Fort Lauderdale Scooter Accident Lawyer

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You may have seen electric scooters zipping around in many big cities throughout the United States. In fact, these vehicles have become so popular because they are an easy way to get around in busy areas. But, as with any other vehicle, there is a safety risk involved in riding an e-scooter. Electric scooters are plentiful in Florida, and the number of accidents has significantly gone up as a result. If you or anyone in your family has been involved in an e-scooter accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it’s important to consult with a Fort Lauderdale E-Scooter Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. In fact, electric scooter accident lawyers are highly specialized in handling cases of e-scooter accidents and getting you the maximum amount of compensation that you rightly deserve. 

Klotzman Law Firm is a reputable personal injury law firm that specializes in representing clients who have suffered injuries in e-scooter accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With the increasing usage of e-scooters in Fort Lauderdale and other parts of FL, accidents have become more prevalent than in the past. 

Our clients are often pedestrians who have been injured by an e-scooter rider or people who have rented e-scooters and have been involved in accidents. Electric scooter accidents can be quite severe at times. In fact, they may cause injuries ranging from minor cuts & bruises to more severe head and spinal injuries. At Klotzman Law Firm, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has the right skills, resources, and expertise to help you to get the compensation you deserve.

We understand the impact that an e-scooter accident can have on your life. In fact, it could result in loss of income, mounting medical bills, and long-term disability. Our team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to providing you with the best possible legal representation at all times. We conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine who is at fault and to what extent before filing your claim. We then work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to trial if necessary.

If you or your loved ones have been injured in an e-scooter accident, you need a legal team that can help you navigate the complex legal system in Florida. At Klotzman Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they rightly deserve. Contact us today at 954-915-7405 for a free consultation. 

Table of Contents

What Is An E-Scooter?

E-scooters are electric scooters that you can buy or rent in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They are ideal for cruising around busy city streets at a maximum speed of 15mph. You will find a host of e-scooter manufacturers and suppliers across the United States. They are readily available for anyone to use in different parts of the U.S.   

Some of the latest electric scooters are equipped with wireless connectivity and GPS trackers. Rent one of these vehicles using your credit card and smartphone. Rental prices can vary depending on the rental company you choose. But the average rental price is around $1 per minute. It’s important to remember that the range of an e-scooter is limited to a distance of 35 miles. 

Where Are E-Scooter Riders Permitted To Travel?

In Florida’s cities, companies are allowed to launch e-scooters according to a certain law. This law states that riders of e-scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as those of bicyclists, and can even use bike lanes. But, the other rules and regulations are decided by the city officials in each local area.

Are E-Scooter Riders Required To Wear A Helmet?

We want to make sure everyone stays safe while riding our e-scooters. Although wearing a helmet is not mandatory, we highly recommend it. Also, please note that our scooters are designed for solo riders only. When cruising around town, keep in mind that the top speed limit for e-scooters is 15 miles per hour on streets and bike lanes, and 7 miles per hour on sidewalks.

What Are The Common Types Of Injuries That People Sustain While Riding An E-Scooter?

E-scooters can use the same roads in Florida that buses, bicycles, cars, and trucks do. Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect yourself while riding an e-scooter at a speed of 15 miles per hour down the busy streets of Fort Lauderdale. E-scooter riders may suffer a host of injuries due to accidents. Here are some of the most common types of injuries suffered by e-scooter rides in Fort Lauderdale, FL: 

. Cuts, bruises, and lacerations

. Broken bones

. Head and neck injuries

. Whiplash

. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

. Eye injuries

. Crush injuries

. And more…

If you or someone in your family has been involved in an electric scooter accident caused by the negligence of another driver, our Fort Lauderdale electric scooter accident lawyers can help you. We will fight for your legal rights and get you the maximum amount of compensation you rightly deserve. 

E-Scooter Laws In Florida

E-scooter riders in Florida should be at least 16 years of age but are not required to have a driver’s license. E-scooters are permitted to operate in bicycle lanes and should follow road rules pertaining to bikes as well. The scooter shouldn’t exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph. In fact, as per Florida law, an e-scooter that cannot exceed 15 miles per hour is given the same status as a bicycle. Here are some of the most important things to consider when riding an electric scooter in Fort Lauderdale:

. Inspect the scooter before you take it out on the roads. Are the brakes working properly? 

. Wear a helmet for your own safety.

. Obey the speed limits.

. Don’t carry passengers on the scooter.

. Have a valid learner’s permit.

. Don’t carry any packages or bundles that stop the rider from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

. Don’t operate the vehicle on a highway or sidewalk.

. Don’t attach the scooter to any other vehicle on the roadway.

. Don’t park the scooter in a place that blocks pedestrian traffic.

How Does Florida Law View E-Scooters? 

There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. In fact, the state of Florida has its own set of laws that govern the operation of electric scooters. Even though you don’t need to register or get an insurance policy for an e-scooter, some local authorities may request you to register the vehicle. On Florida streets, you cannot exceed the speed limit of 35 miles per hour unless local laws say otherwise. 

What Are The Main Causes Of E-Scooter Crashes In The State Of Florida?

There are numerous causes of electric scooter accidents in the state of Florida including faulty brakes, unexpected acceleration, or the unexpected shutting down of the motor. Here are some of the other common causes of possible e-scooter crashes in the state of Florida:

. Rider inexperience

. Rider distraction

. Riding through traffic on a congested Florida street

. Riding the scooter on a sidewalk and knocking down a pedestrian

. Not following the traffic laws in the local area

. Defective road conditions

Who Can Be Held Liable For An E-Scooter Accident In Florida?

There is more than one party that could be legally held responsible for an e-scooter accident in Fort Lauderdale including:

The E-Scooter Rider

If an e-scooter ride knocked you down while you were walking on the sidewalk, you can hold the rider responsible for your injuries. There could be many causes for rider negligence including:

. Speeding

. Failing to apply brakes in time

. Not paying attention

Drivers

If another vehicle hit you while you were riding the e-scooter, the driver of the specific vehicle can be held liable for your injuries. Your lawyer needs to prove that the at-fault party was speeding, being distracted, or being involved in reckless driving when the accident occurred. 

The Electric Scooter Manufacturer

If the electric scooter malfunctioned and caused the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle can be held liable for your injuries. 

Pedestrians

If a pedestrian was acting negligently and the accident occurred as a result, he or she could be held liable for your injuries. In such a case, your claim may have to be filed against the pedestrian’s homeowner insurance policy. 

Construction Company, Business, Or City

If the accident occurred due to a damaged sidewalk or potholes on the road, the local authorities can be held responsible for your injuries. On the other hand, if a construction company or a business is responsible for the property where the accident occurred, they can be held responsible for the accident not maintaining the property. 

How Can Terms Of Service Agreements Affect Your Claim?

When you download an app for an electric scooter ride-sharing service, chances are you’ll need to agree to some terms and conditions before using the app and the scooter. But here’s the thing: many people just click “agree” without actually reading the terms. And that can be a problem. Some of the terms might say that the company providing the rental scooters won’t be held responsible if you or someone else gets hurt while using one of their scooters. So it’s really important to take the time to read and understand all the terms before agreeing to them.

The experienced e-scooter accident lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm will review the agreement that you have signed as well as the circumstances associated with your accident and injuries before determining if the agreement could prevent you from filing a claim against the e-scooter company.

Is There Insurance Coverage For E-Scooter Accidents?

Yes, there is more than an insurance policy where you can file a claim after an e-scooter accident including:

. Auto insurance – when the at-fault party is the vehicle driver’

. Health insurance

. Personal-liability umbrella insurance

. Scooter insurance

. Renters’ or homeowners’ insurance

What Damages Could You Recover For An E-Scooter Injury In Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

If you have a personal injury claim, you’ll need to show that someone else’s negligence caused harm to you. Once that person is found responsible, a lawyer can help you get compensation for different types of damages, depending on the specifics of your case. These damages may include lost wages if you had to take time off work to recover, medical expenses both now and in the future, pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of companionship for your spouse, emotional distress, and other related losses.

How Long Do You Have To File An E-Scooter Claim In The State Of Florida?

In the state of Florida, you have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and claim maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

It’s important to note that the four-year window for personal injury cases doesn’t mean that you should wait to seek legal advice or representation. Seeking a lawyer’s help as soon as possible is crucial, as evidence is a vital component in any lawsuit. 

Waiting to obtain legal counsel could lead to important evidence being lost or destroyed, including surveillance video footage that could have helped prove your claim. It’s possible that a local business captured the accident on camera, but they typically don’t keep this footage for more than 90 days and may erase it after just 30 days. Therefore, it’s important to act quickly to preserve all relevant evidence for your case.

Reasons Why E-Scooters Are Dangerous

Electric scooters have a lot of great advantages that we can all appreciate. For starters, they can help ease traffic jams and reduce our dependence on cars. Plus, they’re better for the environment since they don’t produce as many harmful greenhouse gases. And when we use shared programs, it’s super easy to get around town whenever we need to. However, some cities are starting to rethink their rules around electric scooters because there are some safety concerns that need to be addressed. Here are some of the common dangers that e-scooter riders experience in Florida:

. Lack of  licensing and training opportunities

. Helmets are not mandatory

. Durability – many scooters used by rental companies are low-cost and are manufactured by unreliable companies.

. Speed – High speed is one of the main causes of electric scooter accidents in Florida. These vehicles are top-heavy and can easily tip over once they meet with an accident.

. Weight limits – Excess weight can impact the performance of an e-scooter and increase the risk of accidents. These vehicles should have a weight limit for riders.

. Riding location – Most cities in the United States have banned the operation of e-scooters on sidewalks since it can be dangerous for both riders as well as pedestrians. As per a report published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 60% of e-scooter accidents occurred on a sidewalk. On the other hand, having to share a road with trucks and other big vehicles also increase the risk of accidents. 

. Brake defects – Braking issues are common when it comes to e-scooter accidents in Florida. For example, Lime e-scooters were temporarily banned in New Zealand in 2022 due to safety concerns including irregular braking and front wheel locking issues. 

You should know about these risks before you take your e-scooter to the road. But if you or someone in your family has been involved in an e-scooter accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the experienced e-scooter lawyers at Klotzman Law Firm are ready to assist you. We will file a strong case on your behalf and claim maximum damages from the responsible party.

How Can A Hollywood E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Help Me?

When you have been injured in an electric scooter accident in Fort Lauderdale, hiring an expert lawyer will increase your chances of securing the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Since e-scooter injury claims are still fairly new in Fort Lauderdale, you should rely on a specialized personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in handling e-scooter accident cases in Florida. That’s where our team comes in. In fact, we are here to answer all of your questions and go over all the legal options that may be available to you.

What To Do After You Were Involved In An E-Scooter Accident?

Here are the steps you should follow soon after an electric scooter accident:

. When necessary, you should immediately remove yourself and the scooter from danger

. Seek medical help and call 911 to inform the accident

. Note down the details of the accident and take photos or video the scene if possible

. Don’t talk to insurance companies without consulting with an experienced e-scooter lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm

. Contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale e-scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With A Fort Lauderdale E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Today!       

E-scooters are convenient to travel with but are too risky at times. If you or someone in your family is hurt in an e-scooter accident, a reliable Fort Lauderdale accident lawyer can help you claim maximum compensation from the at-fault party. Klotzman Law Firm is your trusted personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale. Call us at [Phone] or complete our online form to book your first consultation for free.

 

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