Injuries that result from an e-scooter crash can come in all shapes and sizes. Some of these collisions are relatively minor, leaving you with little more than a few scrapes and bruises. Unfortunately, these accidents also have the potential to cause devastating wounds that can follow you for the rest of your life.
If you are considering legal action after an e-scooter accident that was not your fault, it can be helpful to understand the types of injuries that can result from these incidents. Our team can answer your questions about your condition and guide you towards the fair compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common E-Scooter Injuries?
Injuries from e-scooter accidents range from mild bruises to catastrophic trauma. Some of the conditions that are most likely to occur as a result of these incidents include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most dangerous outcomes of an e-scooter crash. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more serious brain trauma from impact with the ground or vehicles. Traumatic brain injuries can affect memory, coordination, mood, and long-term cognitive function. One of the confounding aspects of a brain injury is that some symptoms may not appear immediately. In fact, it could be months or years until the full scope of the injury is clear.
Broken Bones
Falls from scooters often result in fractures, especially to the wrists, arms, and collarbone. More often than not, these fractures occur when a person attempts to break their fall. Some fractures may require surgery, pins, or long-term immobilization.
Facial Injuries
Riders thrown face-first onto the pavement may suffer facial fractures, dental damage, eye trauma, or severe abrasions. In addition to physical pain, these injuries can result in long-term scarring and disfigurement, which may also have psychological and emotional impacts.
Road Rash
Exposed skin sliding along concrete or asphalt can result in road rash. These deep scrapes are especially common with motorcycle accidents, but they can result from scooter crashes too.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal trauma, including herniated discs or fractured vertebrae, can result from hard impacts during an e-scooter accident. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or even complete paralysis. These types of injuries often require long-term care and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Internal Injuries
It is also possible to suffer serious injuries that leave no obvious outward signs of damage. Internal injuries like ruptured spleens or bleeding may not be obvious right away, but these conditions can have life-threatening consequences.
Potential Monetary Damages
If you were injured in an e-scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Some of the damages you might be entitled to recover include the following:
Medical Expenses
This includes emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical care. Your attorney will generally establish these damages by providing your medical bills and records at trial.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for the income you’ve lost. This can include time off for recovery, doctor’s appointments, or permanent inability to return to your job due to disability.
Pain and Suffering
This category reflects the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of your injuries. Factors like the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the long-term prognosis all influence this type of damage award.
Property Damage
If your personal property was damaged in the crash, you may be reimbursed for the repair or replacement costs of those items.
Why E-Scooter Injuries Are Often Serious
E-scooters may seem like a low-risk way to get around, but accidents involving them are frequently serious. There are several reasons for this:
First, scooters offer minimal protection. Riders are completely exposed and often travel on roads shared with vehicles moving much faster. Even a minor bump from a car can cause the rider to fall violently onto the pavement.
Second, many accidents occur due to road hazards, which pose a far greater risk to scooters than cars. The small wheels and high center of gravity on most scooters make them unstable when encountering uneven surfaces.
Third, the technology itself can pose risks. Scooter malfunctions, like unexpected brake failures or app glitches that suddenly slow the vehicle, can cause sudden accidents. Riders often have no time to react or avoid a crash in these situations.
Lastly, many victims of scooter crashes are pedestrians or cyclists who weren’t expecting to be struck. These collisions can also cause severe injuries, especially if the rider was moving at full speed.
Why Hiring an Attorney is Important
Handling a personal injury case after an e-scooter crash is no easy feat. Navigating an injury claim after an e-scooter accident can be far more complicated than it appears. Multiple parties may be involved, including drivers, scooter companies, city agencies, or even other riders. Each has its own insurers and legal teams working to avoid liability.
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, determine who is legally responsible, and gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This includes obtaining medical records, police reports, video footage, and maintenance logs for rental scooters. An attorney can also handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate a settlement that truly reflects the harm you’ve suffered.
In cases involving severe injuries or long-term disability, the financial stakes are high. You may need future medical care, accommodations at home or work, or lifelong support. An attorney ensures these needs are properly valued in any settlement or judgment.
Talk to Us About Your Accident
Escooter Accident can help guide you to the compensation you deserve, especially if your injuries were significant. However, the process of recouping these damages is rarely simple. Reach out to our firm right away to discuss your options during a free consultation.
