Columbus Bird & Lime Scooter Accident Lawyers at The Friedmann Firm
Rentable electric scooters have become extremely popular since 2017. 2017 saw no electric scooter sharing systems in the United States. But as of 2022, they can now be found in 158 different cities, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. These electric scooter-sharing systems allow people to rent scooters, typically in the short term, to ride on and explore different cities including cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Akron.
Bird and Lime are two of the most well-known electric scooter companies. They were the first two companies to operate in Columbus and saw immediate popularity, with over 100,000 people having ridden them from their launch in the summer of 2018 to the end of the year. With the introduction of electric scooters comes concerned over accidents occurring between riders, pedestrians, and other motorists.
And while electric scooters offer a quick way to get around, they are sometimes not the safest mode of transportation. Accidents can happen that leave individuals dealing with injuries that range from minor to severe.
If you have recently been involved in an electric scooter accident, consider contacting a Bird scooter accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio today. The Friedmann Firm understands how stressful recovery can be following an accident, and we are here to help you recover compensation from the party responsible. We will review your situation, advise you on the next steps, and guide you through the legal process.
Types of Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooters make for a fun and convenient way to get around the city, but they also bring with them the potential for a variety of different accidents.
Some of the most common accidents involving scooters include:
- Pedestrians being struck by riders on the sidewalk
- Scooter defects such as wheels locking up, brake malfunctions, and rider ejections
- Riders hit by a vehicle
- Pedestrians tripping over parked scooters
- Reckless riding, due to impairment or otherwise
- Road hazards like potholes, uneven surfaces, and construction debris
Types of Injuries from Electric Scooter Accidents
Common types of injuries that result from electric scooter accidents include:
Sprains and strains | Cuts, lacerations, and bruises |
Fractured or broken bones | Spinal cord injuries |
Soft tissue injuries including your knees, ankles, wrists, and | Head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) |
Following any kind of scooter-related accident, even if you only tripped over a parked scooter and you think you are not injured, it is important to seek medical attention. You might have hidden injuries and a record of your medical care can be important evidence in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am injured in a Bird or Lime electric scooter accident?
If you are involved in an accident involving a Bird or Lime electric scooter, there are a few steps you can take:
- Seek medical attention. You’ll want to have your injuries assessed, especially if you have any hidden injuries.
- Call the police. A crash report will serve as documentation of the accident and will be considered evidence as we build your case.
- Be sure to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident.
- Collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Connect with a Columbus Bird & Lime scooter accident injury lawyer. We can provide you with advice and legal representation as we start the process of filing your personal injury claim.
What kind of damages are available in a scooter accident claim?
Damages that may be available in an electric scooter accident claim include:
- Medical costs (current and future)
- Lost income (current and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Keep in mind that each case will vary depending on the kinds of damages that you may be awarded in your claim. If you have more questions about the damages that you may be eligible for, be sure to contact one of our Bird scooter accident head injury lawyers in Columbus.
Who is typically responsible for an electric scooter accident?
As with any kind of personal injury case, the responsible party will be determined based on the facts of the accident. The responsible party may be one of the following:
- The electric scooter rider
- A driver of another vehicle
- The electric scooter rental company
- The city or municipality
- The scooter manufacturer
Any of the above parties could potentially be responsible for an electric scooter accident that results in your injuries. For example, you may be riding on an electric scooter that you rented from Bird or Lime when a car hits you. If you are able to prove that the driver of that car was negligent, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver.
Another example of a potentially liable party is when the scooter rental company fails to maintain their scooters properly and this results in an accident.
Proving negligence will be a key part of your case. You will need to be able to prove that the liable party was, at least in part, negligent in causing the accident. To prove negligence, we will help you to collect evidence and pursue a personal injury claim.
If you have further questions about who may be liable for your injuries, please connect with a Bird scooter accident head injury lawyer in Columbus, Ohio today.
How can I get help if I was injured while riding a Bird or Lime electric scooter?
Connecting with a Columbus Lime scooter injury lawyer from our firm is a great way to get help following an accident. Our attorneys understand how to best approach personal injury cases that involve electric scooter rental companies and we are here to help you as you focus on recovery.