Scooter Accident Lawyer

In Phoenix, many scooters fall under the definition of a motorized play vehicle (Phoenix City Code 36-1). These vehicles include alternatively-fueled vehicles or other motorized vehicles powered by gas or electricity that are not otherwise defined in Title 28 of Arizona Revised Statutes.

There are certain city ordinances for these types of vehicles. For example, riders cannot operate these devices:

• On any public sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of the highway
• On any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, or shared-use path
• On any private property without written permission from the property owner

However, it can be very difficult to determine the laws that apply to scooters because they do not fit neatly into one of the motor vehicle definitions in Arizona. This is one of the many reasons you should strongly consider working with an attorney if you get injured in a scooter accident and you think someone else is at fault.

A licensed scooter accident lawyer in Phoenix has in-depth knowledge of the latest state laws and city ordinances and how to apply them to your situation to pursue fair compensation.

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Even though scooters are lighter in weight, smaller in size, and travel much slower than many other motorized vehicles — they often go less than 15 or 20 miles per hour — they are still dangerous. Riders can suffer serious injuries if they fall off the scooter while it is in motion. Riding alongside faster and heavier vehicles, especially in heavy traffic, exposes riders to the risk of many devastating and potentially fatal injuries, including:

Broken Bones or Fractures

These can result from falling off the scooter or being struck by another vehicle. Victims can also suffer swelling or bruising over the bone, pain in the injured area, or the inability to put pressure on an affected leg, ankle, or foot.

Sprains and Strains

While these types of injuries are considered minor, suffering a sprain or strain to a muscle or tendon can still require prolonged rehabilitation. Suffering a sprained knee can result in chronic, long-term pain.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Damage to the brain can happen when falling or being knocked down to the ground, causing your head to hit the pavement. Riders could also hit their heads on a vehicle windshield or fixed objects like road signs and parking meters. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. Severe injuries can lead to permanent brain damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

An injury to the spinal cord can cause damage to the nerves that send signals to different parts of the body. A disruption in these signals can result in paralysis below where the injury occurred. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation which may or may not result in a full recovery.

Scooter accident injuries require immediate medical attention because even a minor injury can become progressively worse over time if it is left untreated. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can leave injured victims and their loved ones with huge medical bills and treatment costs, and lost wages from missing work.

This is why you need a dedicated attorney on your side. Our Phoenix scooter accident attorneys understand that these injuries can have a negative impact on many aspects of your life. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to help provide the legal counsel needed to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

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There are several risk factors involved in operating scooters including:

• Less visibility on the road: Scooters are smaller and can easily be hidden from view, making them less visible to other drivers. Motorists are not used to looking out for scooters traveling through intersections or turning around corners, increasing the likelihood of a crash. The size difference between scooters and motor vehicles and the lack of protection for riders increases the risk of life-changing injuries.
• Lack of protection from the elements: Scooters do not have the protection that other enclosed motor vehicles have such as seat belts and airbags. A lack of safety devices means scooter riders are exposed to the elements which can result in serious injuries, especially if they are not wearing a helmet.
• Roadway hazards: Potholes, road debris, gravel, or uneven surfaces can cause scooter riders to try to make quick maneuvers to avoid an accident. However, this could result in getting hit by other vehicles or crashing into fixed objects.
• Defective equipment: Defective equipment such as faulty brakes, tires, handlebars, or other defects in the structure of the scooter can cause riders to lose control and cause an accident with another motor vehicle or fixed object.
• Less stability: With only two small wheels, scooters provide less stability on the roadway and can lock up or become shaky, especially when the brakes are suddenly applied in an emergency situation. Braking too quickly can result in a rider being thrown from the scooter.

The damages from a scooter accident can be traumatic and severe. If you or someone you love has been injured while operating a scooter, contact a Phoenix scooter accident lawyer to determine if you have a viable claim against any at-fault party liable for your injuries.

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Recovering compensation depends on who was at fault for the accident. There could be many potentially liable parties in an accident, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Possible liable parties could include:

Scooter Company

The scooter company can be held accountable if the electric scooter was improperly maintained. Scooters that are not regularly serviced or repaired can become defective and parts can get worn down, putting riders at serious risk of injury. The scooter company has an obligation to make sure that its scooters are checked for any issues to ensure their safety on the road.

Motor Vehicle Driver

Some scooter accidents can be caused by another motorist’s negligence. If a motorist is reckless by driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or just speeding or disobeying traffic laws, you may be able to pursue a claim against the driver and his or her auto insurance company.

Pedestrian

A pedestrian can be held liable if he or she steps into a rider’s path and causes injury. The pedestrian’s homeowner or renter’s insurance may help to compensate you for any injuries suffered.

Product Manufacturer

Product manufacturers can be held accountable if a defect in the design or manufacturing of the scooter contributed to the accident. For example, maybe there was a problem during manufacturing that made it more likely things would break.

City or Governmental Entity

If dangerous roadway conditions such as a pothole or uneven pavement caused a scooter accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roads.

Our Phoenix scooter accident lawyers can review your case to determine all parties who could potentially be held liable for your injuries. This will help us to pursue all the compensation you are owed.

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When it comes to scooter accidents, there is a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. In Arizona, scooter accident cases caused by another person’s negligence are filed as personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date the accident occurred. Failing to file a lawsuit within that time means you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit.

For claims against the city or governmental entity, you have 180 days to file a formal complaint and the lawsuit must be filed within one year after the accident (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 12-821.01). If you miss any of these deadlines, no matter the reason, you will lose the right to compensation.

This is why it is best that you seek legal assistance from an attorney as soon as possible. Our Phoenix personal injury attorneys understand the time limits that apply to your scooter accident case. We know it takes time to build a strong case to pursue the compensation you deserve. We also know how to deal with the insurance claims process while being prepared to file a lawsuit if we are unsuccessful.

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After a scooter accident, you may be wondering about the types of damages you can claim in your case. A scooter accident lawyer in Phoenix can help you pursue compensation for:

We know suffering from a scooter accident injury can prevent you from working and providing for your family, which is why we will work hard to help you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We know how to determine the full cost of your damages, including things like pain and suffering, which can be difficult to quantify.

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As the use of scooters continues to rise nationwide, so does the risk of accidents. State laws and city ordinances on scooters can be very difficult to understand on your own. This is why you could benefit from working with an attorney with extensive legal knowledge and a track record of success in representing personal injury victims.

Our Phoenix scooter accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help you navigate through the entire claims process by conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of your accident and determining the liable party or parties responsible for your injuries.

Contact us today for a free consultation to review your case. There are no upfront costs or attorney fees involved unless we recover compensation for you.

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