People Have Died From Bird Scooters In Florida

In April 2019, a man died in an e-scooter accident in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. On June 29 of that same year, Fox 13 Tampa Bay reported that man in Tampa was hit by a truck while riding an e-scooter and passed away days later at the hospital.

There is presently no exact statistical value given to the number of deaths related to the use of e-scooters from Florida. From a report published by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, there were 74 people injured in Ft. Lauderdale alone while using e-scooters. Of those injured, 57 of them needed to be hospitalized, and of those hospitalized, ten victims suffered what was classified as serious injuries.

E-Scooter Accident and Injuries

E-scooters, such as those offered by Bird, are a transportation service that allows users to rent the scooters through a smartphone app. Users pay electronically, ride the e-scooter within a specified operating area, and then leave the e-scooter on the street or sidewalk once they arrive at their destination. 

Proposed as a way to reduce urban traffic and carbon emissions, e-scooter services were a noble idea, but in practice, there have been serious issues. These issues have included minor inconveniences, such as users abusing the service by haphazardly leaving the scooters on sidewalks for pedestrians to trip over, to major accidents with significant bodily injuries and, as mentioned, some deaths.

There appear to be two reasons for the increase in accidents related to the e-scooters. On the one side, vehicular traffic is failing to recognize the right of way for the e-scooter users, such as failing to yield at right-hand turns. On the other side, e-scooters were limited to sidewalks, where their high speed proved a danger to pedestrians, but the state has at least addressed this issue. In June 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill lifting sidewalk restrictions on electric scooters. Some proponents still feel more steps need to be taken for public safety.

The Types of Injuries From an E-Scooter Accident

Due to their purpose, laws for use, and their construction, there can be a wide range of injuries that may be sustained from an e-scooter accident, whether the victim is a rider struck by a vehicle or a pedestrian struck by an e-scooter. Those injuries may include: 

• Blunt force trauma 
• Broken bones, including hips from falling
• Burns, cuts, lacerations, scrapes, and bruises
• Ligament and tendon injuries, especially in the knees
• Road rash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Paralysis 
• Internal injuries, such as bleeding and organ damage
• Disfigurement, including amputation
• Wrongful death

Make sure to see a doctor as soon as it is safe to do so after an e-scooter accident to evaluate your injuries.

How an E-Scooter Lawyer May Be Able to Help

If you have suffered injuries in an e-scooter accident, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your losses, and an e-scooter lawyer can help to file an E-Scooter accident lawsuit. They can help you by: 

• Gathering evidence and investigating the incident 
• Identifying all liable parties 
• Calculating your losses 
• Filing a claim
• Negotiating with the insurance companies  
• Representing you through the whole process, even to trial if necessary

You can concentrate on your recovery while an e-scooter lawyer manages these tasks for you and also help in a bird scooter lawsuit.

Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is available to handle your e-scooter injury accident claim. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay nothing until we recover compensation for you. Call us today at (954) 633-8270.

We also help the victims of scooter accident in the following cities:

• Florida scooter accident lawyer
• Fort Lauderdale scooter accident lawyer
• Fort Myers scooter accident lawyer
• Miami scooter accident lawyer
• West Palm Beach scooter accident lawyer
• Boynton Beach scooter accident lawyer

File an E-Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Florida

A class-action lawsuit was filed against Bird, LimeBike, Xiaomi United States, Segway, and other e-scooter and rideshare companies in October 2018. Your eligibility to join this lawsuit rests on whether the injuries you sustained from an e-scooter accident were caused by circumstances similar to those described by the initial plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit.

Claims Made by the Original Plaintiffs in the E-Scooter Class-Action Lawsuit

After suffering injuries from electric scooters, a small group of California residents filed a class-action lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against rideshare companies Bird and LimeBik

es, along with the e-scooter manufacturers Xiaomi United States and Segway. The lawsuit claims that the defendants are guilty of gross negligence because they were aware of the inherent dangers in these vehicles and nevertheless deployed them in such a manner that facilitated injuries. The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of “aiding and abetting assault,” among other claims.

The lawsuit petitioned the court to allow the plaintiffs to represent other people who have been injured and/or damaged by the “unlawful practices and other acts and omissions of defendants.” This is how the class-action lawsuit came about.

How the E-Scooters Caused Injuries in the Original Class-Action Lawsuit Plaintiffs

To be included in a class-action lawsuit, your e-scooter injuries must have resulted from similar causes as what the original plaintiffs in the lawsuit experienced. To better understand your eligibility to join this class-action e-scooter lawsuit, you should be aware of the original plaintiffs and how they were injured by these devices, resulting in their filing of this lawsuit.

The original lawsuit names the following plaintiffs:

• Plaintiff “Lorenzo Francisco Borgia” – a Lime scooter crashed into him, causing serious damage to eight of the boy’s front teeth and requiring stitches on his lip.
• Plaintiff “Ogata” – She tripped over three Lime scooters that had been left on a sidewalk and broke her wrist and finger and also damaged her ribcage.
• Plaintiff Howell – She tripped over a Lime scooter abandoned in front of a shop door and sustained injuries to her hand, knees, pelvis, and lower back.
• Plaintiff “Bule” – A Bird scooter rider crashed into his car, causing damage to the vehicle.
• Plaintiff “Finkelstein” – He was riding a scooter that locked up, making the plaintiff lose control of the vehicle and fall off, thereby sustaining injuries to his ribcage, knees, elbow, hip, and buttocks.
• Plaintiff “Kojic” – A rider on a Bird scooter crashed into the plaintiff from behind, causing injuries to her toe, wrist, and knee.
• Plaintiff “Martinez” – She tripped over a Bird scooter left lying on a sidewalk and broke the fifth metatarsal on her left foot.
• Plaintiff “Petersen” – A rider on a Bird scooter crashed into him from behind, and he sustained a torn bicep distal tendon that required surgery.
• Plaintiff “Rosenthal” – The plaintiff suffers from a degenerative disease and arthritis and requires the use of handicapped parking, which, on multiple occasions was blocked by Bird and/or Lime scooters.

What to Do If You Have Been Similarly Injured by E-Scooters

Your Florida personal injury lawyer can review your case to determine how likely it is that the details of your e-scooter injury sufficiently match those described by the original plaintiffs in this class-action lawsuit.

The good news is, you do not have to join the lawsuit. Rather, you will be automatically included in the class action. Your attorney can connect you with the class-action lawyer to attach your name to the class registry. In so doing, you will automatically receive information about how you can share important evidence with the class-action attorneys and obtain your portion of the settlement.

You will be notified when the settlement is proposed (announcements about the proposed settlement will also appear in various media outlets), and you will receive a share of the final settlement amount.

A fund will also be created to distribute money to e-scooter accident victims of whom the class-action lawyers were unaware. All the victim needs to do is provide proof that the defendants caused their injuries.

Just Because You Are Eligible Does Not Mean You Should Join the Class-Action

If you receive a class-action notice in the Bird, Lime, et al. class-action lawsuit, you have the choice of whether to:

• Participate as a class member
• Opt out (decline participation in the lawsuit)
• Participate as a named plaintiff

Your e-scooter accident lawyer can explain some of the pros and cons associated with each of the above options and how they apply to your specific e-scooter accident in Fort Lauderdale.

Broad Overview of Benefits and Drawbacks

• By participating as a class member, you forfeit your rights to recover damages in a private personal injury lawsuit. If your injuries are severe, and you have a lot at stake with this lawsuit, a personal injury lawsuit might be an avenue you will want to eventually pursue.
• If you opt out, you will need to follow specific instructions on your notice and do so by a certain deadline. Your e-scooter accident lawyer can help you with this process. By opting out, you leave yourself free to file a private personal injury lawsuit where you may possibly recover more damages than you would as a class member who will receive only a share of the total settlement amount.
• If you want to participate as a named plaintiff, you will need to hire a mass tort lawyer who can have you named as a party in the lawsuit.

Talk to an E-Scooter Accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato

If you suffered an e-scooter injury from an accident, you have options for recovering damages. Call a Florida personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to discuss your case in a free consultation. Call us at (954) 633-8270.

Who’s Responsible Into an Accident with an Electric Scooter?

Liability for an electric scooter accident depends on how the accident occurred and who is at fault. In some cases, several parties can share liability. Many of the most common accidents occur due to operator negligence, manufacturer error during production or design, or a collision with another party such as a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.

Regardless of how the accident occurred, if you are the victim, then you will need to establish liability so that you can receive compensation for your damages. An e-scooter attorney can investigate the accident, look for evidence, and then help you build your case against the at-fault party.

Determining Who is Liable for Your e-Scooter Injury

One or more of the following parties may be liable for your e-scooter injuries:

The Scooter Operator

The scooter rider may have been negligent or careless while operating the e-scooter. As a result, the rider ran into you and caused your injuries. You may have been a cyclist or a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Contact a Florida scooter accident lawyer for your electric or bird scooter lawsuit.

Vehicle Operator

Since e-scooters operate alongside other vehicles such as bicycles, cars, or commercial vehicles, accidents can occur between the scooter driver and the driver of the other vehicle. The other driver may have hit you while you were operating your scooter. Likewise, a scooter driver may have caused you to swerve and get into an accident while you were driving your car.

The Scooter Manufacturer

The scooter company may have designed a defective part. Also, the scooter company may have violated a city ordinance in allowing you to operate the scooter in a restricted zone.

A Property Owner

Property owners are responsible for keeping their commercial property safe at all times. The property owner may have created an unsafe environment. As a result, you were in an accident due to dangerous riding conditions.

Evidence You Can Use to Establish Liability

Your Fort Lauderdale e-scooter accident lawyer can help you build your case by obtaining evidence that another party is responsible for your injuries. Evidence that you can use to establish your claim in scooter accident includes:

• Photos or videos of the accident site
• Medical documents including reports, bills, or receipts
• Statements from eyewitness
• Expert witness testimony
• Revisiting the scene of the accident

In a more severe accident, a police officer may arrive to fill out an accident report. Your lawyer can obtain the accident report along with all other documents and evidence to validate your scooter accident claim and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.

E-Scooter Companies and User Agreements

One of the ways that electric scooter companies attempt to remove themselves from any liability for a scooter accident is by forcing the user to sign a digital agreement. Every company has its own version of the user agreement. The agreement essentially states that the company is not liable for any accidents regardless of the circumstances. The rider agrees to ride at their own risk and gives up any legal rights if an accident occurs.

What this means is that there is no insurance readily available to cover your damages if you suffer injuries in an accident with an electric scooter and the rider is at fault. The electric scooter company does not have an insurance policy in place for third-party injuries. Chances are, the rider also does not have any specified insurance to cover your damages.

However, if you were injured in an e-scooter accident, and the electric scooter company is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to seek damages from the electric scooter company’s insurer. You may want to consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can work on your behalf to investigate the accident, establish who was at fault, and also help you determine the value of your case.

Examples of Common e-Scooter Injuries

Companies such as Bird, Lime, Jump, Lyft, or Spin now offer e-scooter rentals in metropolitan and suburban areas throughout South Florida. While e-scooter rentals offer convenience and affordable public transportation, they have also drawn criticism for causing injury to both the rider or other parties.

Some of the most common examples of injuries include:

• Young or unsupervised children riding on the scooter
• Using electric scooters on sidewalks instead of the bike lanes
• Users riding electric scooters in groups
• Multiple riders on a single scooter
• Improperly placed scooters in transit or at charging stations
• Operating scooters in non-designated areas

In addition, accidents can occur due to scooter malfunction, road hazards, collisions, and improper parking.

What You Can Claim in an e-Scooter Accident Case

In an e-scooter accident claim, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses including emergency room and hospital stay
• Pain and suffering or other noneconomic damages
• Lost income during your recovery
• Pain pills or other medication
• Projected future medical costs or disability

What you can claim depends on the nature of the accident, your total damages, and who is responsible for your e-scooter injuries. A Florida scooter accident lawyer can help you determine the estimated value of your case to get you the compensation you deserve.

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Can Help You with Your Case

If you would like to find out more about your legal options in an e-scooter injury case, contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. We can represent you against the electric scooter companies and get you a fair settlement. To find out more, call us at 954-633-8270 for a free case evaluation.

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, and scooter-sharing apps are spreading to cities across the U.S., with the new concept popular in more than 100 cities already. Companies like Lime and Bird, along with Uber’s Jump and Lyft scooters, have thousands of dockless scooters available for rent nationwide.

While the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow, however, so do the reports of accidents and injuries. Similarly to the way it took some time for lawmakers to determine how to handle questions of insurance and liability when ridesharing first became available, it is still too early to know exactly how electric or bird scooter lawsuits related to scooter accidents may play out. 

Tracking Injury Rates on E-Scooters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced a study into e-scooters, hoping to compile more comprehensive numbers on:

• Risk factors for accidents and injuries;
• The severity and commonality of injuries; and
• The cause of accidents

Before this study, there have not been studies about the risks associated with e-scooters or the most common injuries outside tracking incidents at the hospital- or municipality-level. As of May 2019, one of the most comprehensive studies thus far was a statistical analysis conducted by Portland’s Bureau of Transportation.

One of the key pieces of evidence that came out of the Portland study was that the rate of accidents for e-scooter users is much higher than motorbikes, cars, and other modes of transportation. While this study considered all scooter injuries and not just those utilizing scooter-sharing apps, Business Insider reports that the Portland Study found:

• E-scooter riders suffer 2.2 injury accidents per 10,000 miles ridden; this compares to
• Motorbike riders have 0.05 accidents per 10,000 miles; and
• Motorists have 0.1 accidents per 10,000 driven.

Consumer Reports attempted to conduct a survey of e-scooter incidents in 2018 but found that many hospitals simply are not yet tracking these numbers. With about two dozen hospitals participating, the study identified about 1,545 e-scooter injuries. With so few hospitals responding, it is a fair guess that the actual number is exponentially higher.

Collecting Comprehensive Statistics Is Difficult, But Trends Emerge

While there are not yet comprehensive numbers on just how common e-scooter accidents and injuries occur, some hospitals are tracking their own statistics. When looking at large hospitals in cities across the country, some disturbing trends emerge:

• People are getting hurt, sometimes severely
• Most are refusing to wear a helmet
• Many are drunk or drugged at the time of the accident

The University of San Diego Medical Center

According to a CNBC report, doctors from the University of San Diego Medical Center treated dozens of patients for injuries related to e-scooters between September 2017 and March 2019. This includes:

• 42 patients admitted to the hospital
• 98 percent of those with injuries did not wear a helmet
• 48 percent of those with injuries had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit to operate a vehicle in California
• 52 percent had an illegal drug or illicit substance in their system

UCLA Hospitals

When they looked at data from UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica and Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, researchers found that most of the 249 people came into their emergency rooms with e-scooter-related injuries in a one-year period, according to the CNBC report. They began tracking these numbers in September 2017 and the year in question ended in August 2018. The majority of those treated at UCLA hospitals suffered from fall-related injuries.

Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas

CNBC reported that Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas began tracking e-scooter injuries when the scooter-sharing apps debuted in Austin during May 2018. Between May 2018 and March 2019, Dell Seton doctors treated:

• 66 total trauma patients who suffered e-scooter injuries; this includes
• 19 patients head injuries;
• 38 broken bones and other orthopedic injuries; and
• 13 facial injuries.

According to a report from the Washington Post, not only is there an increase in scooter accidents but many of the injuries sustained are severe. The Post reported that emergency departments in seven cities reported regularly treating severe injuries such as head trauma and broken bones that occurred as a result of scooter accidents. These accidents were the result of:

• Scooters malfunctioning
• Scooter riders falling or flipping on uneven pavement
• Scooter riders hit by cars
• Scooter riders hitting pedestrians or other riders

E-Scooter Accidents Happen, But Liability Is Still Up in the Air

While we do not yet have a full picture of just how dangerous they can be, there is no denying that e-scooter and scooter-sharing accidents occur. Falls, malfunctions, defects with the roadway or sidewalks, car accidents, and other issues can cause a rider to suffer severe injuries in a matter of moments. Determining liability, though, maybe difficult until there are clear-cut rules in place.

While a car accident caused by a distracted motorist will follow similar rules that would apply in a motorbike or bicycle case, there will be questions to address when it comes to malfunctions or poor maintenance. When an accident occurs because a scooter is defective or has a mechanical problem, the scooter company will likely be liable.

Talk to a Personal Injury Accident Attorney About Your Fort Lauderdale E-Scooter Accident

If you suffered injuries in an e-scooter accident in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding area, an e-scooter accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato will review your case for free. You can count on an e-scooter accident lawyer to listen to what happened to you and help you understand your legal options. An e-scooter accident lawyer may be able to take legal action on your behalf.

You can count on us to provide responsive support and prompt communication about your case. Call 954-633-8270 today for your no-cost consultation.

File a Lawsuit Against an Electric Scooter Company

If you suffered injuries on an electric scooter, then you may be eligible to file an electric or bird scooter lawsuit against the electric scooter company. You might also be eligible for a class action. There are currently multiple class-action lawsuits pending against scooter companies, including Bird Rides Inc., Lime Bike, Xiaomi United States, and Segway. An e-scooter accident lawyer can help you explore your options.

What You Need to Know About the e-Scooter Class Action Lawsuit

Scooter companies, such as Bird and Lime, are currently facing personal injury and class action lawsuits across Florida and other parts of the United States. Many of the plaintiffs in these cases have the following similar complaints:

• The defendants contributed to injuries suffered by multiple plaintiffs.
• The defendants were negligent in dumping scooters along public streets without notice or authorization.
• The defendants failed to take action to eliminate the hazards and risks they imposed on the public.
• Bird’s and Lime’s safety instructions did not satisfy reasonable safety standards.
• Bird and Lime breached their warranties, thereby, building scooters that are not suitable for repeated public use.

Examples of Lawsuits Against Bird and Lime

Here are some examples of recent lawsuits against Bird and Lime:

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

In February 2019, a 28-year-old woman was riding a Lime e-scooter when she hit a car at an intersection. The accident left her in a coma where she is currently fighting for her life. The woman’s mother has filed a lawsuit against Lime, blaming the company for her daughter’s condition.

Class Action Lawsuit, Los Angeles County

Nine plaintiffs, including scooter riders and pedestrians, claim that they have sustained injuries from Bird and Lime products which include broken wrists, toes, fingers, torn ligaments, face lacerations, and damaged teeth. They filed a class-action suit against the companies back in October 2018.

Austin, Texas

A man was severely injured in downtown Austin, Texas in February 2019 when the wheels on a Lime electric scooter locked up. The lockup caused him to fall forward and hit the ground. He sustained a broken arm and a sprained shoulder. He filed a lawsuit against Lime, stating that the company was negligent by failing to inspect the parts of the scooter properly.

Your Options If You Receive a Class Action Notice

If you receive a notice about the class action lawsuit against Bird or Lime and have received an e-scooter injury, you have two main options:

Opt-In/Out as a Class Action Member

You can choose to be a member of the class-action lawsuit. If you decide to be a member, then you give up your right to pursue a private personal injury lawsuit. If you choose to opt-out of being a class action member, then follow the instructions in your notice by the deadline.

Participate in the Class Action Lawsuit as a Named Plaintiff

You may choose to participate in the class-action lawsuit along with other plaintiffs. You will then have the option to hire an attorney and become a member of a named party.

Keep in mind that your injuries and other damages may not align with those of other plaintiffs. Your legal situation may be unique. If so, you may want to consider seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit and hiring an e-scooter accident lawyer.

Before you decide whether to participate in a class action suit or file a personal injury lawsuit, you may want to consult an e-scooter accident attorney. A lawyer can answer your questions, address any concerns you may have, and go over your legal options with you. With proper legal counsel, you can make the right decision that is best for you.

What You Can Do if You Incurred an e-Scooter Injury

If you suffered an e-scooter injury, you can contact a Florida scooter accident attorney who is representing multiple clients in a class-action suit. The attorney can add your name to the class registry. You will receive details on how you can provide evidence of your injury and other damages and receive your share of the settlement.

As a member of the class-action lawsuit, you may be entitled to a percentage of the damages if the defendant settles out of court or loses in a trial. Once the e-scooter injury lawyer submits a lawsuit and the defendant agrees to a settlement, you will receive a notice on how to claim your percentage of the settlement.

You can also file an injury lawsuit without joining a class action.

Damages You May be Entitled to in an e-Scooter Injury Case

If you have suffered injuries from an e-scooter and you are seeking compensation for your losses, you may be entitled to the following damages:

• Hospital bills or other medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional turmoil
• Lost pay or future earning capacity
• Pain medication and other prescriptions
• Long-term disability, rehabilitation, or additional future medical costs
• Loss of consortium

What you can claim depends on the circumstances of your accident, your total losses, and if you can establish that an e-scooter company is responsible for your injuries. An e-scooter accident lawyer can help you establish liability and case value to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato

If you would like to find out more about the Bird or Lime class action lawsuit or want to discuss your personal legal options, then call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. We provide legal services for personal injury cases in South Florida. To find out more, contact us at 954-633-8270 for a free case evaluation.

Fort Lauderdale Lime Scooter Accident Lawsuits

We see South Florida residents riding around on electric scooters very frequently — and why shouldn’t we? The weather is beautiful, so it makes sense for more and more people to ride an electric scooter to get around, rather than be trapped inside their cars. (see also bird scooter lawsuit)

It’s also very easy and inexpensive to rent one of these electric scooters, also known as e-scooters. They are quickly becoming a preferred method of transportation for getting around Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

But, there is more to these scooters than meets the eye.

Sure, these e-scooters are fun and make you look “cool” while you’re riding in the wind, but there is absolutely no protection for riders should they find themselves in an accident. They are the only ones getting hurt. Pedestrian accidents are also very common in Fort Lauderdale and there is a scooter ban during spring break. Unlike an automobile, there are no windows, doors, or strong metal material surrounding you that can protect you from outside dangers.

E-Scooter Safety Precautions

It’s important to take scooter safety precautions when participating in any kind of vehicular activity, especially one that does not provide adequate protection. Remember these safety guidelines when riding your electric scooters, and make sure to share with your friends and family who ride them as well.

• You must be 18 years old to rent an e-scooter.
• Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• Do not operate a scooter while intoxicated or drowsy.
• Never carry a passenger; e-scooters are made to accommodate one standing operator.
• Do not use a cell phone while in motion.
• Follow all posted city and municipal rules which may prohibit riding on the sidewalk.
• Never ride a scooter on a highway or the Florida Turnpike.

Contact E-Scooters Accident Attorney For Help

Our South Florida personal injury law firm, at the law offices of Wolf & Pravato, specializes in personal injury law. With e-scooter accidents becoming more and more prevalent in our Fort Lauderdale community, our Florida auto accident attorneys have also come to specialize in these particular kinds of cases as well.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter accident, it’s time to call on our electric scooter accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale to help you recover your deserved damages for medical bills, lost pay, and any other losses due to your accident.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys will always fight to win every case and to maximize every claim, and we want to be able to do this for you. In order for us to do, there are a few things you need to make sure you do immediately following your electric scooter accident.

First things first. Get medical care! Do not wait, and most importantly, do not disregard even the most minor of scratches, bumps, and bruises. Sometimes it could take hours or even days before symptoms from injuries, such as whiplash, to reveal themselves. A medical professional should be the only one to accurately assess whether or not you have sustained any injuries from your accident — do not try to diagnose, or not diagnose, yourself.

Personal Injury On A Lime-Scooter

As a personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale, we are well aware of the recent sharp rise in electric scooter injuries and are well equipped to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our team of electric Florida scooter accident lawyers knows the ins and outs of Florida’s liability laws, as well as the insurance claims process. We will do all of the legwork and research needed to find out if you are eligible for compensation for damages.

If our Fort Myers car accident attorneys are able to show that you were indeed the victim of someone’s negligence, there is an opportunity for you to receive compensatory damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Conditions in Order to Show Negligence

There are a few conditions that must be considered in order to show negligence. We must:

Establish that the driver (or person who caused the accident) had a duty of care to act safely and reasonably to avoid the collision.

Show that the driver was negligent by failing to uphold this duty of care (for example, distracted driving or speeding).

Establish that the accident caused you to suffer bodily injuries and property damage.

Demonstrate how these injuries have caused you damages in the form of physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Damages That Recover in Lime Scooter Lawsuits

There are two types of damages that you could recover after an electric scooter accident, and it’s our job at the law offices of Wolf & Pravato to help determine if you qualify for one, or both, of these damages.

Special damages refer to the specific expenses that come as a result of the accident itself, and they depend on the circumstances and severity of your injuries.

These could include things like:

• ambulance and emergency room services
• hospitalization
• lost pay
• reduced earning ability as a result of your injuries (temporary or permanent)
• past and ongoing medical bills such as rehabilitative therapy
• surgery
• prescription medicine
• and others, property damage, and reimbursement for alternative transportation

Our accident lawyers will take care of submitting all necessary paperwork, including medical bills and pay stubs, that act as evidence of accident-related expenses.

The other type of damage, referred to as general damages, are determined through careful consideration of your injuries, special damages, and projected health outcome.

Common types of general damages include temporary or permanent disability, disfigurement, pain, and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship or consortium, lost income, or in the worst-case scenario, wrongful death.

Electric scooter accidents are just as devastating as automobile accidents, with injuries happening to riders up to ten times every week. These injuries include everything from concussions, broken/fractured/crushed bones, abrasions and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding and organ damage and spinal cord injuries.

Contact us for Help in E-Scooter Accident Lawsuit:

Even if you have only sustained a minor injury, there is still cause for concern, and still, a reason for you to reach out to the law offices of Wolf & Pravato for help.

We also help the victims of scooter accident in the following cities:

• Florida scooter accident lawyer
• Fort Lauderdale scooter accident lawyer
• Fort Myers scooter accident lawyer
• Miami scooter accident lawyer
• West Palm Beach scooter accident lawyer
• Boynton Beach scooter accident lawyer

Electric Scooter Accidents in Florida

Electric scooters are small vehicles with two or three wheels. For many people, they can be a fun, exciting way to get around or explore urban areas. Due to their small size and limited power, many people believe they are safer than motorcycles, bicycles, or similar vehicles.

Unfortunately, electric scooters can result in many different types of injuries, some of them very severe. The belief that electric scooters are safe often leads to riders refusing to wear a helmet which can have deadly consequences.

If you suffered an electric or bird scooter injury, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to explore your legal options. Our team is standing by to take your call at 954-633-8270.

Common Injuries from Electric Scooters

Electric scooters may be a small two-wheeled vehicle, like a kick scooter, or larger vehicles, more closely related to a motorcycle. An electric engine powers them and allows the rider to navigate crowded areas or urban locations easily.

There has been a rise in rentable electric scooters, which has increased the number of injuries in recent years.

The most common types of electric scooter accidents include:

• Head injuries from falling, often without a helmet
• Road rash
• Dislocated ankles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders
• Lacerations to the face
• Broken jaws
• Brain bleeds
• Neck injuries

Safety Concerns for Electric Scooters

There are some major safety concerns related to the use of electric scooters, according to research from doctors and reports from The Washington Post and CNN.

The most common safety issues for electric scooters include:

• Lack of maintenance for rented scooters often results in stuck accelerators, wobbly handlebars, or loose breaks.
• The perception that electric scooters are safer than other vehicles may lead to riders to ride without a helmet.
• Many riders lack experience riding electric scooters, so they do not understand how to balance, or they underestimate how fast the scooters accelerate.
• Uneven ground such as boardwalks, sidewalks, or bumpy roads, can result in flipping or even being thrown from the scooter.
• Traffic infrastructure and laws are not designed with electric scooters in mind.
• There is a wide range of laws between cities and states outlining where electric scooters can be ridden. For example, in California, electric scooters must use a bike lane or the street while in Denver, they must be ridden on the sidewalks.
• Rentable scooters are often in vacation destinations where riders may be more likely to ingest alcoholic beverages. Due to their small size, passengers may not take the risks of drinking and ride seriously.

How to Prevent Electric Scooter Accidents

Riding an electric scooter can be a fun, convenient way to get around town. With all the safety concerns, you might be hesitant to ride an electric scooter. There are several steps you can take to limit the risks while riding a scooter.

1. Always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. If you plan to ride a scooter, carry a helmet with you. Make sure it is adjusted to fit your head and has not been in an accident.
2. Before you ride off, check to see if the handlebars are steady and if the wheels are sturdy and in good condition. Test the breaks and accelerators to ensure they work properly. If anything feels off, choose another scooter.
3. Electric scooters should only carry one passenger at a time. Do not “piggyback,” or attempt to ride with two or more passengers.
4. Ride slowly at first so you can get used to how fast the scooter accelerates and how quickly you might be able to stop.
5. When possible, ride on smooth surfaces. Avoid bumps, curbs, grates, or other rough terrains.
6. Stay alert. Cars, trucks, and even pedestrians may not see you coming. Ride defensively and slow down or stop if you see a possibly dangerous situation.
7. When possible, wear bright clothing or use the lights on the scooter to make yourself more visible.

Following these tips will decrease the risks associated with riding an electric scooter.

Contact an Electric Scooter Lawyer in Florida Today

Riding an electric scooter can be a way to explore, but it can also result in severe injuries. If you or someone you love was injured while riding an electric scooter, you may be eligible to hold the liable party financially responsible for your damages.

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you explore your legal options following an electric scooter accident. A Fort Lauderdale scooter accident attorney can help you if you contact us today at 954-633-8270 for a free case evaluation.

What do You need to Know About Bird Scooter Lawsuits?

In October 2018, a class-action bird scooter lawsuit was filed against electric scooter rental/rideshare companies Bird Rides Inc. and LimeBike and other companies who have taken part in the escalating presence of electric scooters in the U.S., including the Xiaomi United States and Segway, the electric scooter manufacturers who supply vehicles to the rental companies. For more information call Florida scooter accident lawyer.

What If You Have Suffered Bird Scooter Injury or a Lime Scooter Injury?

If you suffered injuries caused in the ways described in the class-action lawsuit filed against these bird scooter companies:

• You are automatically included in the bird scooter class action. You do not need to join the class.
• Once a class in a bird scooter lawsuit is certified and a settlement is proposed, notices are sent to all identifiable class members. Notices also appear in various media outlets including newspapers, websites, television, radio, and magazines.
• You can also contact the bird scooter class-action attorney so he or she can add your name to the class registry, ensuring you receive details about participating in recovery, providing evidence to the attorneys, and receiving your share of the settlement.
• As a member of the class-action bird scooter lawsuit, you are entitled to a percentage of damages if the defendant(s) settles or loses at trial.
• When many victims are likely to emerge, making it difficult to identify and contact all the injured parties, a fund is created and made available to individuals who can prove the defendant’s actions injured them.

What Details of the Complaint Filed Against Bird, Lime, et al in Florida, USA?

The initial plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit filed against Bird scooter, Lime, and others allege the following:

• The defendants’ contributions to the injuries suffered by people with whom electric or bird scooters have collided constitute “aiding and abetting assault.”
• The defendants were negligent both in “dumping” scooters on public streets without notice or authorization and in their ignorance as to the dangerous “public nuisance” their vehicles presented.
• The defendants, in their failure to facilitate an end to the accidents that injured pedestrians, contributed to “assaults” on pedestrians.
• Bird’s and Lime’s safety instructions were inadequate.
• Bird’s and Lime’s scooters are mechanically deficient.
• Bird and Lime have breached their vehicles’ warranties, and the scooters are “not suitable” for repeated public use.

What the bird scooter lawsuit Against Bird, Lime, et al. Aims to Achieve?

Regarding its legal objectives, this lawsuit:

• Is seeking damages for the plaintiffs.
• Is pursuing the requirement that “adequate warnings and/or instructions” are provided with scooters and the apps with which they are associated
• Proposes that each company should be prohibited from continuing to deploy scooters in California

Your Three Options If You Receive a Class-Action Notice in Lime Scooter lawsuit

There are three courses of action you can take upon receiving a bird scooter class action notice in the Bird, Lime, et al. bird scooter lawsuit:

• Choose to participate as a class member: you give up your rights to pursue personal injury remedies in a private lawsuit
•  Opt-out: you decline participation as a class member, by following instructions in your notice by the specified date.
• Choose to participate as a named plaintiff: you hire your attorney and participate in the lawsuit as a named party

It is a good idea to consult with an experienced bird scooter class action attorney and/or you have a lot at stake in this class-action lawsuit.

Opting Out and Pursuing a Personal Injury or Lime Scooter Lawsuit

The purpose of a bird scooter lawsuit is to accommodate a large number of plaintiffs; more than what can be accommodated in a standard personal injury lawsuit.

If you have suffered bird scooter injury or losses caused by the actions of Bird, Lime, Xiaomi, Segway, or other defendants in this class-action suit or bird scooter lawsuit, but you feel that the circumstances of your injuries do not resemble those experienced by the initial plaintiffs in the bird scooter lawsuit, or you lack confidence in the abilities of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, you might consider seeking remedies in a personal injury lawsuit.

What Damages You Can Recover in a Bird Scooter Injury Lawsuit?

When you decide to seek damages you have suffered as a result of negligence on the part of Bird, Lime, or other electric scooter companies, a civil court will hear your case and determine to which damages you are entitled.

The court could decide to award you some or all of the following recoverable damages:

• Medical expenses
• Emotional suffering
• Physical pain damages
• Diminished potential earning capacity
• Prescription medication, including pain management
• Lost wages
• Ongoing medical costs
• Replacement services, such as housekeeping, landscaping, childcare
• Ambulance transportation
• Repair or replacement of any personal property damaged in the accident

Call Our Bird Scooter Accident Lawyer Today

If you would like to discuss your options for pursuing damages in your Bird or Lime electric scooter accident, contact a bird scooter accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free consultation. You can reach us by phone at (954) 633-8270.

We also help the victims of scooter accident in the following cities:

• Fort Lauderdale scooter accident lawyer
• Fort Myers scooter accident lawyer
• Miami scooter accident lawyer
• West Palm Beach scooter accident lawyer
• Boynton Beach scooter accident lawyer

Dangers With Electric Scooter

In the 1970s and ‘80s, mopeds and scooters enjoyed great popularity. The use of these vehicles dropped in the subsequent decades, only to resurface in recent years, with usage and sales surpassing those of 30 and 40 years ago.

The resurgence in electric scooter popularity initially manifested in an increasing number of scooters popping up like birthday presents and holiday gifts. Electric scooter sales have increased by up to 60% in recent years, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Some of these sales can be attributed to the combined effect of a struggling economy and fluctuating fuel prices. With scooters’ touting between 60 and 100 miles per gallon, it is easy to see their appeal as an alternative to cars.

Over the last year, another manifestation of scooter popularity has developed—the use of electric scooters in tourism and as a bonified, alternative means of transportation, with thousands of electric scooters appearing scattered across major American cities.

This occurrence has disrupted cities, as they scratch their figurative heads attempting to grasp how to regulate the newcomer vehicles. The trend has also sent hospital emergency rooms into a tailspin, as spikes of electric-scooter-related accidents spawn as accident victims in hospital emergency rooms.

The Basics: Understanding the Term Electric Scooter

Motorized scooters, also known as electric scooters or e-scooters, are defined by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) as “any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.”

FLHSMV stipulates that electric scooters cannot be titled or registered in the state of Florida, nor can they be operated on the “roadways or sidewalks of the state.”

Electric Scooter Crash Risk Factors in Florida

NCBI recently conducted a study to identify risk factors between severe and non-severe driver-related injuries stemming from electric scooter accidents. The group used the Florida Traffic Crash Records Database (FTCRD) to identify all crashes involving mopeds and scooters between 2002 and 2008.

Florida served as an ideal geographical focus for this study because of the state’s high traffic density and the popularity of scooters among both tourists and residents.

The study revealed several risk factors associated with electric scooter accidents:

• 17% of drivers wore helmets
• Alcohol/drug use played a part in severe and lethal crashes
• Unpaved roads
• Driving speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour
• Speed limits of over 30 miles per hour
• Roadways consisting of four or more lanes
• Poor lighting conditions
• Nearly 50% of severe-nonsevere injury accidents involved a scooter operator who did not own the scooter, tying more accidents to the recent increase in electric scooter rental providers in the sate
• More than 90% of drivers were uninsured

Drivers Behind the Increasing Number of Reported Electric Scooter Injuries

Electric scooter accidents incidents are on the uptick, thanks to the increasing popularity of these modes of transportation and the recent flooding of cities with dockless e-scooters provided by companies like Bird and Lime.

According to an article in the Washington Post, one Salt Lake City Hospital reported a 161% increase in the number of electric scooter accident victims coming through their doors, as compared with the number reported in the same time frame the previous year.

The trend has been evidenced by doctors across the country who are documenting the increase as a growing public safety crisis.

Several factors are contributing to this crisis:

• Public perception of electric scooters as toys
• Motorization, which enables speeds that are difficult to control and yield greater injuries
• Lack of helmet use
• The operation of electric scooters in crowded areas
• Lack of regulation from local government
• Rental scooters’ exposure to sunlight and rain, and extreme temperatures, which can accelerate the vehicle’s aging and compromise its operation

Electric Scooters That Comprise Rental Fleets Come With a List of Do’s and Don’ts

In November of 2018, CNET reported that electric scooter rental companies Bird and Lime were preparing to introduce their own in-house scooter models. At present, these companies use scooters manufactured by other parties, like Xiaomi and Segway.

According to the user instruction manuals that come with these vehicles, the electric scooters should be:

• Checked before every use: something the scooter rental companies cannot do between rentals, due to their being peppered randomly throughout the city, although fine print in the Bird and Lime user agreements tells riders to conduct a basic inspection of brakes, lights, wheels, and frames prior to usage (something most passengers would probably not know how to do if they were inclined to even try)
• Stored in a “cool, dry place:” another component of maintenance that does not fit with the rental companies’ business models, as the scooters sit outside
• Not ridden in the rain: scooter rental companies are not out restricting scooter rental based on weather
• Not be kept outdoors for extended periods: which is precisely where scooter rental companies keep their scooters

The lapses in manufacturer recommended use and maintenance pose risks to individuals unwittingly renting these electric scooters at tourist destinations and downtowns, unaware of the potential dangers of doing so.

Outcomes and Dangers Associated With Electric Scooter Accidents

The NCBI study underscored several dangerous outcomes of electric scooter accidents. The outcome of the greatest concern in this report was that of severe-fatal injury.

Severe injuries include those that appear at the scene of the accident as either debilitating (laming, crippling, or weakening) or requiring that the injured party be transferred to a higher level of care.

Considering the degree to which scooter operators are exposed when operating these vehicles, it is not surprising to find that injuries caused from a scooter accident can often be severe, even fatal.

Electric scooters are lightweight, like bicycles, which means they can get thrown quite a distance when hit by a car. These vehicles tout speeds greater than bicycles, which adds to the force of a collision, the impact of which can yield significant personal injuries.

Finally, because relatively few electric scooter operators wear helmets, the potential for brain damage increases in scooter accidents as compared with accidents in other vehicles.

Among the most commonly reported electric scooter accident injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken teeth and bones
• Internal bleeding
• Collapsed lungs
• Ruptured spleens
• Lacerations
• Head fractures
• Black eyes
• Bruises
• Cuts, scrapes

Regardless of your personal injury, the Fort Lauderdale scooter accident lawyer can validate your rights to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering and also help in your electric or bird scooter lawsuit.

Damages You Can Recover From an Electric Scooter Accident

If your electric scooter accident resulted from another party’s negligence, you can receive compensation for your expenses, injuries, and losses. Either the negligent party’s insurer or the negligent party he or she is responsible for compensating you. A civil court will hear your case and determine what you are due.

Here are some examples of just some of the damages the court might reward you:

• Physical pain damages
• Lost wages
• Diminished potential earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Prescription medication, including pain management
• Ongoing medical expenses
• Replacement services, such as housekeeping, landscaping, childcare
• Ambulance transportation
• Emotional suffering
• Repair or replacement of any personal property damaged in the accident

Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today

If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato and their personal injury lawyers in Florida for a free consultation. A Florida scooter accident attorney may be able to help you. You can reach us by phone at (954) 633-8270.