Scooter accidents can cause serious injuries and harm. As a relatively new form of transportation with legal grey areas regarding classification, you need an experienced attorney to help you determine your best course of action.
If you’ve been injured in a Pensacola scooter accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The legal team at Cardoso Law, PLLC, can help determine the cause of the accident and build a strong case. Our Florida scooter accident attorney is equipped to handle your case with the care and attention it deserves. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your rights.
Common Causes of Scooter Accidents in Pensacola
Various factors may contribute to scooter accidents, and sometimes victims face legal disputes over who is at fault.
Common causes of scooter accidents in Pensacola, Florida, include:
- Distracted Driving—Many scooter accidents involve drivers not paying attention to the road. Whether they are texting, talking on the phone, or simply lost in thought, their lack of focus can lead to severe consequences.
- Speeding—Speeding is a frequent cause of traffic accidents, including those involving scooters. Drivers who speed have less time to react to road conditions or the actions of other road users. Speeding cars pose a significant risk to scooter riders, who are more exposed and vulnerable.
- Poor Road Conditions—Potholes, uneven roads, and slippery surfaces are particularly hazardous for scooter riders and may cause them to lose control and crash. Victims may be able to hold local government agencies accountable for scooter accidents caused by poor road conditions.
- Intoxication—Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs experience impaired judgment and slowed reaction times, both of which affect their overall ability to operate a vehicle safely. When motorists choose to drive after consuming alcohol, they endanger everyone on the road, including scooter riders.
- Right-of-Way Violations—Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to scooter riders. This can happen at intersections, when making turns, or at stop signs, where drivers might not correctly judge the speed of an approaching scooter or even notice their presence.
Types of Injuries in Scooter Accidents
You should seek immediate medical attention after a scooter injury, both to take care of your health and to establish a connection between the accident and your injuries.
Common scooter accident injuries include:
- Bone or joint-related injuries, including fractures or dislocations
- Head or brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Superficial injuries like bruises, cuts, or abrasions
- Neck injuries like whiplash
- Facial or dental injuries
- Internal injuries, including internal bleeding
- Back injuries, including spinal injuries
- Psychological trauma
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident
You should take the proper steps after a scooter crash to ensure your safety and seek the support and compensation you need. Here’s what you should do after an e-scooter accident:
- Check for Injuries—Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries and call for medical help if anyone is seriously hurt.
- Move to Safety—If you can, move yourself and your scooter to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further risk of harm from passing vehicles.
- Call the Police—If you are involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or at least $500 in apparent property damage, you must report it to the police immediately.
- Gather Information—Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. Gather contact details from any witnesses.
- Document the Scene—Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the scooter and other vehicles involved.
- Seek Medical Attention—Visit a doctor as soon as possible to have them assess, treat, and document your injuries, even if you don’t notice symptoms of injury immediately.
- Notify Your Insurance Company—Inform your insurance provider about the accident, but be careful about what you say before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a Florida Scooter Accident Lawyer—A Florida scooter accident attorney can help you by gathering evidence, talking to insurance companies on your behalf, and representing you in court if insurance does not offer you fair compensation.
- Keep Thorough Records—Maintain a file of all accident-related documents, including medical bills, crash reports, and records of time away from work.
Compensation Available to Scooter Accident Victims
Florida’s no-fault laws require vehicle owners to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who causes the accident. However, the requirements are different for some scooters.
If you ride a motor scooter, a more powerful vehicle capable of higher speeds, Florida law treats it similarly to motorcycles. In Florida, there is no mandatory PIP coverage for motorcycles, so it is recommended that motorcyclists and motorized scooter riders get uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance along with medical payment coverage, aka MedPay. MedPay can help cover accident related injuries, although it should be noted that you will be required to pay back these expenses.
However, if you are involved in an accident involving a motorized scooter, you could be entitled to compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or a personal injury lawsuit. A Florida scooter accident lawyer can explain these distinctions as they relate to your case and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Who Could Be Liable for a Scooter Accident?
It’s essential you determine who is at fault for your Pensacola scooter accident so you know from whom you may seek compensation. Potentially liable parties include:
- Other drivers
- Scooter rental companies
- Pedestrians or cyclists
- Scooter manufacturers
- Entities responsible for road maintenance
- Scooter repair shops
Statute of Limitations to File a Scooter Accident Claim
Depending on the situation, you have two years to file a lawsuit after a Florida scooter accident. If you fail to file a claim in this period of time, you lose your right to sue for compensation, so it’s crucial that you contact a scooter accident law firm immediately after the accident. They can identify and meet all relevant deadlines and handle your claim efficiently.
Get Legal Help from a Pensacola Scooter Accident Lawyer
Are you looking for help after a scooter accident in Pensacola? It’s time to take action and get the support you need. Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, today for a free initial consultation. We can help you understand your options and build a solid case to seek the compensation you deserve.