products during that time.
- Much of the increase in micromobility injuries can be blamed on e-scooters. The number of ER visits nationwide for e-scooter injuries skyrocketed from 7,700 to 25,400 over three years ― almost a 230 percent jump.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in Sacramento?
Electric scooters are legal in Sacramento, but users must follow city guidelines. You cannot ride a scooter at speeds above 15 miles per hour or on sidewalks. Scooter riders can also be fined if they park in areas that obstruct sidewalks or curb ramps. Finally, operators under 18 must wear a helmet when riding.
Common Causes of E-scooter Crashes
As e-scooters have become more common in cities, so have e-scooter accidents. Some of the common causes of e-scooter crashes include:
- Visibility problems — Electric scooters are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, making it harder for drivers to see them. A careless driver might sideswipe a scooter rider if they don’t carefully check their blind spot before merging or turning.
- Poor road conditions — E-scooters are considerably less stable than many other vehicles, particularly on slick road surfaces. Rain, snow, ice, potholes, an uneven road surface, or other debris can contribute to an e-scooter accident.
- Dooring accidents — A driver or passenger who opens their door into traffic could cause an e-scooter crash if they don’t check for riders first.
Compensation Available After an E-scooter Accident
E-scooter riders can suffer major injuries in an accident, especially when struck by a larger vehicle. In California, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries if another party is to blame for the accident.
Potential compensation in an e-scooter accident claim could include money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
What To Do After an Electric Scooter Accident in Sacramento
If you’re involved in a scooter accident in Sacramento, here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911 right away to bring first responders to the scene.
- Take pictures and video of the crash site.
- Get the names and insurance information for all drivers involved in the accident. If there were witnesses, get their contact information too.
- See a doctor right away.
- Don’t talk to the insurance company until you’ve spoken with a knowledgeable e-scooter accident lawyer.
Do you have more questions about electric scooter accidents in Sacramento? Contact Demas Law Group, P.C. today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
