Electric Scooter Injury Law with James H. Brown & Associates

Love them or hate them, electric scooters are here to stay in Edmonton. While many people find them an enjoyable way to get around the city, e-scooters pose many unique risks to riders, pedestrians, and motor vehicle drivers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 50,000 people have had to visit an emergency room after an accident involving an electric scooter.

If you or a loved one are injured in an electric scooter accident, you need experience and expertise on your side. Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates has built its name by standing up for the rights of Albertans, attaining precedent-setting results in Alberta injury law. Read on to learn more about your options after a scooter accident, as well as how James H. Brown and Associates can help.

Types of Scooter Accidents

Like any mode of transportation, there are numerous ways that a person can be injured by an electric scooter. According to a report conducted at the University of British Columbia, the most serious scooter accidents result in injuries to the head or upper and lower extremities. While the report noted that the majority of these injuries are “minor,” it is still essential for scooter riders (and those sharing roads and pathways with them) to understand their risks and act accordingly.

Because electric scooters are relatively new in Alberta, there is little information on the types of scooter accidents that are most common. However, here are some scenarios that may result in a serious injury involving e-scooters:

• Being hit by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter. Although motorists are responsible for watching for pedestrians and other vehicles, this isn’t always the case. Assuming you are not at fault for the accident, your case will likely be very similar to a typical pedestrian accident, meaning you can claim damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• Being hit by a scooter as a pedestrian. As anyone who’s visited downtown or Whyte Ave knows, scooter riders do not always exercise the caution they should. If you are injured by a negligent scooter rider, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. Because the rider is unlikely to have insurance for this type of accident, it’s important to ensure you have legal experience and expertise on your side to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Scooter failure causing serious injury. While there are no documented cases of electric scooter failure causing serious injuries to riders or pedestrians, it’s important to know that options are available. Depending on the nature of the case, a class-action lawsuit would help ensure accident victims would have access to the compensation they deserve.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Scooter Accident

Regardless of how your scooter accident occurred, it’s important to take the right steps to look after your short and long-term wellbeing after an accident. This includes:

• Seeking Medical Attention. Even if your injuries look and feel “minor,” it’s still important to get checked out by a doctor or medical professional. Even seemingly “minor” injuries can get worse over time, and many insurance companies will doubt your injuries’ severity if you don’t seek medical attention right away.
• Documenting All Damages. If your accident prevents you from going to work, leads to additional expenses, or otherwise affects your day-to-day life, documentation will be important to your case. Keep a detailed record of every expense and change caused by your accident; if you need to make a claim or pursue a settlement, this information will help ensure you receive complete compensation for your injury.
• Talking to an Injury Lawyer. No matter the nature of the injury, sound legal advice is a must for accident victims and their families. Alberta accident injury law can be highly complicated; getting a professional opinion from an experienced legal team allows you to focus on recovering while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Not sure if an injury lawyer is right for you? Take our 5-minute quiz to find out how James H. Brown and Associates can help!

Accident Injury Law with James H. Brown & Associates

As noted above, electric scooters are new, and very few cases involving scooter injuries have gone through Alberta courts. This makes it even more important to have an experienced legal team on your side to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

With over 200 years of combined injury law experience, James H. Brown and Associates has a proven reputation of standing up for Albertans’ rights after an accident. Today, we proudly provide a complete range of services and support for our clients, including:

• An experienced team of injury lawyers with a record of precedent-setting results.
• Complete accident investigation services, including accident reconstruction and long-term impact analysis.
• Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
• And much more!

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Scooter Accident?

Talking with an injury lawyer is the first step on the road to justice. Unlike many large law firms that use call centres and intake teams, James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers are ready to speak with you right away.

Contact us today to speak to a lawyer and book a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates.