scooter accident in downtown OrlandoElectric scooters, or e-scooters, have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in many cities, including Orlando, Florida. They are convenient and easy to use, and they offer an affordable alternative to cars and public transportation. However, with the increasing popularity of e-scooters in downtown Orlando and throughout Florida, there has also been a rise in accidents related to their use.

In this article, we will explore the causes and effects of e-scooter accidents in Orlando, Florida and how to pursue a personal injury claim if you’re injured in a scooter accident. Howev,er before digging too deeply into scooter accidents, it’s important for you to know that you may be entitled to compensation if you were injured as a result of a scooter accident in Orlando, Florida or anywhere else in Florida.

Thus, if you’ve been hurt by a careless or negligent driver, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (321) 352-7588. We offer free legal consultations to scooter accident victims, and we will schedule you for a consultation with a lawyer from our office, not an intake person or customer service representative.

Now, let’s dig into scooter accidents in Orlando.

Steps to Winning a Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Orlando, Florida

Winning a scooter accident lawsuit in Orlando, Florida will depend on the specific facts of the case, the strength of the evidence, and the legal arguments presented. Below are some steps that may increase your chances of winning a scooter accident lawsuit after getting injured in a scooter accident in Orlando, Florida.

Immediately Document the Accident Scene After the Scooter Accident

It is important to document the accident scene as soon as possible after the accident occurs. This may include taking photos and videos of the scene, obtaining witness statements, and collecting any other evidence that can help to establish what happened leading up to the accident.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately After the Scooter Accident

Seeking medical attention is not only important for your health and well-being, but it's also important for your personal injury case. The medical records and bills from your treatment will help to establish the extent of your injuries and the costs you've incurred as a result of your injuries.

Hire an Experienced Orlando Personal Injury Attorney ASAP

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case. Look for an attorney who has experience representing clients in scooter accident cases specifically.

Establish Fault Against the Other Party

In order to win a scooter accident lawsuit, or any other personal injury lawsuit, you will need to establish fault. This may involve gathering evidence and testimony to show that the other party was negligent or acted recklessly. Comparative negligence can be a factor in determining fault in Florida, so it is important to make a strong argument for why the other party is primarily at fault for the accident.

Demonstrate the Damages You Have Suffered as a Result of the Scooter Accident

To recover damages in an injury claim or personal injury lawsuit, you will need to show that you suffered physical, emotional, and/or financial harm as a result of the accident. This may involve providing evidence of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries.

Negotiate or Litigate

After establishing fault and damages, your attorney will work to negotiate a settlement with the other party's insurance company. Your case may go to pre-suit mediation. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and litigating the case in court.

Recovering money after a scooter accident lawsuit in Orlando, Florida can be challenging, but by following the steps outlined above, you may be able to increase your chances of a successful outcome. With the help of an experienced Florida personal injury attorney, you can work to build a strong case and recover the compensation you are entitled to under Florida law.

Common Scooter Accident Injuries

The injuries that occur after a scooter accident in Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else for that matter, can vary in severity, depending on the circumstances of the accident. However, there are some common types of injuries that people often experience as a result of a scooter accident. Here are a few of the most common types of injuries we see in our office:

Head Injuries

Head injuries are a common type of injury in scooter accidents, which can include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Fractures

Fractures, or broken bones, can occur in a scooter accident, particularly in the wrists, arms, legs, and hips.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, can also occur in a scooter accident.

Road Rash

Road rash is a type of injury that occurs when the skin scrapes against the pavement or road. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the speed at which the scooter was traveling.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can occur in scooter accidents, particularly if the rider is thrown from the scooter and lands on their back.

It is important to seek medical attention following any scooter accident where you’re hit by a car or land on pavement, even if the injuries seem minor. Injuries can sometimes take time to appear or worsen over time, and with prompt medical attention, you may be able to avoid further complications. It is also important to speak with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney if you have been injured in a scooter accident so you can better understand your legal options and so can be sure your rights are protected.

Damages in a Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Florida

Injured persons involved in a scooter accident in Florida can potentially seek a variety of damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries sustained. Here are some of the types of damages that an injured person can seek in Florida after a scooter accident:

Medical Expenses

One of the most common types of damages that an injured person can seek after a scooter accident in Florida is compensation for medical expenses. This can include the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses related to the injury.

Lost Wages

If the injury sustained in the scooter accident in Florida causes the victim to miss work, they can seek compensation for lost wages. This can include not only the wages lost while the victim is recovering, but also future lost wages if the injury results in a long-term or permanent disability.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to economic damages, an injured person can seek compensation for noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering. This can include compensation for physical pain, mental and emotional anguish, permanent scarring, and other damages that may result from the scooter accident.

Property Damage

If the scooter accident in Florida results in damage to the victim's property, such as their scooter or other personal belongings, they can seek compensation for property damage.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, an injured person may be able to seek punitive damages in a scooter accident case. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their behavior and are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party's conduct was particularly egregious or reckless.

Injured persons involved in a scooter accident in Florida can potentially seek a variety of damages. Thus, to get the money you’re entitled under Florida law, you should work with an experienced personal injury attorney to fight the insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected.

Florida E-Scooter Accident Statistics

As e-scooter use has become more popular in Florida, the number of accidents involving these vehicles has increased exponentially. E-scooter accidents can cause serious injuries to both riders and pedestrians, and they can have a significant impact on public safety and healthcare costs. Here are some statistics on e-scooter accidents in Florida:

E-Scooter Accident Rates in Florida

According to a report by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, there were an estimated 38.5 million e-scooter trips taken in the United States in 2018. Of these, an estimated 1,545 e-scooter-related injuries were reported nationwide. While not all of these accidents occurred in Florida, the state has seen a significant increase in e-scooter accidents in recent years.

E-Scooter Accident Injuries

E-scooter accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 100 e-scooter accidents reported in the state in 2020. These accidents resulted in a total of 153 injuries and 2 fatalities.

E-Scooter Regulations in Florida

To address concerns about e-scooter safety, Florida has implemented regulations related to e-scooter use. These regulations include requirements for riders to wear helmets and obey traffic laws, as well as restrictions on where e-scooters can be ridden. For example, e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in some cities, and riders must stay within designated bike lanes or shared-use paths. However, these regulations are not always enforced, and some riders may still engage in risky behavior that puts themselves and others at risk.

As e-scooter use continues to grow in Florida, it is important for riders and the public to be aware of the risks associated with these vehicles. E-scooter accidents can cause serious injuries and have significant impacts on public safety and healthcare costs. By following safety regulations, using e-scooters responsibly, and investing in infrastructure that supports e-scooter use, we can work to reduce the risk of accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.

Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents in Orlando

While e-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around Orlando and other fun cities and communities in Florida, e-scooters can also be dangerous, and accidents involving these vehicles have been on the rise, as we’ve talked about.

There are several factors that contribute to e-scooter accidents in downtown Orlando, including the following:

Lack of Infrastructure

One of the primary causes of e-scooter accidents in Orlando is the lack of proper infrastructure for these vehicles. E-scooter riders are often forced to share the road with cars and other motor vehicles, which can be dangerous, especially when riders are not following traffic laws or are riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, many e-scooter riders do not wear helmets, which puts them at greater risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.

Reckless Riding

Another major factor contributing to e-scooter accidents in Orlando is the behavior of riders themselves. Many riders do not have prior experience with e-scooters or have not received proper training on how to use them safely. This can lead to risky behavior, such as riding at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic, or riding on sidewalks where they pose a hazard to pedestrians. Many riders also choose to ride at night, when visibility is low and the risk of accidents is much higher.

Poorly Maintained E-Scooters

E-scooter accidents can also occur when the scooters themselves are not properly maintained. Over time, e-scooters can suffer wear and tear, which can make them less stable and more likely to malfunction. For example, a poorly maintained brake system can lead to accidents when riders are unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.

Environmental Factors

Finally, environmental factors can also contribute to e-scooter accidents in Orlando. For example, poor weather conditions, such as rain, flooding, or high winds, can make it difficult for riders to maintain control of their e-scooters. Road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement, can also pose a risk to e-scooter riders, as they may lose control of their scooters when riding over these hazards.

E-scooter accidents in Orlando, Florida can cause serious injuries and have a significant impact on public safety. While e-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it is important for riders to use these vehicles responsibly and follow traffic laws and safety regulations. By investing in infrastructure that supports e-scooter use, providing proper training for riders, and ensuring that e-scooters are properly maintained, we can work to reduce the risk of accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.

Do You Need Lawyer for Your Orlando, Florida Scooter Accident?

If you have been injured in a scooter accident as a result of the negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of another party, you should speak with an experienced Florida e-scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. You can contact us online or you can call our Orlando, Florida law office at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your consultation.

If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information on personal injury cases, you can download our free personal injury guide: P.I. 101: Your Quick Guide to Personal Injury Claims.