Maryland Scooter and Lime Bike Accident Injury Compensation
Scooters and mopeds have been popular forms of transportation in Maryland for some time now. After a rocky start, the dockless ride share Lime bike revolution has finally taken off here, too. Predictably – and in the city of Baltimore, especially – there’s been a significant increase in the number of people injured in electronic scooter and Lime bike accidents. Car, truck, bus, and SUV drivers are the usual culprits. But the bikes themselves are often at fault, with riders frequently reporting defective brakes and tires as well as other crucial component failures.
There are indeed advantages to using a scooter or Lime bike. Sadly, though, these conveyances offer riders little physical protection should an accident occur. Also, given the nature of most scooter and Lime bike accidents, riders who’ve been injured in them often don’t know their rights – or even who they should sue. But Maryland riders have an experienced and diligent advocate in Attorney Jobeth Bowers of Bowers Law Baltimore, the MD Crash bike accident personal injury specialists. Jobeth’s the man to see if you’ve been injured in such an accident, not only because of the legal complexities involved but also on account of how serious the injuries from such accidents can be.
For the unprotected scooter, moped, or Lime bike rider, collisions that happen in the blink of an eye can have devastating lifelong consequences.
Some of the more traumatic types of scooter injuries include head or brain injury, neck or spinal-cord injury, back injury, and paralysis. Other common injuries are lacerations, broken bones, fractures, bruising, dental injuries, and injuries caused by whiplash.
It’s rather startling but nonetheless true that head-on collisions make up a majority of scooter accidents. What shouldn’t be a surprise is that such collisions are often fatal. Scooter accidents also frequently occur on left-hand turns. The small size and compact design of electronic scooters, mopeds, and Lime bikes tend to make them invisible to other drivers. That’s why those riding these smaller vehicles must stay fully aware of their surroundings at all times. They should maintain a slow speed as well so they have more time to react when other drivers maneuver in such a way that it’s obvious they don’t see the scooter, moped, or Lime bike. If an accident does happen, be advised that scooter riders have the same rights as anyone else on the road. Experienced legal representation can help them obtain proper damages in compensation for lost wages, hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation. Be advised also that the liability of scooter manufacturers and ride share companies like Lime (formerly LimeBike) for injuries sustained in accidents involving their vehicles is not clearly established.
If it can be shown that their vehicles were well maintained and that they properly warned their riders to wear helmets and take other safety precautions, then they’re unlikely to be held responsible. On the other hand, if it can be shown that their vehicles were defective in any way, they may be liable indeed. Whatever the cause, if you’ve been injured in an electronic scooter, moped, or Lime bike accident in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, it’s paramount that you get prompt medical attention. Gather as much still-photo or video and third-party eyewitness evidence as possible, too. And be sure to get insurance information from all parties involved. If that’s difficult because of your injuries, ask a friend or family member to assist you.
No matter how insignificant the accident or how mild your injuries may seem in the immediate aftermath, you may later find yourself in great pain or with serious disabilities. Don’t delay in doing this, either: Call 410-975-7000 or otherwise contact Bowers Law Baltimore for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your scooter, moped, or Lime bike injuries. But you’ll definitely need Jobeth Bowers’ help in determining who’s at fault and navigating the complex legal process to get what you’re due.