- within Strategy and Corporate/Commercial Law topic(s)
- with Senior Company Executives, HR and Finance and Tax Executives
- with readers working within the Accounting & Consultancy, Banking & Credit and Business & Consumer Services industries
Electric scooters (e-scooters) are popping up in cities across Ontario.
They are promoted as a fun, eco-friendly way to get around, but as their popularity grows, so do the number of accidents and injuries linked to them.
Common causes of e-scooter accidents
- Riders losing balance due to poor road conditions
- Collisions with cars or cyclists (often caused by failure to see the scooter)
- Pedestrians tripping over parked scooters
- Pedestrians struck by e-scooters
- Mechanical failures such as brake problems
Types of injuries
E-scooter accidents can result in serious injuries, including:
- Head injuries (especially if no helmet is worn)
- Broken wrists, arms, and legs
- Road rash and lacerations
- Spinal injuries
Who is responsible?
Liability depends on the circumstances:
- If a car hits a scooter rider, the driver may be responsible
- If a poorly maintained road caused the crash, a municipality may share blame
- If the e-scooter itself malfunctions, the rental company or manufacturer may be liable
Insurance complications
Often, the automatic accident benefits coverage available to car drivers is not available to e-scooter riders. This can leave injured people with large medical bills and lost wages unless they pursue legal action against a responsible party.
However, an experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to assess the situation and find potential grounds of entitlement to coverage based on the unique circumstances of each case.
Why you should act quickly
E-scooter accidents can have lasting effects, especially if they involve head trauma or mobility issues. Legal claims often have strict deadlines, and evidence such as witnesses' names or photos of the accident scene can disappear quickly.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an e-scooter accident, don't assume you are stuck with the financial burden. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and whether compensation may be available.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
