Scooter Accident Lawyer Trenton, NJ

Electric scooters are quickly becoming part of the sharing economy, but a scooter accident Lawyer Trenton, NJ, trusts from Davis & Brusca would tell you that these vehicles are not an ideal solution to our current traffic issues. They have been known to pose numerous problems and dangers to riders, pedestrians and others who share communal roads and sidewalks.

If you have been injured as the result of an e-scooter, you may have a number of legal options, depending on the circumstances of your case. The information below should provide helpful introductory guidance. However, to benefit from guidance and assistance personalized to your situation, you’ll want to speak with our team of an experienced personal injury lawyers Trenton, NJ residents count on. 

A Brief History

E-scooters have sprung upon the scene so quickly in NJ that our governments have had to  scramble to balance demand against concerns over safety.  While scooters have been addressed in varying ways in the United States, in May 2019, the Governor of New Jersey signed a bill that would allow e-scooters to be regulated like bicycles.  That means that a person doesn’t need a license, insurance or vehicle registration to use them.  New riders can essentially “get on and ride” without any instruction  and without regard for basic knowledge of traffic safety.

Injuries to Pedestrians and Bicyclists

E-scooter riders often switch between riding on streets and on sidewalks. They may crash into pedestrians or catch pedestrian clothing on handlebars as they ride by. Quickly moving out of the way of an oncoming e-scooter could cause pedestrians to unwittingly step into traffic.

Moreover, riders who are finished with the scooters often leave them strewn on sidewalks and in the way of pedestrians, where they become a dangerous tripping hazard. This is especially problematic for individuals who rely on wheelchairs to get around, because they may not be able to move around the abandoned e-scooters.

Malfunctioning Machines Injure Riders

There have been numerous reports of e-scooters malfunctioning while being ridden. Some suddenly accelerate to full speed and won’t slow down. Others experience either brake failure or sudden locking of brakes. All of these malfunctions lead to serious injuries for riders, and may also put pedestrians, bicyclists and others in danger as well.

Who is Liable After an E-Scooter Accident?

Numerous parties may be held liable after an accident depending on the details of the accident. For instance, when an e-scooter malfunctions and causes injuries to the rider and others, the company that owns and rents the scooters may be held liable.  Conversely, when inexperienced riders use e-scooters dangerously or recklessly and cause injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists, the e-scooter riders will likely be deemed at fault.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident and you believe that it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should speak to an attorney about your rights and legal options. The dedicated team at Davis & Brusca is proud to represent personal injury victims of all types, including those injured by e-scooters. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us to speak to an experienced Trenton, NJ scooter accident lawyer today.