Electric scooters, often known as e-Scooters, have become a common means of transportation in Chicago. Besides being environmentally friendly, it helps ride in a congested city of Illinois, but it can also be risky. There are growing cases of accidents from electric scooters. It is crucial to contact a Chicago electric scooter accident lawyer if you are hurt in one so they can assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. Across the US, hospitals and urgent care facilities reported more than 1,500 e-scooter injuries as of 2019. The truth is that this only represents a small portion of the total cases.
Consumer Reports’ data was only gathered in the 47 cities where Lime or Bird has operations. The true number of e-scooter injuries is probably far higher than official records indicate because many of them are not properly monitored, and this data was only gathered from a few locations. E-scooter injuries will increase as the number of e-scooter users increases in American cities.
In Chicago, the cases of electric scooter accidents are high, and so is the demand for accident injury lawyers. Our personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Office stand up for anyone hurt in a scooter accident in Chicago. If you were hurt in an e-scooter accident, you might be eligible to make a personal injury claim to get paid for your losses.
You can get just compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable for your injuries with the aid of a reliable accident lawyer. Contact us immediately to talk with a knowledgeable Chicago electric scooter lawyer.
What is an Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters are two-wheeled, battery-powered motorized vehicles, and regulations for its business in Chicago are outlined by the Municipal Code of Chicago. Although small and light, they may have a top speed of 15 mph. These vehicles are far more compact than motorcycles and mopeds and can be driven without an M or L-class motorcycle license.
Some information to know about e-scooters and traffic laws
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that over the past four years, there has been a 70% increase in e-scooter accident incidents. An estimated 200,000 trips to the emergency department result from accidents involving electric scooters. The strewn e-scooters in parking lots, sidewalks, and other public locations have angered pedestrians and motorists alike.
Chicago has started an experimental program for electric scooters, joining other major cities. While some drivers and pedestrians were concerned about the broad usage of shared e-scooters, e-scooter aficionados were ecstatic about this trial program.
What is the license application process to operate e-scooters in Chicago?
Licensing requirements for companies who rent out electric scooters are established by the Chicago Department of Transportation and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (CDOT) in Chicago.
The objective is to identify the businesses that can assist Chicago in achieving its objectives of upholding public safety and adhering to traffic regulations while allowing the usage of scooters on the streets.
The electric scooter rider must:
- Get the vehicle registered.
- Secure a Class M or L license.
- Wear a transparent windshield.
- Attach a headlight and ensure it is visible from 500 feet away.
- Attach a taillight and is visible from 100 to 300 feet away.
Types of e-scooter accidents in Chicago
There are different types of accidents one can face through e-scooter-
Mechanical Breakdown
Mechanical failure is one of the most frequent reasons for an electric scooter accident. When the electric scooter’s battery runs out, it may be cut off during a trip. Sometimes, the brakes cannot bring the vehicle to a safe stop, especially when traveling downhill, causing an e-scooter disaster.
Additionally, most scooter manufacturers mandate that users respect geo-fences. The geo-fences are electrical borders that allow the software to be activated upon entering or departing a certain area.
Improper Parking of E-Scooters
In most cities, pedestrian trips on erratically parked scooters are a common cause of electric scooter incidents. It is crucial for businesses running shared electric scooter services to inform customers to park these vehicles in designated docking areas to keep public pathways clear.
Improper use of Scooter
Currently, using an e-scooter doesn’t require any training. Lack of training may lead to an accident with an electric scooter, especially among individuals who might not be aware of the traffic regulations governing the usage of these vehicles.
A cyclist hurting a pedestrian on an electric scooter is another incident brought on by irresponsible usage. While riding a scooter is the main cause of e-scooter-related injuries, collisions with cars or pedestrians are also possible.
How can you prevent e-scooter injuries?
Some of the ways how you can prevent yourself from e-scooter injuries-
Injuries to the Head
Per the reports from Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), injuries to the head, such as brain bleeds and concussions, account for about half of all reported associated injuries. Using helmets is always the best approach to avoid head injuries, regardless of whether a specific jurisdiction has laws requiring this safety equipment.
Unsafe Driving
Riders of e-scooters must develop the habit of planning. Since they can and will be held responsible for distracted driving and other related offenses, riders must take responsibility for knowing the regulations. Always utilize hand signals when cycling next to moving vehicles. The best is to wear reflective clothing to stay visible to other drivers.
What are the Legal Options for victims of e-scooter accidents in Chicago?
Serious injuries may result in wrongful death or a lifelong disability. You could claim compensation for your injuries and other losses if you weren’t at fault for the collision.
The police report on the occurrence, the insurance information, and the names of any witnesses will all be gathered by law companies with experienced Chicago electric scooter accident lawyers. Your personal injury attorney for electric scooters can assist you in pursuing several types of compensation, including:
- Future and previous medical bills
- Future and Past Lost Wages
- Past and Future Suffering and Pain
- Loss of a Normal Life or Past
How can Phillips Law Office help in e-scooter accident compensation?
Have you been hurt in an e-scooter collision accident? If so, get a free consultation for your personal injury lawsuit from an e-scooter accident attorney at Phillips Law Office, Chicago.
Our personal injury attorneys handle situations involving auto accidents, including accidents involving electric scooters. Our law firm assists you in requesting just compensation for your personal injury claim from the party responsible for your e-scooter injuries by providing a free case examination.
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