Scooters provide a quick, eco-friendly, and easy way to get around town, but they can also be dangerous because they don’t provide any protection in the event of an accident. Government data shows that there were more than 190,000 e-scooter injuries from 2017 to 2020 and that there were 71 recorded fatalities related to e-scooters during that time period.
If you have been injured in a scooter accident, get in touch with a qualified Huntsville AL scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible to get your case off on the right foot. Alabama’s statute of limitations is two years, which means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. This may seem like plenty of time, but various legal hoops can delay the process and make you ineligible to file a claim if you wait until the last minute.
How do You Know If Your Scooter Accident Case Qualifies for a Personal Injury Claim?
In the state of Alabama, electric scooters can be used on roadways on most streets throughout the state, though some aspects are determined by city governments. Before using an e-scooter on the streets of a city or town in Alabama, check local codes for proper use. Important rules for riding e-scooters in Alabama generally include:
- Drivers must be at least 14 years old and have a Class M license.
- Drivers under 16 years old must wear a helmet when driving on a city roadway.
- Scooters cannot be driven on bicycle paths or sidewalks.
- Scooters must be ridden on the far right of the roadway and follow the directional flow of traffic.
If you fail to follow these rules, among others, you may not have a viable personal injury case to receive compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving Huntsville, call (256) 666-3010
Types of Compensation You Can Receive for Huntsville Scooter Accident Injuries
If you have a personal injury case on your hands, the State of Alabama allows victims to collect compensation for expenses that result from the injury as well as the impact the injury will have in the future. Common damages collected by those involved in scooter accidents in Huntsville include:
- Medical expenses
- Mental health expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Wrongful death
These are just a few examples of the types of damages you may be able to collect, and your lawyer may be able to find even more types of compensation depending upon your unique set of circumstances. Before your personal injury case can result in compensation, however, there must be a strong case that one or more parties were liable for your injuries.
How Is Liability Determined in a Scooter Accident Case?
Scooter accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, including head and neck trauma, broken bones, severe bruising and lacerations, and so much more. If you have been in a scooter accident, and you are interested in filing a personal claim, the first step is to determine liability or fault for the accident. A skilled and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you prove another party’s negligence and liability, which is why it’s important to contact one after your accident as soon as possible.
Entities that are commonly deemed liable in scooter accidents include:
The Person Who Was Driving the Scooter
Scooters are fun to drive, but many scooter drivers drive recklessly, putting themselves and pedestrians in danger. If evidence shows that the driver of the scooter wasn’t driving responsibly or taking proper precautions, they may be found liable.
Other Drivers on Shared Roadways
The vast majority of scooter accidents happen when a scooter and car collide, and many drivers are found liable for scooter accidents because they failed to give the scooter driver enough room on shared roads or didn’t check their blind spot when changing lanes.
Scooter Companies
When scooters have mechanical errors, it can result in an accident even if the driver is taking proper precautions and is wearing a helmet. Mechanical errors of the equipment can result in liability for scooter manufacturers or the owners of rented scooters if it is found that the equipment was faulty or improperly maintained.
In the aftermath of an accident, keep as much documentation as possible. This might include photos at the scene of the accident, medical records if you need treatment, and lost income because you can’t work due to your injuries.
Click to contact our Huntsville Personal Injury Attorneys today
How Soon Can You Expect to Receive Compensation in a Scooter Accident Case?
Unfortunately, there is no strict timeline from the time of the accident to when you can receive your compensation to help you with your recovery bills. Some cases can settle fairly quickly out of court, though insurance companies often offer very low settlement amounts at first to see what they can get away with. Victims often struggle to keep up with expenses that result from their injuries and their everyday bills, so insurance agencies try to exploit this fact and get you to accept a low offer with the promise of receiving your money sooner.
Working with a skilled lawyer can help you get the most compensation possible to help you move on with your life, whether you settle in or out of court. Your lawyer will be with you every step of the way and fight on your behalf to speed up the process and get you the money you are entitled to as quickly as possible.
Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help You in the Aftermath of Your Huntsville Scooter Accident
When you’re suffering from injuries caused by someone else’s irresponsible actions while using an e-scooter, you need the best team of lawyers on your side to help you explore your legal options. Morris Bart has dozens of skilled lawyers who can help you file your personal injury claim and receive the compensation you need to recover.
If you’d like to get a free case evaluation, please contact us today!
Questions?Call (256) 666-3010
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
