Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Electric scooters provide a convenient way to travel short distances, but riders have little protection when something goes wrong. A collision with a car, pothole, curb, pedestrian, or defective scooter can cause serious injuries in seconds.
Nevada law defines an electric scooter as a vehicle with handlebars and an electric motor that weighs no more than 100 pounds without a rider and has a maximum motor-powered speed of no more than 20 miles per hour. Nevada law also authorizes local governments to regulate scooter operation and scooter-share programs.
Because scooters are legally distinct from ordinary motor vehicles, accident claims can involve unique questions about roadway rules, insurance, equipment, and local ordinances.
Common Causes
Scooter accidents may involve:
- Drivers failing to yield
- Unsafe turns
- Opening vehicle doors
- Poor road conditions
- Defective brakes
- Steering failure
- Rider inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Riding at night
- Pedestrian conflicts
Car-versus-Scooter Accidents
A rider has almost no protection from a passenger vehicle.
Common crashes occur when drivers:
- Turn across the rider’s path
- Fail to check intersections
- Back out of parking areas
- Pass too closely
- Enter bike lanes
- Open doors into the rider’s path
Door Collisions
A driver or passenger opening a door without checking for a scooter rider can cause a sudden crash.
The rider may:
- Strike the door directly
- Swerve into traffic
- Be thrown over the handlebars
Video and witness evidence may help establish what happened.
Intersections
Intersections create conflicts between:
- Turning vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Bicycles
- Scooters
A rider may be difficult to see, especially after dark.
Road Hazards
Scooter wheels are small.
Hazards that may be minor for cars can be dangerous for riders:
- Potholes
- Cracks
- Gravel
- Debris
- Uneven utility covers
- Construction plates
A claim involving public roadway maintenance can involve special governmental-liability rules.
Defective Scooters
Mechanical problems may involve:
- Brake failure
- Sudden power loss
- Steering defects
- Wheel failure
- Accelerator problems
If a scooter-share vehicle malfunctions, preserving the scooter identification number and trip record is important.
Scooter-Share Companies
Potential issues may involve:
- Maintenance
- Inspection
- Known defects
- Software
- Warnings
- Fleet management
A company is not automatically liable every time a scooter rider crashes.
Proof linking the company’s conduct to the accident is required.
Rider Responsibilities
Scooter riders also have responsibilities.
Nevada law regulates how bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters may be operated on roadways.
An insurer may argue that a rider:
- Rode unpredictably
- Carried an extra passenger
- Ignored traffic controls
- Entered traffic unsafely
- Was distracted
Comparative Negligence
Nevada’s comparative-negligence system may reduce compensation when the rider shares responsibility.
The driver’s insurer may attempt to place excessive blame on the rider because scooters are perceived as risky.
Objective evidence becomes important.
Helmet Issues
Helmet use can affect injury severity and may become a point of argument after a head injury.
The legal effect depends on:
- Rider age
- Local rules
- Type of device
- Injury
- Circumstances
Helmet issues should not replace analysis of who caused the collision.
Common Injuries
Scooter accidents may cause:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures
- Dental damage
- Broken wrists
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Road rash
What to Do After a Scooter Crash
If possible:
- Call police.
- Seek medical care.
- Photograph the scene.
- Save the scooter number.
- Screenshot the trip record.
- Identify nearby cameras.
- Obtain witness information.
- Preserve damaged clothing and helmet.
Do not continue using a scooter that may have malfunctioned.
Insurance Issues
Coverage depends on how the accident occurred.
Potential sources can include:
- Driver liability insurance
- Commercial insurance
- Uninsured motorist coverage in some circumstances
- Company insurance
- Property liability policies
Coverage questions may be complex.
Evidence
Useful evidence includes:
- App records
- GPS trip history
- Scooter ID
- Maintenance records
- Surveillance
- Dashcam footage
- Police reports
- Photographs
- Medical records
Compensation
Depending on the case:
- Medical bills
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Future care
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring
- Permanent impairment
How The Firm Helps
Preston Rezaee, Esq., and The Firm assist victims by:
- Investigating the driver
- Preserving app data
- Identifying the scooter
- Reviewing maintenance records
- Evaluating roadway hazards
- Examining insurance
- Challenging comparative-fault arguments
- Pursuing compensation
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Scooters are repeatedly used, moved, charged, and repaired.
App information may be difficult to obtain later.
Road hazards may also be repaired before they are documented.
Conclusion
Electric scooters offer convenience but leave riders extremely vulnerable. A crash may involve negligent drivers, unsafe roads, defective equipment, or more than one responsible party.
Preserving digital trip information, documenting the scene, and seeking prompt medical care can make a significant difference in an injury claim.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
Nothing in this article should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship or as a substitute for seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney. Legal matters can be complex and vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. Therefore, we strongly encourage readers to consult with qualified legal counsel for advice regarding their individual circumstances.
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For specific legal advice, readers are urged to contact a licensed attorney in their jurisdiction.