It would be hard to live in Southern California and not notice the huge increase in e-scooter usage. These pay-as-you-go-electric scooters have been banned in other parts of the world, but they are very fast and easy to operate. They are eco-friendly, affordable, and fun to ride. But are they safe? You may be surprised to learn the truth.
E-Scooters Are Not Safer Than Mopeds
In fact, e-scooters are not only less safe then mopeds but they can be more dangerous because riders often act as though e-scooters are toys. Rules are not followed and everyone around them is at risk. It is also true that it is rare for a an e-scooter rider to use a helmet or other protective gear, which greatly increases their chance of catastrophic injury if they are struck by a vehicle or otherwise involved in an accident.
For example, a Los Angeles women last week broke her arm in two places. She assumed that her car insurance policy would cover her medical costs, but as it turned out they did not – due to some language in the fine print of her policy.
Doctors Report an Increase in Injuries from E-Scooter Accidents
According to a recent report, there are more and more serious injuries stemming for e-scooter accidents month over month. These injuries can range from skull fractures to lacerations, from traumatic brain injury to concussions. Causes of these accidents include poor driving by motorists, potholes, pedestrians not paying attention, and error or neglect by the person riding the e-scooter.
Electric Scooters Are Dangerous for Many Reasons
One of the biggest reasons that e-scooters are so dangerous is because there is no licensing requirement to use them and no training is required before a person can hop on and ride away. This means that many people on them are inexperienced and perhaps not properly equipped to ride them. They are also smaller than bikes, which makes them harder for drivers and pedestrians to see, and minor road hazards like uneven pavement can cause crashes.
When these accidents do occur, the person is much more likely to suffer serious injury because they almost definitely will not have any type of protective gear on. After all, the main appeal of these scooters is that they can be rented on just about any corner in highly populated Southern California cities. Since most people do not carry helmets or other safety gear with them at all times, it stands to reason that most riders will not have these injury-preventing tools.
If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, whether as the rider, the driver of a car, or as a pedestrian, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas right away at 909-982-0707. We will get you started with a free legal consultation to help you better understand the options available to you.
