Chicago Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys
In recent years, electric scooters have become a common sight on Chicago's streets, offering a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, with their growing popularity comes an increase in the number of accidents, leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. The crowded streets of Chicago, filled with cars and pedestrians, make navigating these devices even more dangerous. Whether it's an inexperienced rider or a motorist failing to see an e-scooter, these accidents often result in devastating consequences.
At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we recognize how life-changing these incidents can be for victims and their families. With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, we have successfully helped thousands of clients recover damages for a wide range of injuries, including those resulting from electric scooter accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact BB&G today to discuss your case. Our team will help you navigate the legal process, working to secure the compensation you deserve.
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Electric Scooters present a range of liability questions
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Common Types of Electric Scooters and Their Risks
Electric scooters (e-scooters) come in several types, each presenting unique risks to riders and pedestrians. Understanding these variations is critical to ensuring safety and identifying the specific dangers associated with each model.
Stand-Up E-Scooters
The most commonly used type of e-scooter in Chicago, stand-up scooters can reach speeds of up to 15-20 mph. While efficient for short trips, their lightweight design and small wheels make them unstable on uneven terrain, like Chicago's pothole-riddled streets. Riders who encounter these obstacles may be thrown from the scooter, suffering serious injuries, such as broken bones or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). With 36% of injuries involving riders under 14 years old, young and inexperienced riders face additional risks.
Sit-Down Electric Scooters
Sit-down e-scooters are heavier and generally more stable than their stand-up counterparts. However, their increased weight and speed pose significant risks in collisions, especially with pedestrians and cyclists. Riders in urban settings like downtown Chicago are at a heightened risk of serious injuries in busy traffic areas.
Rental E-Scooters
Rental e-scooters, operated by companies such as Lime and Bird, are readily available across the city. One of the key risks associated with these scooters is the lack of formal training required for riders. Additionally, rental scooters are often subject to wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of mechanical malfunctions, such as brake failures or battery issues. Approximately 9% of e-scooter accidents are linked to these malfunctions
Rising Injury and Fatality Rates in Electric Scooter Accidents
The growing popularity of electric scooters has led to a corresponding rise in injuries and fatalities. According to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), injuries related to electric scooters increased by 21% in 2022 compared to the previous year
E-scooter accident statistics
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Inexperience and speed on e-scooters
Researchers found speeding was the biggest contributing factor to scooter accidents, playing a role in 37 percent of cases. One-third of the hurt riders blamed their injuries on inexperience as they were using a scooter for the first time. Nearly 30 percent of riders had been drinking. A vehicle was involved in 16 percent of scooter accidents.
Electric Scooters on Chicago Streets
Chicago officials discovered the popularity of e-scooters during their initial pilot program. In 2019, riders took 60,000 trips during the first week of the test program. Overall, Chicago riders took an average of 4,392 daily trips.
In 2022, Chicago awarded Lime, Spin and Superpedestrian two-year business licenses. Lyft also operates scooters through its Divvy bikeshare program.
According to licensing rules, scooters can only be operated in certain areas of the city. Divvy is limited to the downtown area, defined by DuSable Lake Shore Dr. to the east, Pershing Rd. to the south, Damen Ave. to the west and Armitage Ave. to the north.
Shared scooters are not allowed on the Lakefront Trail, the 606 Trail, the Riverwalk and the O'Hare Airport area.
Electric scooters are “dockless,” which means riders can drop them off anywhere and simply walk away rather than returning them to fixed stations. The dockless aspect has made scooters controversial in other cities. They are being left in the middle of sidewalks, posing a safety hazard to pedestrians who can trip and fall over them.
E-scooter safety
To combat common issues raised in other locations, Chicago has enforced several strict rules on where scooters can be parked. They must not clutter or block sidewalks, loading zones or building entrances. Vendors also must clear streets and sidewalks of all scooters by midnight to prevent irresponsible behavior.
Other rules include the following:
- Scooters can only operate in designated areas of the city.
- Riders must remain in bicycle lanes rather than using sidewalks.
- Scooter speeds are limited to 15mph.
Safety remains a major concern. Injuries sustained from scooter accidents can prevent people from returning to work or leave them with chronic pain and piles of medical bills. If you have been hurt in an electric scooter accident in Chicago, the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you obtain compensation for your injuries through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Public Health Implications of E-Scooter Use
The rising number of e-scooter accidents has become a public health issue. In 2022 alone, micromobility devices, including electric scooters, accounted for an estimated 360,800 emergency room visits. Many of these injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries, require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
One of the biggest factors contributing to the severity of these injuries is the low usage of helmets. According to recent reports, fewer than 5% of electric scooter riders wear helmets regularly
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How to Protect Yourself from an Electric Scooter Accident in Chicago
Many electric scooter accidents involve first-time riders. The lack of experience in operating the vehicle and unfamiliarity with the rules involved can expose riders to the risk of getting hurt or injuring others. Among the scooter injuries analyzed by the CDC, one-third occurred during the user’s first ride.
While you cannot prevent an accident that is caused by another party’s negligence, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself.
Here are five simple safety tips to remember when riding an electric scooter:
Become familiar with how scooters work
It is a good idea to take a test ride in an open space prior to heading off. Practice until you get a hang of starting and stopping, maneuvering, and accelerating and decelerating. You may have used a scooter as a child or are currently a bicyclist. However, that does not mean you will be a natural scooter rider. Make sure to read the vendor’s safety instructions.
Wear a helmet
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from injuries is to wear a helmet at all times while riding a scooter, even if it is not required by law. Chicago strongly encourages scooter riders to wear helmets. If an accident occurs, a helmet can reduce your chances of suffering a head injury or traumatic brain injury.
Follow the rules of the road
Make sure you use your scooter in designated bike lanes rather than on sidewalks. It is also vital to follow traffic signals and observe speed limits. Use hand signals when riding alongside traffic. Electric scooters are meant to be used by a single rider, so riding tandem can be dangerous.
Avoid distractions
Stay off your phone while on a scooter, whether it is responding to a text message or checking navigation. Do not drink and ride. Even one alcoholic drink can impair your ability to navigate the streets on a scooter. Riding a scooter instead of driving a car is not necessarily safer. It puts you and others at risk of injury or death.
Do not ride at night or in bad weather
Scooter riders may be less visible to motorists and pedestrians in the dark. In addition, potholes, debris or bumps on the roadway can be difficult to spot at night. Poor weather conditions can also lead to crashes due to slippery roads.
Legal Liability in Electric Scooter Accidents
Determining legal liability in electric scooter accidents can be complicated. Several parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances, including the scooter rider, a motorist, or even the rental company. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to navigating these complexities and pursuing compensation.
Rental Companies and Their Responsibilities
Rental companies like Lime and Bird are required to maintain their scooters in good working order. If an accident occurs due to mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes, the rental company may be held liable for the resulting injuries. In cases where proper maintenance or safety checks were neglected, these companies can be sued for damages.
Motorists and Pedestrian Collisions
Collisions between motor vehicles and e-scooters often result in severe injuries. If a driver fails to yield or disregards traffic signals, they may be held responsible for any injuries caused. On the other hand, scooter riders who ignore traffic laws or ride recklessly may also be found partially liable for the accident.
At BB&G, we understand the importance of holding the responsible parties accountable. Whether you're a pedestrian struck by an e-scooter or a rider involved in a crash, our experienced team will fight for your right to compensation.
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How Briskman Briskman and Greenberg Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers has been helping personal injury victims in Chicago for over 30 years. We take pride in our track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including those involved in e-scooter accidents. From pedestrian injuries to serious vehicle collisions, we have the knowledge and experience to handle even the most challenging cases.
If you've been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact BB&G for a free consultation. Our attorneys will listen to your story, investigate the details of your case, and develop a personalized strategy to help you recover the compensation you deserve. To learn more, and to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today, give Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers a call today at 1-877-595-4878. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.
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