E-scooters have quickly become a go-to method of transportation in recent years. People across the country are turning to these scooters thanks to their affordability, convenience, and small environmental footprint. Although e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, they’re not without their faults.
The rise of e-scooters has also led to an increase in injuries. Nearly 40,000 people visited emergency rooms to treat e-scooter related injuries in just four years. These numbers may continue to increase as e-scooters become more widely available in cities across the country. If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident in Illinois, here’s what you need to know.
Illinois Electric Scooter Laws
As e-scooter use continues to surge, policymakers are beginning to implement new laws to prevent accidents and injuries. Illinois lawmakers proposed House Bill 1590 to address some of the safety concerns of e-scooters.
HB 1590 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and redefines “low-speed electric scooter” as a vehicle weighing less than 100 pounds with 2 or 3 wheels, handlebars, a floorboard, electric motor, and a maximum speed of 20 mph.
The bill would require operators to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or state identification card, and they must be 16 years of age or older. Since e-scooters are not considered motor vehicles, riders may not use them on public roads in Illinois. If passed, HB 1590 would allow e-scooter riders to use bicycle lanes and paths.
Although HB 1590 does address some e-scooter safety issues, it does not cover all of the injury-related concerns. Illinois has no helmet laws, which leaves e-scooter riders at risk of traumatic head injuries. The state also has no specific laws that address e-scooter accidents. If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, it’s crucial to enlist a personal injury attorney. They can navigate the muddy waters of traffic laws and help you get the settlement you deserve.
Types of Electric Scooter Accidents
There is no shortage of causes for e-scooter accidents. These scooters pose a significant threat to users thanks to road hazards, motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Many e-scooter riders suffer injuries due to a lack of experience using these devices. New riders frequently drive erratically, disregard traffic laws, and accidentally trip and fall.
Since e-scooter laws are not commonly known, many users take them on public roads. Driving e-scooters on the street leaves riders especially vulnerable to collisions with automobiles. It’s also easy for riders to fall off balance while swerving from hazards like car doors, curbs, and potholes. Defects in e-scooters, such as faulty brakes in Lime’s rental scooters, have also caused crashes.
E-scooters aren’t just dangerous for riders. These scooters also pose a threat to pedestrians. Many e-scooter injuries involve pedestrians tripping over parked scooters or being hit by moving scooters.
What to Do if You’re Injured
There’s no denying that e-scooter injuries can be severe. Crashes involving e-scooters result in a variety of painful ailments including broken or fractured bones, nerve damage, and head trauma. Even seemingly minor injuries can have life-changing consequences. E-scooter injuries can result in mounting medical bills, a painful road to recovery, and even affect your ability to work.
Pedestrians can typically hold e-scooter operators liable for damages, especially if they were negligently operating the scooter. Riders who collide with a car may also be able to hold the driver liable.
You can also hold e-scooter sharing companies accountable if they fail to maintain the safety of their devices. You may be able to pursue compensation to cover damages if the scooter rental company provided you with defective equipment.
Since there are so many different types of e-scooter accidents, it’s important to use an experienced personal injury attorney to determine who is at fault. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible to review the facts of the case and to pursue compensation for damages and losses.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Aurora & Chicago Illinois
E-scooter accidents pose a serious threat to your safety. If you experienced an e-scooter injury, you need representation to advocate on your behalf.
Cullotta Bravo Law Group has over 30 years of experience fighting for clients in personal injury cases. They have a proven track record of success with millions of dollars in settlements for their clients. Contact us today at 630-898-7800 to schedule a free consultation.
