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Electric scooters offer a convenient, fun, and environmentally friendly means of getting to work, running a few errands, or seeing the sights of our nation’s capital. However, due to the increasing numbers of e-scooters on the streets of Washington, D.C., there is a heightened possibility of suffering injuries in scooter accidents. The results of these injuries can be devastating, including excruciating pain, emotional trauma, and financial turmoil.
If you have suffered injuries in a scooter accident, whether as a rider, pedestrian, or motor vehicle driver, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for these and other losses from the at-fault party. The experienced scooter accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison have been helping injured Washingtonians recover compensation for over 100 years. Let us put our skills and knowledge to work for you. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.
What Are Washington, D.C.’s E-Scooter Laws?
The increasing popularity of electric scooters prompted the D.C. Council to pass the Shared Fleet Devices Amendment Act of 2020.
According to this Act, the following laws apply to users of e-scooters in D.C.:
- Scooter users must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Scooter riders cannot travel faster than 10 miles per hour.
- No driver’s license is required to operate a scooter.
- Because an e-scooter is considered a personal mobility device, users don’t need to carry insurance.
- When not in use, e-scooters must be locked in designated areas.
- Anyone who tampers with e-scooter devices faces a fine of $125.
- Anyone who rides an e-scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol faces a $150 fine.
- E-scooter riders are not permitted on Central Business District sidewalks.
- Electric scooter riders are permitted on sidewalks outside the Central Business District. Users may also ride on roads with low-speed limits and bike lanes.
- Riders must use a protected bike lane if available and safe.
- Riding with a passenger or anything that prevents a user from keeping both hands on the handlebars is illegal.
- Riders 17 and younger are required to wear helmets.
- The minimum age to use an e-scooter is 16 years old.
What Are Some Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents?
E-scooter accidents can occur due to factors such as:
- Rider inexperience or unfamiliarity with the scooter’s operation
- Distracted riding, such as using a phone while operating the scooter
- Riding under the influence
- Poorly maintained scooters or malfunctioning parts
- Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or debris
- Collisions with motor vehicles, pedestrians, or other scooter riders
- Failure to follow traffic laws or yield the right-of-way
Understanding the cause of your e-scooter accident is crucial in determining liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries. Contact our Washington DC scooter accident lawyer today.
What Injuries Occur in Scooter Accidents?
E-scooter accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering conditions.
Some common scooter accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and wrists
- Facial injuries, such as lacerations, dental damage, and eye injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash and spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains, and contusions
- Road rash and abrasions
Does Insurance Cover an E-Scooter Accident?
Insurance coverage for e-scooter accidents can be complicated. As e-scooters are considered personal mobility devices, riders are not required to carry insurance in Washington, D.C. However, some insurance policies may offer coverage:
- Personal health insurance may cover medical expenses related to the accident.
- Some e-scooter companies offer limited insurance coverage for riders, but it may not be enough to cover all losses from an accident.
- If a motorist caused the accident, their auto insurance policy should compensate you for your losses.
It is essential to review your insurance policies and consult with an attorney to determine what coverage may apply in your case. Our Washington DC scooter accident attorney can help.
Can I Recover Compensation from My Scooter Accident?
If you have been injured in a Washington, D.C., e-scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Damages you may be able to claim after a scooter accident injury include:
- Medical expenses, including current and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Working with an experienced Washington, D.C., scooter accident lawyer can help you identify all the types of compensation available to you and fight for the maximum amount you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Washington, D.C., E-Scooter Accident?
Determining liability in a Washington, D.C., e-scooter accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include:
- The scooter rider, if their negligence caused the accident
- Other vehicle drivers, if their actions contributed to the accident
- Pedestrians, if they acted in a way that led to the accident
- The e-scooter company, if they failed to maintain the scooter properly or provided inadequate safety instructions
- The city, if poorly maintained roads or infrastructure played a role in the accident
A skilled Washington, D.C., scooter accident lawyer can identify all liable parties and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Washington, D.C., Scooter Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Washington, D.C., requires injury victims to file legal action within three years of the accident date. If you do not meet this deadline, the court will likely bar you from pursuing the compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable Washington, D.C., attorney can protect your claim by making certain all deadlines are met.
Contact a Washington, D.C., Scooter Accident Lawyer
Injuries from a scooter accident caused by someone else can turn your life upside-down in an instant. Filing an injury claim can allow you to pursue the money you need to cover your losses. Working with an experienced Washington, D.C., scooter accident attorney at Marks & Harrison can maximize the compensation you seek in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to getting to work for you.
