The electric scooter craze has taken the country by storm, and Fort Lauderdale has seen more than its share of the vehicles. Electric scooters are a fast, fun, and inexpensive way to get around. However, the more people who ride electric scooters, the more people are injured in pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.
If you were hurt from riding an electric scooter or from someone riding one negligently in Fort Lauderdale, you should speak to a skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney. If your case qualifies, compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering is possible. Englander Peebles Accident & Injury Lawyers has a 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo and has secured tens of millions of dollars in compensation for their injury clients. Call (954) 500-4878 today to learn how they can help you.
What Are Electric Scooters?
Electric scooters are two or three-wheeled devices with a foot pedestal or deck and a handle connected to a vertical pole. They were once used mostly by children, but these days, they provide affordable and convenient transportation, especially in tourist destinations like Fort Lauderdale.
Electric scooters feature small electric motors for propulsion. The rider controls the speed by manipulating controls on the handle. The throttle on an electric scooter is similar to that on a motorcycle, with the user twisting the hand grip to propel the scooter.
E-scooters are fun and convenient, but there are dangers. Some electric scooters can ‘scoot’ at up to 20 MPH, more than fast enough to cause severe accidents with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported an increase in ER visits for head trauma, dislocations, and fractures in electric scooter accidents. About 45% of scooter accidents involve head trauma, including concussions and other brain injuries.
Many electric scooter injuries happen because riders aren’t well trained and don’t wear helmets and other protective gear. Sometimes, the rider causes accidents with other parties, but negligent motorists may be to blame in different cases. Scooters are challenging to see, and drivers may not be able to see the scooter rider at an intersection.
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney should review your case today if you were hurt on an e-scooter or by an electric scooter rider.
Are Electric Scooters Legal To Ride In Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, you can legally ride electric scooters in specified areas of Fort Lauderdale. In June 2019, Governor DeSantis signed HB 453 to legalize them in Florida. Electric scooter users must be at least 16 years old but do not need a driver’s license. Scooter riders have the same responsibilities and rights as cyclists, and there are restrictions on using them on sidewalks at certain times and in various locations. The speed limit is 15 miles per hour.
For example, Las Olas sidewalks in the city’s downtown region have been designated as a no-scooter zone from Andrews Avenue to Southeast 17 Avenue. They are also prohibited on the Riverwalk, or by the beach. In many areas of Fort Lauderdale, the devices may only be operated in bike lanes. You should verify the Fort Lauderdale electric scooter laws for the part of the city you intend to ride in.
Liability In Electric Scooter Accidents Involving Pedestrians
There are many ways in which an electric scooter rider in Fort Lauderdale could be involved in a claim or lawsuit. Below are some of the potential liability scenarios:
- If you were a pedestrian injured by an electric scooter, the rider is probably liable for your injuries. Talk to an Englander Peebles personal injury attorney about filing a claim.
- If a pedestrian purposely caused you to crash on your scooter and you get injured, the pedestrian could be liable for your damages.
- If a car and scooter collide, liability will be handled similarly to a bicycle and car accident. The party who violated their duty of care could be liable for damages. There could also be shared liability in an electric scooter and auto accident.
- If the scooter malfunctions and injures a rider or pedestrian, the scooter company could be liable for a product liability claim.
- The City of Fort Lauderdale may be liable if a non-operating scooter is left on a sidewalk and injures a pedestrian. The city could also be responsible for a scooter accident if a defective sidewalk or roadway causes injuries.
- Businesses could be responsible for certain electric scooter accidents in work zones or where there is an unmarked hazard on the sidewalk.
Electric scooter accidents could involve many scenarios and potentially liable people and entities. If you aren’t sure if you have a case, call a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney for a complimentary consultation.
An important issue with an electric scooter injury claim is the lack of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Florida has a no-fault motor vehicle accident law requiring injured parties to use their PIP coverage for damages. However, scooter and moped riders are exempt from PIP coverage and benefits. You will likely need to use the at-fault party’s auto insurance for coverage.
What To Do After An Electric Scooter Accident
If you or a loved one were hurt in an electric scooter accident, do the following:
- Check if anyone needs medical attention and call 911 for any serious injuries.
- Report the accident to the Fort Lauderdale police. The police report may be an essential piece of evidence for a claim.
- Collect evidence, such as videos, photos, and eyewitness statements, to prove liability.
- Call your insurance company to report the incident if your auto insurance applies.
- Talk to a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney if someone’s negligence caused the accident. You only have a limited time to file a claim from the date of injury, so act quickly.
Speak To An Electric Scooter Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident caused by another party, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your injuries and other damages. You could be eligible for compensation in a personal injury claim.
The scooter personal injury attorneys at Englander Peebles offer outstanding legal representation and results. Their attorneys belong to the elite Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and have a 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo. They will fight for the most compensation for your injuries, so call (954) 500-4878 today.