Lime and Bird electric scooters have a growing presence on many city streets. Riders stand on a floorboard and hold on to handlebars to operate these two-wheeled motorized devices. Electric scooters offer commuters, tourists, and even of-age high school and college students a convenient, inexpensive mode of travel.
Though the benefits of electric scooters are significant, so are the dangers. Accidents are on the rise and cause victims substantial losses. When someone else’s negligence causes you injury, reach out to a Monterey Park bicycle accident lawyer from Venerable Injury Law. A Lime and Bird electric scooter accident lawyer in Monterey Park will fight to get you fairly compensated for your losses.
Lime and Bird Electric Scooters: How and Why Riders Use Them
Lime and Bird scooters are accessed through an app. Riders in search of a scooter use the app to find the location of a nearby device locked at a docking station, unlock the scooter with a payment, and then pay for the ride. Lime and Bird eScooters can travel at speeds up to 15 miles per hour (MPH).
Typically, the cost to unlock the scooter is $1 and each additional minute costs 15 cents more. When riders reach their destination, they park the scooter in a designated space, hit “end ride” on the app, and send a picture to verify the scooter is parked correctly.
Electric scooters are a convenient, clean, and inexpensive mode of travel. They can get commuters to bus or train stations quickly or even replace the need for a bus or train ticket. They also provide tourists or anyone looking to explore Monterey Park or other California cities an opportunity to take in the experience while enjoying the outdoors.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
Electric Scooter Regulations in Monterey Park
Local municipalities must comply with California’s Vehicle Code §21235. The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (CBA) lists county regulations that align with state code. According to California’s Vehicle Code,
- Scooters are not permitted on roadways with a speed limit over 25 MPH unless the road has a designated bike lane.
- For riders under 18, helmets are required.
- Riders must have a valid driver’s license or instruction permit.
- Riders cannot take on passengers. Scooters are single-rider only.
- Riders must have at least one hand on the handlebars while riding.
- Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. Riders must keep to bike lanes if available or stay on the edge of the roadway or next to the right-side curb.
- Parked scooters cannot block sidewalks or disrupt pedestrian traffic.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
- If used during dark hours, scooters must have lights to ensure riders can see the road in front of them and that the scooters can be seen from 300 feet away.
Failure to comply with regulations creates dangerous conditions for riders, pedestrians, and others on the road. A Monterey Park Lime and Bird electric scooter accident attorney can investigate your situation to determine if a rider’s lack of compliance led to your injuries.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Lime and Bird Accident Injuries
Accidents involving eScooters and other mobility devices are on the rise, as reported by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Over a recent one-year period, eScooter injuries increased 22%.
Rider Injuries
A study published in Injury Prevention concludes eScooters “leave riders vulnerable to traumatic injuries of varying severity.” The most common types of injuries include trauma to the head and upper and lower limbs. While this pattern of injury was common for riders and other micro-mobility devices, such as skateboards and hoverboards, injuries to scooter riders had increased severity, possibly because scooters are ridden at higher speeds.
According to the study, falls are the leading cause of eScooter injuries. Non-helmeted riders risk damage to the head during a fall, and any rider can see hand or arm injuries when trying to break a fall or lower limb injuries if they step off the scooter in “risky situations.”
If involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, riders are basically unprotected and at great risk for even more debilitating injuries. Your attorney will be sure to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Pedestrian Injuries
Riders are not the only parties at risk from eScooter injuries. Though riding on sidewalks is prohibited, some scooter riders ignore that regulation and collide with pedestrians. When there are no designated bike lanes, pedestrians are also vulnerable to eScooter collisions when walking along or crossing streets.
Fires
Fires generated by eScooter batteries are also a source of injury, whether directly or indirectly. If the battery sparks or explodes during a ride or collision, riders or others nearby can sustain burns.
When these batteries ignite when charging or otherwise out of a rider’s reach, they can still cause fires, leading to injury.
Compensation for Monterey Park Lime and Bird Electric Scooter Accident Victims
If you sustain injuries from an electric scooter accident, reach out to Venerable Injury Law and speak with an experienced Lime and Bird electric scooter accident attorney in Monterey Park right away. When another party is responsible for causing your injuries and losses, that party can be held accountable for paying you compensation.
Determine Culpability
Your attorney will carry out an extensive investigation of your accident to determine who is at fault for causing the event and your injuries. Sometimes, the eScooter rider is to blame. If a device malfunction caused the accident, the manufacturer or eScooter company may be responsible.
Prove Negligence
Once the at-fault party is identified, your lawyer will compile evidence to prove that party’s negligence. Our team knows how to access convincing evidence to support your claim.
Negotiate
Your lawyer will assess your losses with care and calculate a settlement amount to cover your medical costs, income loss, property damage, or other accident-related expenses and recognize your pain and suffering. Suppose the at-fault party’s representatives do not negotiate in good faith or make a reasonable offer. In that case, your Monterey Park Lime and Bird electric scooter accident attorney will guide you through the next steps. If you take your case to court, Venerable Injury Law will represent you at every proceeding.
Get Real Results with Venerable Injury Law
Every accident case is unique. The team at Venerable Injury Law knows this and will give your case the individual attention and strategy it deserves so you can get the results you need. After sustaining injuries in an electric scooter accident, connect with us to arrange a free consultation with a Monterey Park Lime and Bird electric scooter accident lawyer from our team. We look forward to fighting for you.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
