Anyone injured in an electric scooter accident in Florida that wasn’t their fault has the right to compensation. Insurance companies are likely to undervalue your claim or blame you for the accident, but a Florida electric scooter injury attorney can help.
In this blog, we’re going to explain what personal injury claims are and why you should speak to a Florida electric scooter injury attorney as soon as possible:
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Steps to Take After Being Injured in an Electric Scooter Accident in Florida
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident in Florida, your health should be your priority. In many cases, symptoms may even be delayed, appearing several days or even weeks later. Make sure you visit a doctor to check your injuries and have follow-up appointments for any symptoms. Adhere to your treatment plan.Report the Accident
By calling law enforcement, you can officially record the electric scooter accident in a police report. Answer all questions honestly but never admit fault, speculate or guess about what happened. Even if you think you were at fault, an investigation might later reveal that you were mistaken.Exchange Information
If possible, exchange information with other parties involved in the accident. This should include names, contact information, license plate and insurance information.Gather Evidence
Relying on evidence from other people is a dangerous game. Evidence often goes missing or fails to get collected at all. If you are in a condition to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved, ask for witness information and ask the investigating officer for a copy of the accident report number.Protect Documents
Protect and retain all medical bills, doctor’s notes, injury photos, missed work documents, and journals about your accident. Doing so can prove a link between the accident, your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered.Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
The next most important thing you can do is – speak to a Florida personal injury lawyer. By doing so, you’ll gain expert legal assistance to handle a personal injury claim every step of the way. You’ll be facing daunting insurance companies and opposing lawyers who will blame you for the accident. Our Florida electric scooter injury attorney team will ensure your compensation claim is not undervalued, so you can recover and get your life back on track. Feel free to contact us today for a free consultation by calling – (727) 381-2300.Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims are lawsuits filed against the party responsible for a victim’s injuries. They do not decide whether a person should be criminally charged or spend time in jail. Instead, they determine whether someone is responsible for the damages a victim has suffered, including injuries and suffering. If the claim is successful, the responsible party must cover the victim’s damages – usually paid by their insurance company. In many cases, an agreement can be made without the need to go to court. However, without the legal support of an experienced Florida electric scooter injury attorney, victims often experience claims denied, delayed or undervalued.Possible Liable Parties
In electric scooter accidents in Florida, personal injury claims are often filed against a wide range of parties. Of course, who you will be filing a claim against will depend on the circumstances of your accident. If you’re unsure about who is responsible, don’t worry. Our investigations can determine who was at fault. Liable parties may include:Vehicle Drivers
In many cases, electric scooter users are hit by car drivers in similar ways as bicycle accidents. Car drivers overlook the risk of hitting scooter users, resulting in devastating accidents. If you’ve been hit by a driver of a vehicle, and it is their fault, you can file a personal injury claim. The laws over whether you can ride an electric scooter in Florida vary with each municipality.Other Electric Scooter Users
Electric scooters are very popular throughout Florida, which sometimes cause scooter traffic on the sidewalks and bicycle lanes. If another electric scooter operator’s negligent or dangerous riding causes your injuries, they may be liable for your damages.Pedestrians
Pedestrians should not walk in bicycle lanes or jaywalk. If they don’t walk carefully and cause an electric scooter rider’s injuries, they may be liable.Road Maintenance Agencies
Unsafe roads cause accidents for electric scooter riders across the nation. Potholes and faulty traffic signals are just a couple of examples of failing that can trigger catastrophic injuries.Electric Scooter Companies and Manufacturers
When you pay to ride an electric scooter, you expect it to work safely. It’s the electric scooter company’s duty to provide its users with a safe scooter. If the scooter malfunctions and causes you to have an accident resulting in injuries, the company or manufacturer may be liable. For example, if the brakes suddenly lock and you go flying into the asphalt, that wasn’t your fault and you deserve to be compensated. In 2019, Lime was sued by dozens of users injured due to a violent brake fault.Common Injuries Suffered in Electric Scooter Accidents in Florida
Electric scooter accidents in Florida often result in catastrophic injuries. Regardless of the severity, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover your damages. Common injuries include:- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Cuts, lacerations and bruises
- Sprains
- Dislocations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
What Damages Could I Receive Compensation For?
The list of potential damages any victim of an electric scooter accident in Florida can claim is extensive – both economical and non-economical. By speaking to our electric scooter injury attorneys, we can help determine the true value of your accident. Damages may include:Medical Expenses
From ambulance trips to doctor’s appointments and medication costs, victims often have large medical bills that should be compensated for. Additionally, future medical expenses may be recoverable.Lost Wages
If you’ve missed work due to your injuries or are likely to miss work in the future, you should be compensated for your loss of income.Pain and Suffering
The physical, mental and emotional pain you’ve suffered and will continue to suffer should be compensated for too. A Florida electric scooter injury attorney should work to put a figure on your pain and suffering.What If Someone Has Died in an Electric Scooter Accident in Florida?
In the heartbreaking scenario that someone close to you has been killed in an electric scooter accident in Florida, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims help surviving families recover expenses related to the death, such as funeral costs and loss of income. We welcome anyone who has lost a loved one in an accident to contact us for a free consultation. After listening to your story, we can fight aggressively on your behalf.Florida E-Scooter Laws for Riders
- E-scooters have been legal since June 2019.
- E-scooter riders must obey all the same laws as bicyclists.
- Local city officials may apply local e-scooter rules and regulations.
- E-scooter riders must be older than 16 years of age.
- They are not required to have a driver’s license.
- Riders are not required to wear helmets if the scooter doesn’t exceed 30mph.
- Most local ordinances set e-scooter speed limits at 15mph.
- State laws allow e-scooters on sidewalks, bicycle paths and roads, but this law varies in each city.
