What Should You Do if You’ve Been in a Scooter Accident?
Rentable electric scooters have become increasingly popular on and around campus at the University of Florida, and for good reason: they offer a convenient, affordable way for students and commuters to travel around campus and nearby neighborhoods. However, it’s imperative to consider that with the rising popularity of electric scooters comes an increased risk of accidents and personal injuries. This is especially true when they are ridden on busy roads alongside cars in dense traffic areas both nearby and on campus.
If you have recently been in a scooter accident in Gainesville, Florida, then you may be wondering what options you have for legal support — especially since considering a rental scooter is much different due to the involvement of the company that owns the scooters and manages the rentals.
This blog will help you learn what steps you need to take after an accident and what resources are available for you. Before diving in, there are typically two different scenarios to consider:
Scenario 1: Vehicle Hits Scooter Rider
There are several factors that can lead to a vehicle getting into an accident and hitting a scooter driver. One of the most common is driver distraction, whether caused by cellphone use, eating, or other inattentive behavior. When drivers are distracted, they may fail to notice scooters or other vehicles sharing the road with them, leading to a collision.
Speeding is another factor that can contribute to car accidents where a scooter is involved. A driver who is speeding may not have enough time to react to a scooter in the road or may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Additionally, drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are at a higher risk of causing an accident, including those involving electric scooters. Poor weather conditions and visibility can also make it harder for drivers to see and avoid scooters on the road.
In summary, driver error or negligence, including distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving, coupled with poor visibility or weather, can all lead to accidents involving electric scooters and vehicles.
Scenario 2: Scooter Rider Causes Vehicle Accident
Electric scooters can cause car accidents in a few ways. First, riders of electric scooters may not follow traffic laws and signals, especially when they are in a hurry or distracted. This can result in them suddenly appearing in front of a car that did not expect them, causing a collision.
Second, scooters often ride on the side of busy roads or in bike lanes, which can be confusing for drivers who are not used to looking out for them. This can lead to sideswipe accidents or collisions when someone tries to turn while a scooter is passing through an intersection.
Lastly, some electric scooters can move at high speeds, often up to 15 mph, which can be dangerous and unpredictable, especially when they are sharing space with pedestrians or larger vehicles on the road.
Have you or a loved one recently been in a scooter accident in Gainesville, Florida? You can reach out at any time for a free consultation; our accident attorneys at Avera & Smith are standing by, ready to help you through the legal process.
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: First and foremost, get the medical attention that you need. This not only is important for your recovery, but it’s also important to have medical records should you decide to file a claim.
- Contact the Police: Florida’s laws have some gray area when it comes to contacting the police, but it is legally required if there is any damage or injury. Still yet, best practice is to contact the police and file a report so that you have official supporting documentation surrounding the accident.
- Begin Documenting the Accident’s Details: Along with the police report, it can be helpful to have your own supplemental documentation, which can include:
- Names, contact information, and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident, including drivers and passengers
- License plate numbers and vehicle information, including make, model, and year
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Photos of the damage to all scooters or vehicles involved, including the positioning of the vehicles at the time of the accident
- Contact information of any witness who saw the accident
- Any injuries you or anyone else involved in the accident sustained, along with any medical treatment you received
You may also want to make notes about any details that may be relevant to the accident, including weather conditions, road conditions, and any actions taken by drivers (scooter or otherwise) and/or pedestrians leading up to the accident. Documenting all these details can help you recollect the events leading up to the accident and provide crucial evidence for your insurance claim or any legal proceedings that may follow.
- Schedule your Free Consultation with Avera & Smith: Our firm has been trusted for more than 70 years in helping everyday people navigate the legal system. If you’ve been in a scooter accident in Gainesville, Florida, we will help you seek the justice that you deserve. Contact us today.