Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
As the electric scooter business grows, so too does the number of electric scooter accidents. With e-scooter crash numbers rising to nearly 1,500 incidents in 2022, many users want answers. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most common causes of electric scooter accidents.
According to a study in JAMA Surgery, nearly 92% of injuries from electric scooter accidents are caused by:
- Falling off the scooter
- Scooter driver crashing into another object
- Another vehicle striking scooter driver
Scootering with Phones
Many scooter riders falsely assume that because scooters are smaller and slower, it’s safe to look at their phones. These riders should remember that they aren’t alone on the road. There are pedestrians, other scooters, and intersections full of cars between the scooter driver and their destination.
Scooter riders that use their cellphones endanger themselves and any pedestrians around them. When scooter riders crash into something, they damage whatever or whoever they impact. Riders are not impervious to damage; many end up with head and neck injuries.
Road Hazards
Oftentimes scooters cannot remain stable when driving into potholes, unexpected drops, or even hard bumps. Hitting a road hazard of any kind often causes a scooter operator to lose control and fall to the ground at 15 mph.
Driving Under the Influence
According to a study from the Trauma Surgery & Acute Care center, nearly 40% of electric scooter accidents are caused by someone driving under the influence.
Many assume that they are safe to drive a scooter while intoxicated. However, riding an electric scooter requires greater balance and coordination than riding a car. A drunk scooter driver will almost certainly lose their balance and likely crash into something.
Intoxicated scooter riders aren’t the only problem though; drivers operating cars under the influence are also more likely to cause scooter accidents. A drunk driver could run a red light or simply fail to see a scooter sharing the road, resulting in a serious collision.
Lane Splitting
Another risky behavior that could result in electric scooter accidents is lane splitting. Lane splitting occurs when a scooter rider moves between two lanes of traffic, usually to get ahead of slower-moving vehicles.
While lane splitting may seem like a convenient way to avoid traffic, it can be very dangerous. Motorists are not used to sharing the road with electric scooters, and they may not expect a scooter rider to suddenly appear between their lanes. This can lead to collisions, especially in heavy traffic.
In addition, lane splitting puts the scooter rider in close proximity to other vehicles, increasing the risk of being hit by an opening car door, debris, or other hazards.
Dangerous Left-Hand Turns
Another cause of electric scooter accidents is dangerous left-hand turns by cars. When a driver is turning left, they often have to cross a lane going in the opposite direction, putting them directly in the path of oncoming traffic.
Unfortunately, scooter riders can be overlooked when a driver is making a left-hand turn. Scooters can be difficult to spot and drivers may not see them until it’s too late. This can result in a collision. These types of accidents are especially plausible at night, because the small headlights on scooters may appear farther away than they actually are to drivers.
Electric Scooter Malfunctions
Electric scooter companies have thousands of scooters in use in cities all across the United States. Unfortunately, these companies are not always explicit about the rules and regulations regarding these devices, which can lead to users overlooking basic safety measures when operating the scooters. It’s also important for electric scooter companies to take responsibility for ensuring their scooters are regularly maintained and inspected to prevent accidents caused by malfunctions.
Common malfunctions with an electric scooter that can lead to an accident include faulty brakes, damaged handlebars, flat tires, and electronic motor issues. If a rider encounters any of these malfunctions while riding, they may lose control of the scooter and crash.
Steps to Take After an Electric Scooter Accident
What you do in the minutes and hours after an electric scooter accident can affect two things: your health and the strength of your potential personal injury case. You could help protect both of these things by doing the following immediately after a fall from a scooter.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always be your top priority in the aftermath of a scooter accident. These crashes often involve falls onto pavement or collisions with vehicles, and the injuries that follow can be significant. You might not notice some symptoms for hours or days after your accident. The sooner you see a doctor, the better your chances of a full recovery become.
Report the Accident
If the accident involves a motor vehicle, contact law enforcement and request a report. Police officers will come to document the scene, gather statements, and eventually create a written report about the accident. This report can be crucial to your attorney when building your case for compensation.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, collect evidence at the scene of your accident. This means taking photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to the scooter. You should also collect the contact information of witnesses and anyone involved in the crash.
Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often contact injured riders quickly. They may ask for recorded statements or attempt to settle the claim early. Before providing detailed statements, it is wise to understand your rights and the full extent of your injuries.
Protective Gear and Safety Techniques
Electric scooters offer convenience, but they provide almost no physical protection in a crash. Using the right protective gear and riding with safe habits can significantly reduce the risk of getting hurt, even in an accident.
Wearing a Helmet
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of scooter crashes, as they can lead to life-altering consequences like brain injuries or paralysis. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of these injuries in an accident.
Using Protective Pads
Knee and elbow pads provide an additional layer of protection during falls. They cannot prevent injuries entirely, but they do provide a cushioned way to land when knocked from your scooter. This safety gear does more than limit cuts and bruises, as you can also reduce the likelihood of fractures as well.
Maintaining Proper Visibility
Riders should wear bright or reflective clothing when traveling near traffic, especially during early morning or evening hours. When you raise your visibility, the drivers you share the road with are more likely to notice you.
Riding Defensively
You have the right to use the road just like anyone else, but it is still important to be aware of drivers who might drive unsafely around you. When you maintain awareness of your surroundings, you reduce the risk of a crash.
Common Injuries From Scooter Falls
Electric scooter crashes can lead to serious injuries for one simple reason: they offer zero protection for their riders. When you are struck by a car or hit a fixed object, nothing stands between your body and the hard ground. This impact can lead to an array of injuries, including the following:
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt while Riding an Electric Scooter
Unfortunately, accidents happen even when scooter riders take the right precautions. If you or someone you know has been injured in an electric scooter accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. Our Los Angeles personal injury team at LNN is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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