Over the past decade, the way people move around the city and travel to work has changed. Many people are opting for a practical vehicle that provides users with the autonomy to move around quickly; one such method of transportation is the electric scooter (e-scooter). These micro-mobility devices provide many benefits; they also present a serious risk of a Maryland traffic accident.
E-scooters are stand-up scooters that can reach about 18/mph through power from an electric motor. The batteries generally last from 6-8 hours, depending on the model. E-scooter injuries have become a public health issue in many communities despite the benefits. Various factors can impact the severity of an e-scooter accident, such as the age and sex of the user, helmet use, accident mechanism, injury time, type of injury, and treatment.
According to one study, most injuries occurred in young men around 30 years old and resulted from a fall from the e-scooter. Nearly half of the injuries were upper limb fractures, and about 50% of the features required surgery. As an example, a recent news report described a fatal Maryland e-scooter accident. According to the report, around midnight, police responded to an accident report near Route 50. An initial investigation revealed that the e-scooter operator was traveling west without his lights on when a large sedan slammed into him from behind. The e-scooter operated succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Although e-scooters are increasing in popularity, it is critical to illustrate the risks and reinforce safety suggestions. Helmet use is a critical way to prevent head and neurological injuries. Further, it is beneficial for users to implement knee and elbow pads to prevent injuries to the user’s extremities. Additionally, e-scooter education and licensure could improve overall road safety. Finally, e-scooter users should understand the dangers of riding their vehicles on sidewalks.
E-scooter accidents will continue to occur until there are widespread preventative measures. These accidents can have a life-altering impact on the e-scooter user or anyone else involved in the accident. As such, e-scooter accident victims should contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies after an accident.
How Long Do You Have to Sue After a Maryland Scooter Accident
In Maryland, those injured in a scooter accident have three years to file a claim against the driver responsible for the collision. However, because it can be difficult to locate important evidence as time goes on, it is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Maryland E-Scooter or Motorcycle Accident?
If you or someone you know has been hurt or died in an e-scooter, dockless bike, or other micromobility vehicle accident, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen. The Maryland accident attorneys on our team have extensive experience securing favorable results for injury victims. In addition to Maryland e-scooter accidents, our lawyers handle claims involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, defective products, medical malpractice, pharmaceutical errors, and wrongful death. We provide each client with personalized attention to their individualized needs to make the best-informed decision about their cases. In doing so, we have obtained significant amounts of compensation for our clients and their loved ones. Contact our office at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.