Palm Beach Gardens Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
In 2019, Florida adopted new regulations for the use of electric scooters (or “e-scooters”). Among other things, the law allows riders ages 16 and over to operate e-scooters on public streets and sidewalks without a license. Electric scooters are limited to speeds of no more than 20 miles per hour, however, subject to additional local restrictions.
The 2019 law has led to a lot more e-scooters on Palm Beach County roads–and more e-scooter accidents. If you have been injured by, or while using, one of these devices, the Palm Beach Gardens electric scooter accident lawyers at Steinberg Law can represent you in seeking compensation. Whether your injury was due to a negligent operator, e-scooter company, or some other party, we can advise you of your rights under the law and ensure you receive fair treatment from insurance companies and the court system.
How Negligence Can Cause an E-Scooter Accident in Florida
Electric scooter accidents can result in serious–and in some cases–fatal injuries. After all, even when an e-scooter operator wears a helmet, they are still largely unprotected from the impact of a crash, whether it is with another vehicle, a pedestrian, a stationary object, or even the road itself. And reckless e-scooter operation, or a defective scooter, can put other people on the road at risk as well.
Some of the more common electric scooter accident scenarios that we deal with include:
- Operator Inexperience — Electric scooters are still a new technology, and many people operate them without taking the time to learn safe and proper operation. Consequently, these inexperienced operators may crash into other people and vehicles.
- Negligent Drivers — Motorists traveling in much larger–and faster–cars and trucks can easily strike an e-scooter rider if they are not keeping a proper lookout and sharing the road.
- Unaware Pedestrians — People walking on the sidewalk need to pay attention for electric scooters, which often have motors that run nearly silent. A distracted pedestrian can easily walk into the path of an ongoing e-scooter, potentially injuring themselves and the operator.
- Malfunctions — Electric scooters can malfunction, often due to battery or brake issues, which can cause the operator to crash through no fault of their own. In such cases the e-scooter company itself may be legally responsible for an accident.
- Poor Road Maintenance — An e-scooter is more vulnerable to potholes, cracked sidewalks, and other poorly maintained roadways. In some cases, the state or local government may be liable if this lack of maintenance leads to an electric scooter accident.
Anyone injured in an electric scooter due to negligence may sue the responsible party for damages, including compensation for their medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering during their recovery.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
If you are a party to an accident involving an e-scooter, you should first seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. You should also report the accident to local law enforcement so they can conduct an investigation and prepare an official report. It is also a good idea to speak with an experienced Palm Beach Gardens electric scooter accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights under Florida law. Contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
