E-scooters are a common sight on the streets of St. Petersburg, and all too often, people are getting hurt. Sadly, riders of e-scooters are finding themselves seriously injured in crashes involving larger motor vehicles. Broken bones and head injuries are the norm, not the exception. The reality is that e-scooter riders are unprotected, usually don’t have on helmets, and are no match for a car. Cars are not used to sharing the roads with e-scooters, thus increasing the likelihood of an accident.
If you have been hit by a car while riding an e-scooter, we can help. Unlike many electric scooter accident attorneys, we have used e-scooters and are familiar with how they operate. We know how to set up an insurance claim, get the medical bills handled, and then maximize compensation for our clients.
At Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas, we pride ourselves on being up to speed with all technological trends. E-scooters, e-bikes, and even e-skateboards are here, and we realize that our clients will need our help. Our firm has been helping injured people for over 60 years, and we would be honored to be of service to you. Should you find yourself the victim of an unfortunate accident, please contact us immediately for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After an E-Scooter Accident
- Report the accident to the police. One of the most important factors in an e-scooter accident is to document what happened. While you are on scene, take pictures of any damage to the scooter or the other vehicle. Take pictures of the driver of the car. Take pictures of any visible injuries. Once the incident is documented and the officer has given you the insurance information for the car, you are much better protected.
- Also while you are at the e-scooter accident scene, screenshot the history of the ride. Do not rely on the app to properly record the trip for you.
- Once you have left the scene, getting immediate medical care is a priority. In most accident cases, the scooter operator is transported to a hospital. If that is not necessary, then go to an urgent care or walk-in clinic. Insurance companies will devalue your claim unless you see a doctor immediately.
- Keep copies of any medical bills, invoices, and receipts for any expenses you incur due to your scooter accident injuries. Keep your paystubs or income statements as well if you must miss time from work or can’t return to work due to your injuries.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media. If you are undergoing treatment for the injuries you sustained in the accident, avoid posting photos or videos of yourself, too. Insurance companies often use social media posts to try to contradict an accident victim’s official claims.
- Finally, speak with a knowledgeable St. Petersburg electric scooter accident lawyer to discuss your options for pursuing a legal claim against whoever bears responsibility for the accident and your injuries. At Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas, we will review your case for free and answer all your questions.
Pursuing Compensation in a Scooter Accident Claim
If you were hurt in a scooter accident in St. Pete, you might be entitled to pursue a claim against the party or parties at fault for the accident. A successful claim could result in financial compensation to help you recover from your injuries.
Compensation for a scooter accident claim can include money for:
- Medical bills, including hospital bills, surgeries, doctor’s office visits, specialist appointments, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical or mobility equipment purchases
- Lost wages or income if you had to take time off of work to treat and recover from your injuries
- Lost earning potential or lost employment (including benefits) if you suffer disabilities that interfere with your ability to work
- Physical pain caused by your injuries and/or treatment
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Lost quality of life due to disabilities, visible and permanent scarring, or disfigurement
Time Limit for Filing a Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Florida
If you were injured in a scooter accident in Florida, the statute of limitations gives you four years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party or parties at fault. If you wait too long to file your scooter accident claim, the court might have grounds to permanently dismiss your case.
A St. Petersburg electric scooter accident attorney can review the details of your case and help you understand what time limits apply. The sooner you contact Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas, the better off you will be.
How Much Does an E-Scooter Accident Attorney Charge?
All personal injury attorneys charge on a contingency basis. This means that you are charged a percentage of the total money that is recovered for you. The standard fee is 33%. You never have to put any money down, pay for costs out of pocket, or make payments. All the money is paid by the insurance company. The best part of the deal is that if no money is recovered, you do not owe your lawyer anything. This makes the hiring of a lawyer to pursue your claim no risk to you.
What Types of Cases Don’t You Handle?
If you are at fault for the accident, we cannot help you. Our cases are against insurance policies based on negligence, so if you were driving recklessly or carelessly, a claim is not possible. We also do not take cases when a defect in the road or sidewalk caused you to fall. These are difficult cases to prove because you will be partially to blame for driving over an unsafe area. You should also be aware that cases involving faulty brakes or other defective conditions on the e-scooter are difficult. The e-scooter companies have cracked down on these claims. For defective e-scooter claims, you must have the e-scooter inspected by an expert and the defect verified. If you have a question about a claim, we will be happy to listen and give you an opinion.
