DC E-Scooter Accident Lawyer
There is no middle ground—when it comes to e-scooters in Washington DC, people either love them or hate them. Praised for providing inexpensive transportation around the city, the shared electric scooters have become phenomenally popular since their introduction, with riders signing up in droves for these services.
Despite their popularity, these devices can be very dangerous. E-scooter accidents are causing injuries to riders as well as pedestrians who cross their path.
If you suffered injuries due to an accident involving an electric scooter, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the consequences, including pain, medical bills, and time missed from work, so it is suggested that you contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer.
A knowledgeable Washington DC e-scooter accident lawyer could provide further details based on your unique circumstances.
E-Scooter Laws in DC
E-scooters are considered to be personal mobility devices in Washington. That means they are regulated under statutes such as Section 50–2201.04a of the DC code. This section allows e-scooters from companies such as Lime and Bird to be driven on sidewalks in all parts of the city except the “Central Business District.” While this regulation may reduce the risk that e-scooter riders will be hit by cars, trucks, and buses in the roads, it increases the risk that riders of e-scooters may cause injuries to pedestrians.
Section 50-2201.04a also specifies that riders are not required to wear helmets. Riders not protected by helmets are more susceptible to serious head injuries in a collision. Moreover, since e-scooters are not considered vehicles, no license or instruction is required to ride them on the streets, although the code does require riders to be 16 or older.
The code provisions do provide some safety considerations. For instance, riders may not carry any cargo that prevents them from keeping two hands on the handlebars, nor are they allowed to exceed a speed of ten miles per hour. Further, they are not permitted to wear earphones that impair their ability to hear sounds around them.
Parties Who May Be Liable in an E-Scooter Accident
Shared electric scooters are owned by providers, such as Bird and Lime, and rented by users through phone apps. As part of the user agreement, most riders are usually required to agree to submit to arbitration in case of a dispute, which bars them from bringing a lawsuit in case of an accident. Those injured in e-scooter accidents should consult a DC e-scooter accident attorney to see if they are covered under an arbitration clause and whether it may be possible to contest the clause.
If a lawsuit can be brought, injured riders may be able to seek compensation from the provider if poor maintenance caused an accident. Similarly, if an accident was due to a defect in manufacturing, it may be possible to file an action against the manufacturer.
In situations where a rider is injured due to a collision with a vehicle or with another e-scooter rider, it may be possible to demonstrate negligence on the part of the other driver to obtain recovery. Those injured as pedestrians hit by an e-scooter could be able to file a claim against the rider or against the company providing the scooter, since the pedestrian should not be bound by the arbitration limitation.
Talk to a DC Attorney Who Understands E-Scooter Accidents
E-scooter accidents can result in serious injuries. And in many cases, these accidents could have been prevented if the responsible party had lived up to obligations. So, it makes sense that the person or company responsible for the accident should be required to compensate those who suffer as a result.
While many attorneys in DC handle accident cases, shared e-scooters are new on the scene, so not all lawyers are familiar with the way courts handle accident cases involving the devices. If you were injured in an e-scooter accident, it is advisable to talk to an experienced Washington DC e-scooter accident lawyer to learn about your options.