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Scooter accidents are complex cases that require a professional attorney
Over the past decade, we have seen scooters rise in popularity. These recreational vehicles are a fun and economical way to get around. However, scooter accidents can be very dangerous. You are essentially riding on a vehicle that has no safety gear. We understand how scary it can be trying to handle your case on your own. Experienced Mobile AL scooter accident lawyers like Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers have handled many scooter accidents. Our mission is to get you your settlement as soon as possible. We know that it can take some time to recover from your injuries, and we want to facilitate the process through proper compensation.
Who is to blame for the scooter accident?
This is the first question that most attorneys will ask you about your scooter accident. In Alabama, if you have any fault in your accident, you are not entitled to a settlement. So, if the other party can prove that you even had 1% responsibility, you will receive no compensation. Since Alabama is so strict, we always recommend hiring legal counsel. You have injuries and damages, so you can’t afford to gamble with your settlement.
Why do I need to hire an Alabama Scooter Accident lawyer?
Many people feel that they can handle their claim on their own, but those people end up disappointed with their settlements. Do you actually know who was at fault in your scooter accident? We fully investigate your accident and find the cause. We want to ensure that we build a strong claim, so we gather as much information as possible. We have experts and tools that we can use to recreate your accident. It is difficult for a victim to be able to complete this kind of investigation on their own, so you need our help.
If you have rented a scooter, you might think that they have some liability in your accident. However, this is probably not the case. When you sign your rental agreement, you are signing away their liability. There are even apps right now that you can use to rent a scooter. Before you’re allowed to ride this scooter, you must sign the application, so the company in the app isn’t responsible.
You might have better luck filing a claim with independent companies. When you rent a scooter, you are renting with the understanding that your scooter is safe for the road. If your scooter malfunctions and causes an accident, it is the responsibility of the company. We can file a claim that holds the company accountable for your injuries. We’re ready to take your claim every step of the way until you get the compensation that you deserve.
What types of cases do you handle?
Recently, the app, Bird, has become very popular with scooter riders. This is essentially a scooter sharing app, when you can rent a scooter from a docking station. Technically, Bird has been under a lot of criticism with the way that their business operates. They are in various cities without any type of permit or business licenses. The scooter sharing industry is growing and the legal system hasn’t caught up. We have received an increase in our electric scooter accident claims, and Bird is one of the main culprits.
However, Bird is not the only electric scooter sharing app. There are many more companies that could launch in Alabama at any moment, including:
- Lime: This company partnered with Segway to launch a line of service and an electric scooter sharing service. This company boasts over 3 million rides since they launched in May of 2018.
- Skip Scooters: This is another company that also launched in May of 2018. This company was created by Boosted Boards, which manufacture skateboards.
- Spin: This company was founded in 2016, but in July of 2017 started a bicycle sharing service in Seattle.
- Uber: This ridesharing company had to take a piece of this revenue. So, they bought Jump Bikes earlier in 2018.
- Lyft: Another ridesharing giant, Lyft followed Uber and bought another bike sharing company in July of 2018.
As you can see, there are a lot of heavy hitters looking to expand scooter sharing services. Scooters are also being bought by individuals. With gas prices surging, an electric scooter is an affordable option to travel around town. The only thing you need to ride one of these scooters is a license. In fact, you can drive a scooter with a restricted license, if you are under 16.
What kind of scooter do people buy?
According to Alabama state law, a scooter fits under the same definition as a motorcycle. The vehicle has to weigh less than 200 pounds, and the horsepower of the engine can’t exceed 150 cubic centimeters. Some of the most popular brands of scooters are:
- Honda Dio
- Honda Maestro
- TVS Jupiter
- Hero Pleasure
- Yamaha Ray
- Suzuki Access
- And many more.
The market for scooters has really opened up in the last few years. Just like shopping for any other vehicle, scooter owners have a lot of options. As long as the scooter is operating correctly, and you’ve obeyed traffic laws, you won’t be found liable for your scooter accident.
What are some causes of scooter accidents?
Just like any auto accident, the main cause of scooter accidents is negligence. Someone on the road was not driving responsibly and an accident occurred. Scooters are very small, and they are hard to see on the road. So, it is easy for a scooter to fit in the blind spot of a car. Most cars drive too aggressively and will not yield the right of way to scooters or motorcycles. Violations of traffic laws are one of the main causes of scooter accidents.
There are some cases when the scooter malfunctions while they are on the road. In these circumstances, the manufacturer of the malfunctioned part is liable for your injuries. These are only a few of the many causes of scooter accidents.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scooter accident, you should contact us immediately. Our injury attorneys will begin investigating in your accident, so we can get you the compensation that you deserve.