Serious and life-threatening injuries can affect e-scooter operators as well as pedestrians going about their day. Injuries sustained can have an adverse effect on a person's life, resulting in pain and suffering, reduced income, accumulation of medical bills, and loss of freedom. E-scooters have gained popularity throughout the United States due to their availability, low price, and expectations of a fun experience. Unfortunately, injuries linked to these vehicles can leave their victims with traumatic injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered from an e-scooter accident, compensation may be entitled. 

Who Is at Risk of E-Scooter Injuries?

A growing concern in cities that have e-scooters are the injuries associated with these devices. Whether it be from falling off an e-scooter, crashing into another person, or tripping over a discarded e-scooter, injuries can be prevalent. Although everyone is at risk, there are certain demographics that are more likely to suffer an injury. A three-month study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the city of Austin, Texas, concluded:

• 192 individuals visited the emergency-room after an e-scooter accident (190 were riding an e-scooter, the remaining two were pedestrians). 
• 55% of the injured riders were male. 
• The age group ranged from 9-79, with 48% of the injured riders being 18-29 years old.
• 65% of the injured parties were Caucasian, and 22% were Hispanic/Latino.

Furthermore, the study concluded that 33% of the interviewed riders were injured during their first experience on an e-scooter. This suggests that there is a learning curve associated with these vehicles that users might not have expected. 

A new and different form of transportation is arriving in Chicago, and it is innovating people’s movements in a major city setting. Electric scooters, more commonly known as e-scooters, are the newest craze in an effort to reach a demographic of consumers who are looking for a quick, easy and fun way of getting around. Just like a bicycle or any other form of transportation, there is a learning curve associated with these scooters that most users are not aware of. Citizens and visitors of Chicago have dealt with nightmarish outcomes because of e-scooter injuries, sustained as both an operator and pedestrian. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury caused by an e-scooter, the knowledgeable attorneys at the Livas Law Group, A Division of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz, can provide guidance in seeking compensation.

Top Causes for E-Scooter Injuries

E-scooters are accessible to any patron who downloads the company’s smartphone app and is at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license. Knowing the laws of the road is critical to the safety of everyone involved with e-scooters. A common misconception with these motorized scooters is that they can be operated on any surface. The truth is that e-scooters are actually meant for streets and bike lanes only; they should never be used on a sidewalk. E-scooters can typically reach speeds of 15 mph, which makes them extremely dangerous to pedestrians and motorists that do not know how to safely operate them. 

There are many possible scenarios in which a person could be injured in regard to e-scooters, but a majority of such incidents can be attributed to:

Electric scooter use is gaining popularity among people in larger cities due to their small size and easy operation. Many people like them since they are environmentally friendly compared to vehicles. They also provide a relaxing ride since the user does not have to exert much physical effort. Chicago has started a pilot program where residents or visitors can rent e-scooters within a designated mileage area. The Livas Law Group, a Division of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz, has handled many different types of personal injury cases, including those involving electric scooters. Our experienced attorneys can secure compensation for you if you have been injured in an electric scooter accident. 

Safety Precautions While Riding an E-Scooter

Some electric scooter accidents simply cannot be avoided, even if you are alert and aware of your surroundings. The following are a few practical safety tips for riding: 

• Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet. A mouthguard can be helpful to protect your teeth. Elbow and knee straps protect from scrapes and bumps if you fall off and hit the pavement. Gloves help improve your grip on the handles. 
  
• Check the tires: Inspect the tires for any holes and make sure they have adequate pressure before heading out for a ride. If the tread is worn, they can be slippery and should be replaced. 
  
• Be aware of your surroundings: Constantly be on the lookout for pedestrians, oncoming traffic, and other obstacles in the road. Stay in designated bike paths. 
  
• Be conscious of obstacles: Watch out for debris and defects in the roadway such as potholes, rocks, bumps, and puddles. 
  
• Avoid slippery surfaces: Practice caution when riding a scooter on wet or slick surfaces such as marble, wet streets, metal surfaces, and muddy sidewalks. 
  
• Travel slowly: Ride at a slow, even pace. Do not go so fast that you lose control and hit someone or something. 
  
• Do not ride in severe weather: Rain, hail, or even snow will make pavement or concrete slippery. Lightning storms are very dangerous, and you risk electrocution if you do not seek refuge immediately.
  

Contact an Illinois Electric Scooter Injury Lawyer

A ride on an e-scooter may not seem like it would be dangerous, but accidents do happen. It is always best to take safety precautions before operating any motorized vehicle, but a rider can still sustain injuries if he or she falls off of the scooter. If you are involved in an accident while riding an e-scooter, you may be able to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. A Chicago personal injury attorney will review the circumstances of your accident to determine liability so you can receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 312-804-6102. 

Electric scooters, also known as e-scooters or motorized scooters, are a fun and easy mode of transportation, especially for getting around town if someone does not want to drive a car. An electric scooter is a powered stand-up scooter using a small internal motor. The scooters have surged in popularity with the implementation of ride-share companies that allow users to rent the scooters by the hour using a convenient app on their smartphones. As with any motorized device, the potential exists for something to go wrong. In some cases, e-scooter accidents can result in injuries to both riders and pedestrians. At the Livas Law Group, a Division of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz, our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of seeking compensation for all types of personal injury cases, including those involving electric scooters. 

Chicago’s E-Scooter Share Pilot Program 

The city of Chicago recently launched an e-scooter share pilot program scheduled to run from June 15, 2019 through October 15, 2019. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection issued permits for 10 scooter companies, including Bird, Lyft, and Lime, to name a few. Users can access the scooters in public areas, and they can use a smartphone to unlock and ride the devices within the designated zone.