Electric scooters are increasing in popularity in Arizona. These motorized scooters allow riders to travel down sidewalks for a small service charge. They’re a cheap and easy way to travel short distances with the added benefit of decreasing traffic congestion. However, these electric scooters create safety concerns for Arizona residents. A study conducted by Doctor Benjamin Breyer of San Francisco General Hospital shows that the number of electric scooter-related injuries and hospitalizations in the U.S. has increased by 365% from 2014 to 2018. As the popularity of electric scooters increases in Arizona, the probability of scooter accidents substantially rises.
Electric scooters operate on public roads, so riders must comply with the rules of the road. When a rider does not understand the basic traffic-safety laws, it increases the risk of an accident. Additionally, electric scooters lack the safety regulation and enforcement of motorists driving cars, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles.
Furthermore, riders can leave electric scooters anywhere, creating public safety risks. While it’s convenient for riders, the abandonment of electric scooters can obstruct the roads and sidewalks. These scooters are often damaged by individuals riding them, and an unsuspecting next rider may end up using a scooter with ineffective equipment and safety features, placing themselves and others at risk. While electric scooter companies pay people to collect and inspect the scooters at the end of the day and place them in safe locations, the riders at the end of the day have no incentive to be safe about their placement of the scooter.
The lack of regulation concerning electric scooters places their riders and those around them at risk of accidents. Arizona residents are understandably concerned about the safety of electric scooters and whether they may outweigh the benefits relating to electric scooters.
In Arizona, electric scooter riders are not required to have a valid driver’s license or automobile insurance. Lack of insurance coverage complicates insurance claims, especially for the uninsured rider who might have caused the accident. This is real problem: without insurance coverage, it can be impossible for the innocent victim to get any payment for harms and damages.
Insurance coverage is a significant issue concerning electric scooters. In the event of an unfortunate accident, the scooter’s rider may not have liability insurance to cover the victims’ injuries. Even if the rider has valid automobile insurance, most insurance policies do not extend to cover damages sustained due to operating an electric scooter. Uninsured riders find themselves in a complicated situation when they are at fault for an accident in which someone was injured. They may end up being solely responsible for damages that they have no financial means to cover. Trying to recover financial compensation from an individual may not be a viable option depending on the circumstances of the electric scooter accident. Therefore, it’s best to consult with an e-scooter accident attorney to evaluate your potential claim and determine the best strategy for your situation.
Jensen Phelan Law Firm is a firm that specializes in personal injury claims. Our firm has decades of experience representing injured Arizona residents and helping them obtain the financial compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident and don’t know what your next steps are, we are here to help. We are here to help guide you through even the most complicated personal injury claim so you can focus on your recovery.
Hiring the right Arizona personal injury lawyer to represent your interest can give you the power to fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. If you want to schedule a consultation with one of our specialist attorneys today, you can do so on our website by filling out our contact form or at (928) 778-2660.