While other communities have put on the brakes when it comes to allowing electric scooters to be operated on city streets, Baton Rouge not only permits this form of transportation on its roadways but has its own laws to govern the practice. Because you are legally permitted to operate the vehicle on the streets, you are also entitled to seek compensation through the civil court system if someone else’s carelessness or recklessness causes you to become injured while riding one.
An experienced Baton Rouge LA scooter accident lawyer from Morris Bart is ready to provide you with guidance about the personal injury claims process during a free case evaluation. This is also a time for you to share with us details of your case and learn more about the services we can provide to assist you in ensuring your right to seek the maximum level of compensation available for you.
What Are the Requirements for Riding a Scooter in Baton Rouge?
According to Baton Rouge’s scooter laws, riders must:
- Travel no faster than 15 miles per hour
- Refrain from carrying more than one person on the scooter at a time
- Not carry anything that prevents the rider from riding with both hands on the handlebars
- Ride on the far right-hand side of the road, in the bike lane if possible, traveling with the flow of traffic
- Wear a helmet if under the age of 17
Does It Matter If I didn’t Obey All the Scooter Laws?
Scooter riders in Baton Rouge are responsible for upholding the laws pertaining to this method of travel, even if they do not know what those laws are. Failing to obey the laws while operating a scooter on the road not only increases your risk of an accident but also can result in a traffic ticket. Additionally, when you seek compensation for your injuries, your disregard for the law can result in a reduction in the value of your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call (225) 341-5694
Who Can Be Liable for a Baton Rouge Scooter Accident?
Scooter accidents, like other types of traffic-related collisions, are almost always the result of human error. The source of that human error is often the driver of a motor vehicle who is distracted, speeding, alcohol-impaired, or otherwise engaging in risky driving behavior. However, others can also be liable, including:
- The companies who provide dockless scooters for rent if it is discovered that the apparatus that was provided posed unreasonable risks to the rider due to lack of maintenance or other issues.
- Other scooter riders or even bicyclists or pedestrians whose carelessness or recklessness caused your injury.
Why Liability Matters
Liability matters because the liable party is the one who is legally responsible for compensating you for the expenses and impacts of the injuries they caused. This compensation is almost always provided through an associated insurance policy, such as the at-fault party’s auto liability insurance. The insurance company, in the business to make money, will look for any reason to shift liability back to the injured in order to avoid a big payout.
How do You Obtain Compensation for Your Baton Rouge Scooter Accident Injuries?
Many personal injury claims begin with a demand package, which your attorney will send to the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster. The package contains details of the claim, proof of expenses, and a demand for payment of the value of the claim. This demand can either be rejected, approved, or the adjuster can offer a settlement for an amount lower than the value of the claim.
Settlement Negotiations
The majority of personal injury claims are resolved before they ever see the inside of a courtroom. Settlements are one of the most common out-of-court resolutions and there are benefits to accepting a settlement, including a faster resolution to your claim and the avoidance of expensive litigation. Your attorney will not only engage the at-fault party’s insurance provider in settlement negotiations in order to obtain a fair offer on your behalf but will also provide guidance to you so that you can make an informed decision on whether to accept the settlement offer.
It should be noted that settlement negotiations can continue all the way up until the case goes to trial, and even after the trial has begun as long as the court has not reached a decision.
Filing Your Claim in Court
At some point during the settlement negotiations, if it does not seem like the insurance provider is willing to offer fair compensation for the expenses and impacts of your injuries, your attorney will file your claim in court as a personal injury lawsuit. Louisiana has a shorter statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits than most other states, allowing claimants only a year from the date of the injury during which to file the claim. Our Baton Rouge personal injury attorney can guide you through this process.
The Discovery Process
Once your lawsuit is filed in court, the discovery process begins. During discovery, the attorneys for both sides make the evidence they have in the case available to the other side. Additionally, either attorney can depose witnesses. Witness depositions are a form of out-of-court sworn testimony. While these depositions are often not admissible in court, they can be used to inform your legal team of additional directions that can be taken in order to prove your claim.
Litigating Your Case
If your case is not resolved before your trial date, your attorney will provide litigation services. These services include examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and delivering opening and closing arguments.
Receiving Your Settlement or Award
Another service your attorney will provide is assistance in collecting your settlement or award. Generally, your compensation will be sent to your attorney who takes payment for their services from the amount, pays the expenses you incurred, and forwards the rest of the award or settlement to you.
Click to contact our Baton Rouge Personal Injury Lawyers today
If You Were in a Scooter Accident in Baton Rouge, Morris Bart Can Help
Being injured in a scooter accident can be difficult and overwhelming. The process of seeking compensation doesn’t have to be if you have an experienced Baton Rouge LA scooter accident lawyer in your corner. For a free case evaluation, contact us online.
Questions?Call (225) 341-5694
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
