There are many reasons why New Jersey residents are opting to use e-scooters as a non-traditional method of transportation. Climbing gas prices and the looming energy crisis will push even more people towards electric scooters as a cheaper, more accessible means of transportation.
Over the next eight years, experts predict that the electric scooter market will grow by at least 11.2%. Along with the rise of e-scooters have come new laws and regulations. Thanks to legislation over the past few years, electric scooters are now legal to operate on many New Jersey and New York roadways.
If you’re trying out this new form of transportation, then it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities. As an operator, you still need to remain vigilant on the road and provide for the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians. If you do get into a crash, then there’s a greater chance of injury than if you were in a traditional motor vehicle. Learn more about the dangers of e-scooters and how to handle these types of crashes below.
Know the Risks: Common Dangers of Electric Scooters
Initially, you might think that riding an electric scooter is relatively safe. After all, they don’t move all that fast. Recent investigations, however, have revealed that the opposite is true. Electric scooters have been found to be the most dangerous form of travel, topping even motorcycles and bicycles.
Why? One of the main reasons why they are so dangerous is that people underestimate the risk of riding one. For that reason, they often don’t wear the proper safety gear, ride on these scooters while intoxicated, or don’t take scooter travel as seriously as they should.
If you get in an electric scooter accident, then you’re likely to get thrown off the scooter. The most common scooter accidents involve colliding with another object, getting struck by a car, or falling. Operator error is another common danger, so be sure you have enough experience before you take your e-scooter out on the road.
Common Injuries After Electric Scooter Accidents
As you can imagine, getting thrust off your e-scooter is likely to result in some serious injuries. The most commonly sustained injuries happen to the rider’s face or head. Here are some of the top reported e-scooter injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck strain/sprains
- Pelvic injuries
- Breaks/strains/sprains/fractures to the upper or lower limbs
- Back injuries
- Road rash
Many of these injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper safety gear, getting familiar with how to operate the scooter, and being vigilant on the road.
How to Handle an Electric Scooter Accident
Did you recently experience an electric scooter accident that resulted in a significant injury? If so, then you might be considering speaking with a personal injury lawyer about your options. In New York and New Jersey, courts operate on a no-fault basis, which means your insurance policy should help cover your losses regardless of who caused them. However, your losses may exceed what your insurance will pay. If so, contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights.
Have You Experienced an Electric Scooter Accident in NY or NJ?
Were you recently involved in an electric scooter accident in Essex County or the surrounding areas? Are your losses starting to stack up?
Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to serving Newark, East Orange, New York, and New Jersey residents. If you’re interested in learning more about your legal options and rights, consider scheduling a free case evaluation with The Law Office of Peter Brisken.