As one of the first electric scooter companies, Razor scooters have been around for over 15 years. Though they were once only popular with kids, adults have also taken to riding them in recent years. This is likely due to the rise of electric scooters, which can make getting around town a breeze. However, as more and more people use scooters, accidents are bound to happen, and e-scooter injuries can be severe.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Razor scooter accident, it is important to contact an experienced e-scooter lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyers at our firm have years of experience helping victims of Razor scooter accidents get the compensation they deserve. We understand what you are going through and are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is an Electric Scooter?
In Washington, D.C., an electric scooter is considered a “Personal Mobility Device” and is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor. Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who live in urban areas. They are a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, electric scooter accidents can devastate e-scooter riders, causing serious injury.
How Does a Razor Scooter Work?
The rider downloads the Razor scooter app and scans their driver’s license to operate a Razor scooter. Once the app is downloaded, riders can search for available scooters, scan the scooter, and begin their ride. Razor scooters are dockless, so riders can safely park their scooters anywhere in the city.
Razor scooters are not difficult to ride. However, they can be dangerous if not used properly. Riders should always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.
Causes of Razor Electric Scooter Accidents
Several different factors can contribute to a Razor scooter accident. Some of the most common include:
- Rider Error – Riders who are not experienced or familiar with riding a Razor scooter may be more likely to cause an accident.
- Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, cracks, and other hazards can make it difficult to ride a Razor scooter safely.
- Defective Scooters – If a Razor scooter is defective, it may suddenly stop working or veer off course, which can cause an accident.
- Collisions with Motor Vehicles – Razor scooters are small and can be difficult for drivers to see. This increases the risk of a crash.
- Speeding – Razor scooters can reach up to 15 miles per hour. This is much faster than most people can run. As a result, riders can easily lose control and crash.
- Collisions with Pedestrians – Because Razor scooters are often used in urban areas, there is a risk of collision with pedestrians.
- Falls – Although D.C. requires e-scooters to be locked to city infrastructure, some riders leave their scooters on the sidewalk. This can sometimes lead to scooters being left in precarious or dangerous positions. Pedestrians may trip over a scooter that wasn’t parked safely.
- Software Malfunctions – The Razor scooter app is used to unlock and operate the scooters. If there is a problem with the app, it could cause an accident.
How to Avoid Razor E-Scooter Accidents
Like any other vehicle, there are risks associated with riding a Razor scooter. There are a few things scooter riders can do to avoid accidents.
- Wear a Helmet – Helmets can protect riders from serious head injuries.
- Follow the Rules of the Road – Just like any other vehicle, scooters must obey traffic laws. Riders should yield to pedestrians and ride in the direction of traffic.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Riders should always be aware of their surroundings. This includes looking for pedestrians, potholes, and other obstacles.
- Avoid Distractions – riders should avoid using their cell phones or listening to music while riding. This can distract them from their surroundings and increase the risk of an accident.
Injuries Sustained in a Razor Electric Scooter Accident
Several different injuries can be sustained in a Razor scooter accident. Some of the most common include:
- Head Injuries – Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are some of the most serious injuries that can be sustained in an accident.
- Back Injuries – Back injuries, including spinal cord injuries, can be very serious.
- Broken Bones – Scooter accidents can often result in broken bones.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that can occur in a scooter accident.
If you have been injured in a Razor scooter accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Razor Scooter Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Razor scooter accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyers at our firm have years of experience helping victims of Razor scooter accidents get the compensation they deserve. We understand what you are going through and are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What an E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
The Washington, D.C. accident 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 an e-scooter accident, gathering evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained 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.
Who is Liable for Damages in an Electric Scooter Collision?
If you have been injured in an accident involving a motorized or electric scooter, you may wonder who is liable for your damages. The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the accident. Some of the parties that may be liable include:
- The Rider – If the rider of the motorized scooter was negligent, they might be held responsible for damages.
- The Scooter Company – If the accident was caused by a defective scooter, the company that manufactured the scooter may be held liable.
- The City – If poor road conditions caused the accident, the city or municipality responsible for maintaining the roads might be held liable.
- A Driver – If a collision with a motor vehicle caused the accident, the driver might be held liable.
Speaking with an injury lawyer is important if you have been injured in a Razor scooter accident. The lawyers at our firm can help you investigate the cause of your accident and identify the parties who may be liable for your damages.
How Long Does A Washington, D.C. Scooter Accident Injury Claim Take?
The amount of time it will take to settle your Washington, D.C. scooter accident claim depends on many factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the insurance companies involved, and whether or not you can reach an agreement with the liable party.
In some cases, claims can be settled relatively quickly. However, it may take months or even years to resolve in other cases.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Razor Scooter Accident Claim?
The amount of damages you can recover in a Razor scooter accident claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your case. Some of the damages that may be available include:
- Medical expenses include past and future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering – You may be able to recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
- Property damage – If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you might be able to recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Lost wages – If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
In some cases, both the e-scooter rider and another party may be at fault for an accident. The Vulnerable User Recovery Act of 2020 is designed to help e-scooter riders and other vulnerable users of the roadway (such as pedestrians and bicyclists) who have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence.
Under this law, vulnerable users can still recover damages if they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
We Get You the Compensation You Deserve
For more than 50 years, the Washington, D.C. lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a District of Columbia police officer opened his door into traffic and “doored” him.
- $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury due to a rear-end collision.
- $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury due to 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.
- $600,000 verdict obtained against the United States Postal Service due to the negligence of one of its drivers, who pulled out from a stop sign in front of our client’s motorcycle.
See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.
Contact an E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your 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.