Putting Our Knowledge And Experience To Work
Scooter Accident Lawyer
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys for E-Scooter Accident Victims in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio
If you’ve suffered injuries caused by an electric scooter accident, it’s important to reach out to a scooter accident lawyer who can help you file a personal injury claim and get the financial compensation you need. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by medical bills or are just unsure of what to do next, our experienced team at TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm can help.
Electric scooter rentals are becoming more popular in urban areas like Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati Region, but unfortunately, with that rise in popularity comes an increase in scooter accidents. Whether it’s due to road hazards, faulty equipment, negligent drivers, or simply the fact that you’re more exposed on a scooter, these accidents can leave you dealing with serious injuries that impact various aspects of your life.
At TLF, our Covington and Cincinnati personal injury attorneys are dedicated to supporting people like you who have been in an accident involving electric scooters. Our legal team is here to help you seek justice and recover compensation for your injuries.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe anything unless we win your case. Call (800) 698-4054 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options today.
Kentucky Scooter Laws
Kentucky electric scooter laws are defined under KRS 189.289. The statute covers the following:
- Electric scooter riders must be at least 16 years old.
- No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is needed to operate an e-scooter in Kentucky.
- E-scooters must weigh under 100 lbs, have a max speed of 20 mph, and be equipped with brakes, a headlamp, and a rear red light for low visibility.
- E-scooter riders should follow traffic signals and use bike lanes, highways, or shared streets. Riding on sidewalks is generally prohibited.
- All electric scooter operators and e-scooter rental companies are expected to comply with the rules outlined in KRS 189.289.
Ohio Scooter Laws
In Ohio, electric scooter laws are governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01, which classifies electric scooters as “low-speed micro-mobility devices.” Here’s a breakdown of the code:
- A person must be at least 16 years old to rent and operate an electric scooter in Ohio.
- Driver’s license, registration, and insurance are not required for electric scooter drivers.
- There is no rule that requires electric scooter users to wear a helmet.
- E-scooters must weigh less than 100 lbs and cannot exceed a speed of 20 mph. To ensure visibility, they need a front white light and either a rear light or reflector.
- Electric scooters can be driven on public streets, highways, sidewalks, shared-use paths, and bike lanes.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
Just like any motor vehicle accident, there are a number of things that can lead to accidents involving e-scooters. Some of the more common causes of e-scooter accidents in Kentucky and Ohio include:
- Rider Error: A scooter crash can result from distracted driving, driver inexperience, or failure to yield to oncoming traffic.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and uneven roads can cause an e-scooter operator to crash.
- Vehicle Collisions: A car accident can happen due to distracted driving or a driver failing to see an e-scooter rider. Scooter accidents may also be caused by a car door opening unexpectedly, resulting in the scooter colliding with the open door.
- Faulty Equipment: Faulty or malfunctioning equipment on e-scooters can lead to accidents, possibly making the e-scooter company legally liable.
- Negligent Maintenance: Just like all motor vehicles, electric scooters require maintenance. If e-scooter companies neglect proper upkeep, things like broken brakes or lights can increase the risk of accidents.
Injuries E-Scooter Accident Victims Commonly Suffer
These accidents can also lead to serious injuries, especially given the fact that there is little protection offered for the rider should they be thrown off the scooter. As such, potential scooter injuries may include:
- Bone fractures: Scooter accidents can cause broken bones, especially in the arms, wrists, and legs. Some fractures may require surgery or months of rehabilitation.
- Head injuries: E-scooter riders can suffer from concussions or more serious head trauma, leading to headaches, memory issues, or dizziness.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Serious scooter accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, which often cause long-term problems like difficulty speaking and changes in personality or mobility. Brain injuries can lead to long-term hospital admissions and extensive (and expensive) medical treatment.
- Spinal cord injuries: A serious scooter crash can leave you with a spinal cord injury. This type of injury often leads to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or long-term physical limitations.
- Cuts, bruises, and burns: Falling off a scooter usually results in cuts and bruises, but in some cases, the road, pavement, or electric motor can make contact with your skin and leave you with severe burn injuries and/or road rash.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a crash can cause catastrophic injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding. While the injuries may not be immediately obvious at first, they can be life-threatening.
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, we understand how devastating scooter-related injuries can be. That’s why our skilled personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to recover compensation for all losses and damages, including medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress, after a scooter accident.
Can I Sue for Electric Scooter Accident Injuries?
Yes, you can sue for electric scooter accident injuries if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. In this case, an experienced scooter accident attorney like those at TLF can help you file a claim against the at-fault party, whether it’s another scooter rider, a driver, or even the scooter company.
To recover damages, you must prove negligence, meaning the other party failed to act responsibly and caused your injuries. Your attorney will work to demonstrate all elements of negligence were met in order to hold the responsible party accountable. They will also negotiate with the appropriate insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, that is when your personal injury lawyer will file a lawsuit and prepare the case for trial.
Legal Rights of Scooter Accident Victims
In both Kentucky and Ohio, electric scooter accident victims have the legal right to seek compensation for their injuries if someone else’s negligence caused the accident.
Injury victims may hold any number of parties liable, such as the scooter rental company for providing faulty or poorly maintained equipment, drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident, or even municipalities or property owners for failing to maintain safe road conditions.
In some cases, there can be multiple liable parties at once. This, of course, can make the case even more difficult to navigate, making it essential to have a skilled lawyer who can identify all sources of responsibility and fight for your rights. If the accident results in a wrongful death, the victim’s family can also seek compensation for their losses through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident
After an electric scooter accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical treatment, even if you don’t feel injured, as some symptoms might appear later. Visit the emergency room or your healthcare provider to ensure all injuries are properly documented.
It’s also important to report the incident to local authorities and document the accident scene with photos and notes. Gather contact information from any witnesses and retain any relevant evidence, such as damaged clothing or pictures of the scooter itself.
Finally, contacting an experienced electric scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible is essential to protect your legal rights and strengthen your case. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order so that you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Work With a Covington or Cincinnati Scooter Accident Lawyer From TLF?
Working with a scooter accident lawyer from TLF gives you the experienced legal support you need for your scooter accident case. Our team has a strong history of successfully handling personal injury cases in Covington and Cincinnati, including e-scooter accidents.
Our team of personal injury lawyers is committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. We take a comprehensive approach to investigating your accident, collecting evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and video footage. Our team also works with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your accident, assess the scooter’s condition, and examine rental records to uncover any potential defects or maintenance issues.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Those Injured On Electric Scooters
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our scooter accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve after suffering electric scooter accident injuries. We understand how overwhelming medical expenses and lost wages can be, not to mention recovering from the actual injury itself, which is why we take a thorough approach in all personal injury cases.
Our team works hard to ensure that every aspect of your injury is accounted for. By aggressively negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you.
Common Challenges in Scooter Accident Cases
E-scooter accident cases can be complicated, as it’s often hard to prove who’s at fault, especially when multiple parties are involved. Dealing with insurance companies can also come with issues like coverage limits and disagreements about who should pay. On top of that, scooter rental agreements may have legal terms that make it harder to file a claim.
Fortunately, our scooter accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge it takes to handle these challenges and more. We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, work with insurance companies, and tackle any legal obstacles to help you get the best results.
Contact the Covington and Cincinnati Scooter Accident Lawyers at TLF For a Free, No Obligation Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, our experienced Covington and Cincinnati scooter accident lawyers can help protect your rights and guide you through the personal injury claim process. Rest assured, the legal team here at TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Let us help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery. Call (800) 698-4054 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Practice Areas
You Pay No Fees Unless We Win!
We are happy to offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you hire us as your legal counsel, we will represent you on a contingency-fee basis. You will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover financial damages.