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How an Attorney Can Help You with a Bird or Lime Scooter Accident in Columbus, Ohio

Bird or Lime Scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in the Columbus area.

Their surge in usage has drawn the attention of much of the city, including the legislature that has defined the laws for riding motorized scooters.

Even with City Council’s legislation that aims to keep riders, pedestrians, and fellow motorists safe, there are an increasing number of Bird and Lime scooter accidents.

If one has occurred with you or someone you know, contact a Bird scooter accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio at Heit Law. Our Columbus scooter accident attorneys can help you get the settlement you are entitled to.

Scooter Accidents

If you are in a crash, the most important thing to do is immediately notify the police. The responding law enforcement officer will determine who is at fault in the accident, which is crucial for determining what you are entitled to following a crash.

Who is at fault in scooter accidents is not always straightforward, as it depends on the occurrence that leads to the accident.

The most common types of accidents associated with motorized scooters include:

  • A collision with a vehicle
  • A scooter rider hits a pedestrian
  • The rider is thrown from the scooter after colliding with road hazards
  • Pedestrians trip or collide with abandoned scooters
  • The motorized scooter malfunctions

It is important to note that drivers are obligated to exercise increased caution around pedestrians, including scooter riders, using the roadways. If you believe a motorist’s negligence resulted in your accident you need a personal injury attorney in Columbus, Ohio. These scooter accidents can all lead to serious injury that can result in serious medical bills, missed wages, and other personal problems.

How we can help

A driver’s negligence is often determined by the initial police report filed at the scene of the accident. Obtaining a copy is the most crucial step to beginning the settlement process.

To determine fault in a scooter-vehicle crash, the rider must prove the following:

  • The driver had a duty to exercise caution around the rider
  • The operator of the vehicle violated this duty that put the rider or others around at risk
  • This driver’s negligence then directly resulted in the crash

If the driver involved in the crash has violated any of the above, you could be entitled to a settlement from the motorist’s insurance company. Do not deal with insurance companies on your own, contact Heit Law to ensure you get the entirety of what you are owed.

Should you be involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, it is additionally crucial to have a representative from Heit Law file a personal injury suit on your behalf. We will make certain that the negligent party is held responsible for a scooter accident.

Free Consultation from Top Rated Scooter Accident Attorneys

Do not wait to seek legal representation after a Bird Scooter or Lime Scooter accident. Our experienced personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation where you can get honest answers to your questions and learn more about your legal options. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay attorney fees unless we win. You can reach us by phone at 614-898-5300 , toll-free from anywhere in Ohio at 877-898-HEIT (4348), or contact via email to schedule a free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you overload an electric scooter?

Electric scooters typically have a weight limit or capacity. This designates the maximum limit that each scooter can handle and may vary across different scooter brands. If an electric scooter’s limit is breached, you may overload it. This can cause some issues like:

  • Brakes not being as effective
  • The scooter not having enough power to make it up inclines
  • A scooter’s frame bending or warping due to overload
  • The battery capacity may be affected

Overloading an electric scooter can lead to accidents in some cases. If you have been hurt following the overload of a scooter, consider speaking with a scooter accident attorney.

Where do scooter accidents happen? What causes them?

Scooter accidents can happen just about anywhere you may see scooters, including on streets, sidewalks, intersections, and bicycle lanes. Common causes of scooter accidents include:

  • Blind spots
  • Lane splitting
  • Road debris
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Scooter or motor vehicle malfunctions
  • Brake failures
  • Reckless driving
  • Dooring

What kind of injuries are caused by scooter accidents?

Injuries sustained from a scooter accident can range from minor to severe. Some of the most common kinds of injuries you may experience include:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Head injuries, like a concussion or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Road rash
  • Strains and sprains
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Back injuries, including spinal cord injuries

What makes scooters so dangerous?

There are a number of reasons that an electric scooter can be dangerous, including lack of upkeep on part of the scooter rental company. Electric scooters also lack safety features like a protective frame and seat belts that you find in cars and other vehicles.

Danger can be amplified if riders are not wearing a helmet when they ride a scooter as well.

Who is liable for scooter accidents?

Determining liability for a scooter accident is going to depend entirely on each individual case and the factors that led to the accident itself. There are a few different possible parties that may be found liable in a scooter accident including:

  • The scooter rental company, like Bird or Lime
  • The scooter user
  • A pedestrian
  • The driver of a motor vehicle
  • The City

If you have further questions about who may be liable for a scooter accident, please contact a Bird scooter accident lawyer.

Is it illegal to ride a scooter on the sidewalk?

Laws regarding riding scooters on the sidewalk will vary from state to state. In Ohio though, there are laws in place to keep electric scooters and other transport like electrical bikes off of the sidewalk. For example, under Section 4511.711 of the Ohio Revised Code, no one is allowed to drive any kind of vehicle, other than a bicycle or an electric bicycle with the motor off, on a sidewalk or sidewalk area.

And while scooters cannot be used on sidewalks, they can be ridden on bike paths and lanes.

What should I do after a scooter accident?

Following a scooter accident, you should seek medical attention and see about filing a police report. Even if you do not feel hurt, getting looked over should be a priority and then you can get an official record of the accident. You’ll also want to exchange contact information for anyone involved in the accident, including getting contact information for any eyewitnesses.

From there, it can be key to reach out to a scooter crash attorney near you for a consultation about your next steps.

What is the first thing you should do after being involved in an accident?

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health is important. You may immediately feel hurt, or you may even have delayed symptoms that could appear minutes, hours, and even days after the accident. Prompt medical attention is important and will go a long way to helping you in your recovery process.

How long should you be sore after a scooter accident?

This is not a question we can answer unfortunately as a scooter crash attorney near you. Your injuries, such as soreness, may differ greatly in your recovery following a scooter accident. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional, such as your doctor, about the timeline of your recovery.

Is it illegal to ride an electric scooter drunk?

Riding an electric scooter drunk can lead to a DUI/OVI in Ohio. Under Ohio law, electric scooters are considered to be a vehicle in some capacity. Therefore, riding one while under the influence is illegal. You can face a DUI/OVI or if you were injured by a scooter rider who was under the influence, they may face a DUI/OVI.

For more questions related to this, please contact a Bird scooter accident lawyer.

I’ve been hurt in a scooter accident. Can I pursue compensation for any damages?

In many cases, you can pursue compensation for injuries and losses you incur after a scooter accident. To help determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, please reach out to a scooter crash attorney near you, such as here at Heit Law, LLC. We can take a closer look at the details of your case and determine if you can pursue compensation based on the situation.

What kind of lawyer can help with a scooter accident?

A scooter accident attorney can help you. Electric scooters are still relatively new, and the laws and regulations around their usage may still be changing. As a scooter crash attorney near you, we have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and changes to the operation of electric scooters.

Whether you are a scooter rider involved in a collision with a vehicle or if you are a pedestrian that has tripped over abandoned scooters, Heit Law, LLC is here to help.

Who handles the damage to my scooter?

Damages will typically be covered by the party that is found to be liable in the accident. As discussed above, the liable party could be the scooter rider, the driver of a motor vehicle, or even the scooter rental company in some cases. For example, if a car hits a scooter because of the driver’s negligence, they may be found at fault.

In that instance, the negligent driver will be responsible for covering damages.

What do I have to pay the attorney if there’s no coverage? Or if we don’t win?

Here at Heit Law, our Lime scooter accident attorney works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will only pay fees if we win your case.

Are e-Scooter rental companies liable for accidents?

E-scooter rental companies may be liable for accidents, depending on the details of the situation. Some scenarios where a rental company like Bird or Lime may be found liable include if a rented electric scooter has been poorly maintained and malfunctions. This can range from brakes locking up to parts of the scooter suddenly breaking.

If you think that the scooter rental company may be responsible for your injuries, please contact a  Lime or Bird scooter accident lawyer.

How much compensation claim is available for scooter accident cases?

The amount of compensation that you may be able to receive in a scooter accident case will vary depending on individual circumstances. Factors like the cause of the accident, the kinds of injuries you have, and the severity of those injuries will all be used to determine your claim’s worth.

Something to keep in mind is that insurance companies may offer you an initial settlement offer that is low and may not account for all of your injuries. We’ll work to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the maximum amount of compensation you’re eligible for.

What can I claim following an e-scooter accident?

There are a few different types of compensation that you can claim following an electric scooter accident. These include:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium

Your claim will be primarily made up of both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include medical costs and lost income – things that have an applicable financial cost. Whereas non-economic losses include things like pain and suffering – things that are a little more difficult to apply a set number to.

I’m not sure if I want to make a claim yet, I just wanted some advice first.

You can still reach out to a scooter accident attorney at Heit Law, LLC for the advice! We offer free and confidential consultations where you can ask questions about your case and seek guidance on your specific legal issue. You can contact us online or over the phone to schedule a consultation.

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