E-Scooter Injury? Take These Steps to Protect Your Health and Rights
| July 1st, 2024
E-scooters have become increasingly popular in urban areas, with visitors and residents using them to sightsee, commute to work, and run errands efficiently. However, this rise in popularity has also led to an increase in injuries. In 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported a 22% rise in e-scooter-related injuries compared to the previous year.
If you’ve been hurt while riding an e-scooter in California, the actions you take immediately afterward can protect your health and legal rights. Our experienced California electric scooter accident lawyers can guide you through the process and help you win fair compensation.
Immediate Actions to Take After a Collision
Taking the proper steps after an e-scooter collision protects not only your well-being, but also your potential legal claims. Here’s what to do immediately after the collision:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get checked by a healthcare professional, even if your injuries seem minor. Head trauma or internal injuries may not be apparent but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Prompt medical evaluation gets you necessary treatment and documents your injuries for legal purposes.
- Document the Scene: Take detailed photos and notes about the accident scene. Capture the condition of the e-scooter, the surrounding area, road conditions, visible injuries, and other vehicles or obstacles involved. Detailed documentation helps your attorney reconstruct the accident and prove liability. Photos of skid marks, road signs, and weather conditions can also provide context that supports your claim.
- Collect Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information and ask them to explain what they saw. Witness statements can provide valuable third-party perspectives that support your version of events.
Reporting an E-Scooter Accident
After an e-scooter collision, report the incident to the police and the rental company as soon as possible. This creates an official record of the incident and protects your right to legal action. Failing to report an accident could undermine your ability to seek compensation for your injuries later.
- Notify the E-Scooter Rental Company: Follow the e-scooter company’s specific reporting procedures. Companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin typically have online forms or hotlines dedicated to this purpose. Provide all necessary details, such as the scooter’s identification number, the time and location of the incident, and a description of what occurred. Keep a copy of all communication with the rental company and get a copy of any reports or claims filed.
- Make a Police Report: If the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, contact police at the scene and file a report. Make sure to request a copy of the report for your records; this official documentation can be invaluable evidence in any legal proceedings. In addition, California requires you to notify the DMV of any collision resulting in injury or significant property damage using the SR-1 form within 10 days.
Medical Documentation for Your E-Scooter Case
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, comprehensive medical documentation is crucial to prove the extent of your injuries. Clear and thorough medical records can strengthen your case, supporting your claim for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Keep copies of all related records, including:
- Emergency room medical records, with details of the incident, your injuries, and any treatment administered
- Diagnostic test results, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging that helped identify your injuries
- Treatment plans outlining prescribed therapies, medications, and follow-up appointments with specialists
- Physical therapy evaluations and progress notes documenting your recovery process
- Receipts for all out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as co-pays, prescriptions, medical equipment rentals, and transportation costs for medical visits
Protect Your Rights
Dealing with injuries from an e-scooter accident can be overwhelming, with medical bills piling up and insurance companies potentially trying to minimize payouts. Having an experienced personal injury attorney from Berg Injury Lawyers in your corner can help you get fair compensation while minimizing stress.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with our California e-scooter accident attorneys. We will review the details of your case and advise you on the best steps to protect your health and secure the compensation you deserve.
