When you have been injured in an accident caused by a scooter, it is essential to know how to proceed to ensure that you receive proper treatment. You may need to seek the services of a scooter accident lawyer to represent your interests.
Common causes of e-scooter accidents
Those who use e-scooters are at high risk for a range of injuries. Whether it’s a spinal cord injury or a concussion, these accidents can have life-altering consequences. Fortunately, getting the help, you need and receiving compensation for your injuries is possible.
E-scooter accidents often involve intoxicated drivers. Several studies show that more than half of injured e-scooter riders tested positive for alcohol. A drunk driver can reduce a person’s reaction time and make it harder to judge traffic situations.
Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to e-scooter riders also contribute to e-scooter accidents. Over the past four years, e-scooter accident victims have more than doubled.
Riders are also at a greater risk for e-scooter injuries when riding on sidewalks. Many e-scooters need to be equipped with lights and reflectors. It makes it easy for a rider to get thrown off their scooter when the vehicle hits a patch of dirt, a tree, or another obstruction on the road.
Non-economic damages
A scooter accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injury. You may also be entitled to pain and suffering compensation.
Getting paid for your pain and suffering can be crucial to getting back on your feet. It is not uncommon for people to suffer from physical and psychological injuries after an accident. In many cases, it can be challenging to calculate the compensation you deserve.
Unlike economic damages, there is no fixed dollar amount for non-economic damages. Instead, you will have to prove that the injuries you are pursuing are the best you can do. Your jurisdiction usually determines this. Some states even have laws limiting the amount of money you can receive for your non-economic damages.
Non-economic damages may be awarded for pain and suffering, mental trauma, or loss of a favored activity. These are usually the most difficult to quantify and justify in a settlement, as they are more subjective.
Time to file a personal injury claim
When filing a personal injury claim, several factors will impact the time it takes to settle. It includes the amount of compensation and the degree of fault attributed to the liable party.
The statute of limitations is also a factor. Depending on your jurisdiction, you could have as little as six months to a year to file a lawsuit. Having a lawyer on your side is a good idea.
The best way to determine how much you can recover is to get a legal assessment from an experienced scooter accident attorney. These attorneys are equipped to help you navigate the legal waters and negotiate with insurance companies.
An attorney will also be able to show you the most unique and practical ways to collect your medical bills. You may have to pay for specialist treatment, mobility devices, and set broken bones.
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident. While there are no guarantees, it is wise to consult a doctor and keep records of your injuries and treatments. Also, remember to take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and other cars involved.
Medical treatment after an accident
You’ll want to take your injuries seriously if you’ve been in an electric scooter accident. After all, it’s not uncommon for people to be partially disabled after a wreck. While protecting your rights is essential, seeking treatment right away is crucial.
When you’re in an accident, it’s not always easy to tell how bad your injuries are. You may feel fine, but you could have internal bleeding that you don’t know about.
For example, it may seem like you’ve only broken a few bones. But you might have severe brain damage when noticing a headache, confusion, and weakness.
In such cases, you need to see a specialist to get a complete diagnosis and develop a recovery plan. Physical therapy can help with soft tissue injuries.
Once you’ve received the necessary treatment, you should consult your health insurance provider. They may be able to pay your doctor’s bills, but they may not cover other expenses, such as specialist bills. Your insurer might even deny coverage for alternative medicine or new experimental treatments.