Electric Scooter Accidents and Injuries On The Rise
The newest trend in metro transportation has become the electric scooter. While convenient, quick, and fun, stop to consider your modes of self-protection before jumping on one and taking a ride. As with the proliferation of any device that ends up on the roadway, there’s been an increase in the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths involving electric scooters. Your first lines of self defense should be wearing a helmet and visible clothing. As with motorcycles and bicycles, the key is to see and be seen by other vehicles on the roadway. The second thing is to know and understand the rules of the road. Safety tips include:
- Obey all traffic control devices;
- Limit crossings to corners or, better yet, areas with crosswalks;
- Increase your visibility at night by using a headlamp and wearing reflective clothing; and
- Maintain a safe speed at all times.
The last thing to do is probably the most important; review your auto insurance coverage. Keep in mind that while on a scooter you have the same rights and obligations as a pedestrian. Your auto insurance coverage will afford you with some protection if you are injured. The No-Fault act requires that your insurer afford at least $20,000 in medical and $20,000 in wage/disability benefits. However, if you suffer a serious injury $20,000 doesn’t go a long way these days. The most cost effective thing you can do in that regard is to increase or stack your No-Fault coverage. The small premium increase (typically $100-$200 per year) is well worth the increased protection you receive. Apart from your No-Fault coverage, you should also review your Uninsured and Underinsured coverages. These come into play if you are hurt by an uninsured motorist or a motorist that does not have enough coverage to fully compensate you for any injuries caused by their negligence. Many people do not even know they have this coverage, or what their limits are, until it's too late. Commonly, people carry UM/UIM coverage of $100,000 or less. Coverage of $250,000 is more appropriate for most people depending on their individual needs. It’s important to review and know your coverage before you’re involved in an accident because it is your one opportunity to select the amount you might need access to in the event of a serious crash. If you or a loved one are involved in a scooter accident or suffer a scooter injury it is important to consult with an experienced Know Your Rights personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Call me or submit your case inquiry online 24/7. We’re here to help.
