The number of people using electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, has exploded in recent years. And so have the number of accidents involving them.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter accident, you may wonder about your legal options. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. can help. We have represented many people who have been seriously injured in e-scooter accidents, and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve
Bolt Scooters
Co-founded by Olympian Usain Bolt, Bolt is a Miami-based company that distributes electric scooters. The company aims to provide an affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly way to get around.
Bolt has become one of the leading e-scooter companies in the United States. The company’s scooters are now available in dozens of cities across the country, including Washington, D.C. Unlike most electric scooter companies, Bolt scooters are free to unlock and generate fees based only on the amount of time they are ridden.
How Bolt Electric Scooters Work
E-scooters are battery-powered scooters that can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. They are typically used for short trips, such as getting from one side of a city block to the other.
To use a Bolt e-scooter, you first need to download the Bolt app and create an account. Once you have done that, you can find a scooter on the app and unlock it by scanning the QR code on the scooter.
Once you’re done with your ride, you need to park the scooter in a designated area and lock it up again. You will be charged a per-minute fee for your ride, automatically deducted from your credit card.
Causes of Bolt Scooter Accidents
E-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, but they are also becoming increasingly dangerous. Most e-scooter accidents are caused by the negligence of either the scooter rider or another party. Common causes of e-scooter accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Riding on the sidewalk
- Riding without a helmet
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
Common Injuries After Bolt Electric Scooter Accidents
E-scooter operators can suffer from many injuries, some of which may be very serious. Common injuries after e-scooter accidents include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Sprains and strains
What to Do After a Bolt Electric Scooter Accident
If you have been involved in an e-scooter accident, there are a few things you should do to protect your rights:
- Report the accident to the police and make sure to get a copy of the police report
- Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured
- Collect the contact information of any witnesses to the accident
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, if possible
- Do not give a statement to any insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney
There are a few important laws that all-electric scooter riders in Washington, D.C., should be aware of. For instance, electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in the Central Business District of D.C. Users are encouraged to use bike lanes when available. Other rules include:
- Riders must be at least 16 years old
- Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet
- E-scooter operators can use bike lanes
- After a rider has completed their ride, they must legally park the e-scooter.
- Passengers are not allowed on e-scooters
- Illegal to drink and operate a scooter
Bolt also has a list of prohibited uses stated in their rental agreement. Here are a few of their rules:
- Bolt Scooter riders must be 18 years or older to ride.
- Riders cannot lift the Scooter for any reason
- Riders cannot exceed a speed limit of 15 mph.
- Riders cannot operate or use a Scooter in poor lighting conditions or where they are not able to see clearly.
- Riders cannot operate a Scooter that has any defect, fails to act as a properly functioning Scooter, or needs repair.
Safety Tips for Riding a Bolt Scooter
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind if you’re planning on riding a Bolt scooter:
- Wear a helmet
- Follow the rules of the road.
- Ride in designated areas
- Yield to pedestrians
- Don’t ride under the influence.
- Don’t ride with a passenger.
- Inspect your scooter before riding
- Be aware of your surroundings.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You After a Bolt E-Scooter Accident
The Washington, D.C. e-scooter lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a bicycle accident, gathering the evidence needed to establish liability and negligence.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Bolt Scooter Accident Claim?
The amount of compensation you may be able to recover in a Bolt e-scooter accident lawsuit will depend on your case’s specific facts and circumstances. In general, however, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and future lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death (if your loved one was killed in a Bolt e-scooter accident)
We Will Help You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries
For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones as the result of someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- $15 million for a woman who was permanently paralyzed from the neck down as a result of being struck by a stray bullet.
- $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision.
- $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
- $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.
- $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.
See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Bolt E-Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Washington, D.C.
The amount of time you have to file a Bolt e-scooter accident lawsuit in Washington, D.C., is governed by the statute of limitations. In general, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years from the accident date to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, you will be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries or losses.
However, there are different deadlines for different causes of action, such as for wrongful death claims (which have a 2-year statute of limitations in Washington, DC). In addition, many claims have certain notice requirements which are much shorter. You should contact an experienced accident lawyer to discuss the deadlines that apply to your case as soon as possible.
Who is Liable For My Injuries After a Bolt E-Scooter Accident?
The liable party in an e-scooter accident will depend on the case’s specific facts. In many accidents, the rider of the e-scooter will be to blame. This is especially true if the rider was speeding, riding on the sidewalk, or riding without a helmet.
Accidents Involving Motor Vehicles
If a driver is at fault, the driver’s insurance company may be liable for your injuries. For example, if a driver hits you with their car while you are riding an e-scooter, the driver’s liability insurance will likely be liable for your injuries.
Can I Hold Bolt Responsible for My Injuries?
If a Bolt scooter was defective and caused you to be injured, Bolt may be held liable. Similarly, if a Bolt scooter was not properly maintained and this led to your accident, Bolt may also be held responsible.
It is important to note that Bolt is not automatically liable for all accidents involving its scooters. Liability will depend on the specific facts of each case.
When you ride a Bolt scooter, you acknowledge and assume all risks of using the scooter. Bolt’s rental agreement states, “You understand that Bolt does not provide insurance coverage for damage or injuries incurred during the use of the Services. You agree to be responsible and assume liability for any and all costs incurred as a result of using the Services, including, without limitation, ambulance transport services, hospital stays, and medical treatment.”
If you get into an accident on a Bolt scooter, you may be responsible for your own injuries. However, you may be able to recover against Bolt and their insurance company if Bolt is found negligent, such as failing to safely maintain their scooters.
Washington DC Vulnerable User Recovery Act of 2020
In 2020, the Vulnerable User Recovery Act went into effect. The law creates a new legal cause of action for injuries suffered by “vulnerable users” of public space. Under this law, the definition of a vulnerable user includes a pedestrian, bicyclist, wheelchair user, scooter rider, or any other non-motorized user of public space.
Under the act, a vulnerable user’s negligence does not hinder recovery. This means that pedestrians, cyclists, and users of other non-motorized devices like skateboards can recover up to 100% of their losses. These losses include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage so long as the pedestrian or cyclist was no more than 50% at fault for a collision.
How to File a Bolt Scooter Accident Claim
If you have been involved in a Bolt scooter accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To ensure your claim is successful, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your contact information
- The contact information of any witnesses
- The police report from the accident
- Photos of the accident scene, if possible
- Your medical records
- Any other evidence you have to support your claim
When you hire a personal injury lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we can help you file your claim and recover compensation.
Call Our Washington DC Scooter Accident Lawyers Today
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your e-scooter accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.