Electric scooters can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, so we’re seeing more accidents involving them. That’s also likely to mean more personal injury (PI) claims relating to their use.
Next time you go to London, or indeed other cities and towns across the UK, you’re increasingly likely to see an e-scooter whizzing past you on the pavement or the road.
Less effortful than cycling and less expensive and emissions-heavy than cars, they’re seen by many as the future of urban travel, and there are dozens of rental trials taking place at home and abroad. But as usage of e-scooters rises, so does the number of accidents involving them.
E-accidents are on the rise
In 2021, over 1,430 people were injured as a result of e-scooter accidents, nearly three times the number the previous year. There have been over 30 deaths involving them since 2019, say the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety.
In case of an accident
If you do find yourself injured in an e-scooter accident, whether as rider or non-rider, what can you do? Statistics on previous accidents show that serious injuries resulting from them include head injuries and fractures, so the consequences can be significant.
Since e-scooters are relatively new on our streets, few PI cases have yet reached the courts. However, there are some basic principles and steps that apply to these accidents – in a similar way to accidents involving cyclists.
- If you’re involved in an e-scooter accident, always try to get details of anyone involved, including their insurance details. It’s unlikely they will have dedicated e-scooter insurance (since using privatelyowned e-scooters on public roads and pavements is illegal), but a solicitor can help you find out if their other types of insurance will cover the accident, or tell you other options for making a PI claim.
- If you are able, get any photographs that will show what happened, or ask anyone present to do this.
- If the e-scooter rider isn’t wearing a helmet when riding, or is riding when intoxicated, or riding illegally, any personal injury award may involve an element of contributory negligence. Do remember this if you or family members decide to rent an e-scooter!
Jonathan Cornwell, Partner, Solicitor Advocate Personal Injury
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