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Scooter Accidents on the Rise

by | Feb 9, 2019

Car Accidents Involving Scooters – Everything You Need To Know (Part 1)

Scooter use is on the rise thanks to electric scooter rideshare companies like Bird, Lime and Skip, but many emergency room doctors are warning that these seemingly harmless vehicles are just as dangerous as other motorized vehicles. Whether you take advantage of rideshare services or own your own scooter, this two-part guide provides practical tips to keep you safe and arms you with valuable information in the event you are in a scooter accident.

Car Accidents Involving Scooters

The Surge in Scooter Popularity

Scooter rideshare companies Bird and Lime have introduced rentable e-scooters in over 100 cities and given over 20 million rides since they stormed the streets over one year ago. These vehicles provide an inexpensive mode of transportation both in terms of the purchase price or rental fees, and many see scooters as an opportunity to get you that last mile or short distance, especially in heavily populated areas where parking is difficult or expensive. However, part of the danger of scooters lies in peoples’ misconception that scooters are simply a fun, recreational toy.

Scooters—A Target For Accidents?

Scooter riders are at an increased risk for accidents for many reasons:

  • inexperienced riders;
  • lack of helmet use;
  • mechanical problems;
  • absence of bike lanes or lanes that are too narrow; and
  • ignorance of scooter laws, which vary between municipalities (e.g., scooters permitted on sidewalks in Denver, but only bike lanes or streets in California).

Safety Tips for Scooters

You should always be cautious when riding a scooter, even more than when you drive a car. The small size of a scooter alone makes it more difficult for other drivers to see you on the road. To stay safe, follow the below tips:

  • wear a helmet;
  • know the laws, especially where you can ride;
  • avoid driving in others’ blind spots;
  • wear bright-colored clothes;
  • follow general traffic laws;
  • use turn signals or arm signals when turning;
  • be especially careful of left-hand turns and intersections;
  • no lane splitting;
  • beware of potholes or debris in the road, which are especially; problematic for small scooter wheels; and
  • never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you are going to use a rideshare scooter:

  • check weight limits and any other riding requirements;
  • do a safety check of brakes, lights, frame and wheels; and
  • read the terms of service so you understand what rights you are giving up, which may include the right to file a lawsuit in court.

If you have been injured in a scooter accident or have questions about a personal injury settlement, call the experienced staff at the Kelly Law Team for a free consultation 602-283-4122.

Willow Midwife Center for Birth & Wellness – Our firm is currently counsel for plaintiffs in a lawsuit (midwife malpractice) against the birthing center – involving failure to transfer mothers and newborns to hospitals when emergency care was needed, causing devastating consequences for those involved. 

At the Kelly Law Team, our personal injury practice includes a wide range of injuries caused by negligence and other wrongful conduct. including injuries that are inflicted upon newborn babies (and their mothers).

When a woman is about to give birth, she understandably wants to be as comfortable as possible, not only in her surroundings, but also in terms of the quality of care she will receive. People choose birthing centers in part, at least, due to the promise of a more personalized attention, a home-like environment, “continuous care,” less medical intervention, and a more “natural” birthing experience. 

Unfortunately, birthing centers are not equipped to handle many emergencies. There are numerous areas of concern when you entrust your maternity care to a birthing center. For example, as in our case, delayed transfer of mothers and newborn babies to a hospital could lead to devastating consequences, including oxygen deprivation, untreated fetal distress, and more. This could result in the baby suffering with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and other serious problems and conditions.

These centers generally operate without an onsite physician, and the possibility of a delay in the transfer to a hospital in the case of an emergency or difficult delivery is only one example of injuries to newborns and to their mothers, who suffer needlessly as the result of negligence on the part of the birthing center. Moreover, birthing centers are not able to perform Cesarean sections, while almost one-third of births in the United States are delivered by C-section.

Indeed, according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, birthing centers carry an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including the following:

  • Neonatal deaths (birth through day 28);
  • Depressed Agpar scores in the first few minutes of birth (Apgar evaluates the newborn’s heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, respiration, and appearance); and

In addition to the risks to the infant, medical problems suffered by the mother may also be well beyond the capacity of a birthing center to diagnose and/or treat.

If you or a loved one has given birth at a birthing center, and either mother or child has had health problems, during or after childbirth, we may be able to assist in finding out whether the birthing center was at fault, causing or exacerbating the injury/condition, and whether you are entitled to compensation. If you believe a birthing center caused or failed to diagnose or properly treat a medical condition, contact the Kelly Law Team to find out what our firm can do for you.

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