The hip, new trend in transportation is the electric scooter and it has noticeably taken over the streets of Atlanta. Affordable and easy-to-use with the touch of an app, people are hopping onto a Bird, Lime or Jump and using them to commute, tour or travel.
Unfortunately, Atlanta's streets aren't very friendly to alternative transportation options like scootering or biking. Plus, the city hosts some of the most aggressive drivers in the U.S.
This creates a recipe for injuries as unprotected scooterists, many inexperienced, navigate sidewalks and roads.
Scooter injuries are now a growing concern, with up to 100 people visiting emergency rooms each month. The most common injuries are head injuries and fractures to the wrist, arm, and face.
Many riders don't wear helmets and are operating their scooters near heavy traffic. Scooter wheels are also small, meaning a pothole, uneven sidewalk or piece of debris could send someone flying. There have even been reports of faulty scooters causing accidents because they have not been properly maintained.
College students in and around college campuses such as Georgia State University, Emory, Georgia Tech, and Oglethorpe are most at-risk as they are increasingly relying on the devices to get between classes, work, and dorms.
Many Atlanta drivers aren't paying attention, meaning a scooter rider has an increased risk being hit by a car or a truck speeding down the road.
Getting hit by a car while on an electric scooter can leave a person with serious injuries and hospital bills. Responsible e-scooter riders shouldn't have to foot the bill if they were injured by a negligent or malicious driver.
Contact our law firm today if you or someone you know was injured while riding a scooter. We can help you understand your rights and ensure the insurance company pays out all (not some) of the money you are entitled to.
Scooter Safety Tips
The Atlanta City Council has passed several mandates to protect scooter riders and others. Make sure you are following the law and acting considerately when using an electric scooter.
- Discarding scooters haphazardly on the ground could trip someone or block a disabled person's path. Park your scooter in an upright position away from foot traffic on sidewalks. Give pedestrians five feet of space.
- Limit your speed to 15 mph or less. The faster you go, the more likely you could sustain injuries if an accident occurs.
- Wear a helmet! This will protect you from head injuries.
- Don't drink and scoot. Operating a scooter while intoxicated is not only dangerous, it could get you a ticket.
Dockless scooters are a great way to get around the city without contributing to congestion. But Atlanta's infrastructure, coupled with speeding/distracted drivers, can make using a shareable scooter hazardous.
If you've been hurt in a wreck or hit and run while on a scooter, don't delay in seeking legal help so you can know all of your rights.
Related Topics:
Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
How to Get Medical Treatment After a Wreck When You Don't Have Health Insurance
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