E-scooters are gaining popularity, particularly in prominent cities such as New York City. E-scooters appear to be a simple method of transportation due to their eco-friendliness and affordability. However, the prevalence of scooters has led to an increase in accidents. According to an ABC7 investigation, 680 individuals were injured in scooter-related incidents in New York City in 2022, up from 588 in 2021 (an increase of 16%). If you have been injured or involved in an accident involving a scooter, you may have questions about liability and next steps.

You must take precautions and ensure that you are aware of the causes of these accidents in order to avoid dangerous situations. If you are injured in a scooter accident caused by a negligent motorist, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your options for recovering compensation for your accident-related losses.

This article will discuss the most common causes of e-scooter accidents in order to help you prepare for your next ride.

New York City E-Scooter Laws

E-scooters are distinguished from other electronic vehicles in a number of ways. An e-scooter has handlebars and a floorboard or seat. It can be operated with either electric or human power. They cannot exceed 15 miles per hour. Operating an e-scooter does not require a driver's license.

In response to the e-scooter surge in New York City over the past few years, the city implemented safety-focused laws.

Important New York City e-scooter laws include the following:

• They cannot exceed 15 miles per hour when driving.
  
  
• They are permitted on bike lanes and roads with speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less.
  
  
• Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists younger than 18 years old.

Types of Accidents Caused by E-Scooters

E-scooter accidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and even death. Among the most frequent types of scooter accidents are:

Pedestrian accidents - The recent death of an actress in a hit-and-run accident involving a scooter in New York City demonstrates the dangers pedestrians face. Pedestrian and scooter accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from careless operators to abandoned scooters left on the sidewalk.

Bicycle accidents - Bicyclists are at risk of being involved in an e-scooter accident with riders who operate their e-scooters in bike lanes, forcing them into oncoming traffic or parked automobiles. E-scooters can collide with cyclists, resulting in severe injuries. 

Car and truck accidents - Scooter drivers who drive erratically in an attempt to beat the light or move through traffic more quickly may cause or contribute to an accident. Or, a motorist may not see a scooter in a crosswalk or along the roadside. When hit by a vehicle or truck, scooter riders may sustain catastrophic injuries. The size and mass of a car or vehicle are no match for an unprotected e-scooter rider.

Manufacturer defects. There are numerous new e-scooter variants on the market. It is unclear at this time if they have design or manufacturing defects that could render them unroadworthy. Accidents and injuries can occur if a defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed scooter causes injury to others, or if a scooter in a state of disrepair malfunctions while users are operating it. As a result, the manufacturer of the scooter or component may be held liable in a third-party lawsuit.

The 7 Main Causes of E-Scooter Accidents in New York

1 - Unsafe Speed / Speeding

Most accidents are influenced by speed. The more of a factor speed is in an accident, the more severe the injuries associated with that accident can be. Be aware of very fast moving vehicles and be sure to maintain proper space, along with any extra if possible, to help prevent an accident with a driver who is speeding and possibly not paying attention to their vehicle surroundings or other drivers/riders.

2 - Distracted Driving / Texting While Driving

You might find that drivers pay no attention to anything other than themselves on the road. Therefore, you must ride defensively and yield the right-of-way to vehicles. Be aware of the vehicles directly around you, and do not assume that drivers see you. When riding near parked vehicles, you should always be vigilant because drivers occasionally open doors without warning.

3 - Running Through a Stop Sign or a Red Light

Unfortunately, many drivers are accustomed to ignoring stop signs and red signals. It would be wise to always assume that every motorist will behave in this manner. You must remember that you have a green light only if there is no oncoming traffic.

Even if you have a green light, you must always yield to traffic. In addition, you must always operate defensively. To ensure your safety, assume that every driver will violate your right-of-way.

4 - Getting Too Close

Frequently, motorists do not give scooter riders sufficient space when passing them. These motorists might also attempt to move the cyclist from their lane. Always maintain a secure distance so they do not have this opportunity. Drivers must leave at least three feet of space between themselves and scooter riders when passing. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

5 - Drivers Who are NOT Looking While Turning

One of the most frequent causes of e-scooter accidents is a driver not looking while turning. Assume that drivers might not look and might not see you before they turn by taking additional precautions. 

When you intend to proceed directly through an intersection but a vehicle intends to turn left, use extra caution. Never believe you can outrun a driver or that they will yield to you. Remember that your safety is far more important than being correct or being in a hurry.

6 - Drunk Drivers

Intoxicated motorists are another of the leading causes of scooter and cycling accidents. Riding an e-scooter or bicycle at night requires constant awareness of your surroundings, particularly in areas with high alcohol consumption rates. 

It is not uncommon to see drunk drivers who are unaware of their impairment. Drunkenness can also contribute to other dangerous behaviors, such as texting while driving or getting behind the wheel after drinking. 

Never presume that a person is not under the influence simply because they appear sober, regardless of the time or location. Drunk drivers may turn off their headlights, have difficulty navigating, or begin driving erratically.

7 - Driver Who is Reversing a Vehicle

Reversing vehicles is a common cause of accidents. Additionally, you must keep an eye out for vehicles traveling in reverse, as they will not anticipate your presence.

Always be alert for the sound of vehicles in reverse. Be prepared for anything to happen, particularly when a driver backs a vehicle out of a driveway or pathway obscured by vegetation. If you cannot see the vehicle reversing up, it is likely that the driver cannot see you either.

Some Common E-Scooter Related Injuries

Even at moderate speeds, any impact for an unprotected e-scooter rider is very dangerous.

Some common injuries sustained by e-scooter riders in accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Contusions
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures

Unfortunately, e-scooter accidents frequently involve pedestrians as well. They may be crossing the street or strolling on the sidewalk when they are struck by an e-scooter.

Due to the impact of a rapidly moving vehicle, pedestrian injuries can be severe and potentially fatal.

What Should I Do After an E-Scooter Accident?

Always contact the police and ensure that they are aware of the situation. Additionally, you should take photographs and document everything that has occurred. This documentation serves to protect your future rights as a rider involved in this accident. Photos and written statements can prove to the insurance company that you were not at fault.

Due to the recent emergence of e-scooters on the roads, many cities and towns have not yet adopted liability laws for e-scooters. Keep in mind that PIP coverage typically does not extend to two-wheeled forms of transportation. Given these uncertainties, determining and proving liability can be complex. Consult with a NYC personal injury attorney to discuss your case and the next steps to take.

Brandon J. Broderick Can Assist You With Your New York E-Scooter Accident

Any type of e-scooter accident can leave you in pain, frustrated, and discouraged. When an accident is the result of someone else's negligence, you may need legal representation to ensure that your rights and best interests are protected. In these circumstances, having someone by your side to support you can be a tremendous relief. 

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we value compassionate client care and a straightforward, honest approach. When you connect with our team at Brandon J. Broderick, no upfront payment is required. We only collect payment for our services if we win your case. That means you do not pay if we do not win. Contact us as soon as possible and let us help you recover from your setback.