Ohio Electric Scooter Safety

Ohio has seen a growing numbers of electric scooters on streets and sidewalks. And with businesses starting to reopen, and people looking for more outdoor activities, electric scooters seem like a fun way to get around.

But it’s also important to be cautious when riding an E-scooter. Scooters are hard for cars to see and riders can also easily lose control upon hitting debris, uneven pavement, or when making a sharp turn. From Cleveland to Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio has seen an increase in scooter accidents. So be sure to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with a history of getting results in accidents involving electric scooters if you or a loved one are hurt.

To discuss your rights and options after an electric scooter accident, contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick to speak with one of our Ohio injury attorneys. If you have been hurt through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call 1-800-HURT-NOW today for a free consultation.

Steps To Keep You Safe When On A Scooter

Stay alert while riding a e-scooter. Unfortunately, collisions or falls often happen suddenly, and many victims don’t have a chance to react. In addition, drivers are generally not looking out for scooters. It’s easy to be caught off guard by scooters that quickly dart into lanes, driveways, or parking lots.

Measures that reduce the likelihood of a scooter accident include:

• Wear a helmet – While Ohio law does not require helmets or other protective equipment when riding a scooter, a helmet can prevent serious brain damage in the event of an accident.
• Avoid loose clothing – Loose fitting clothes can get stuck in your scooter’s wheels or cause you to trip on the narrow scooter deck. This includes long and loose fitting dresses and sandals.
• Slow down at turns and near corners – Not only can your scooter slide if you turn too fast, but turns can suddenly put you in the path of a motor vehicle. Be sure to stop and look both ways when exiting an alley, parking lot, or driveway.
• Avoid busy sidewalks – Collisions with pedestrians frequently happen when scooters are driven on the sidewalk. Many Ohio municipalities have even banned scooters on sidewalks.

Liability For Scooter Accidents

Drivers are legally required to share the roadways with other vehicles like scooters and bicycles, but scooters are still new and distracted drivers are always a reality. If you or a loved one have been struck by car while riding a scooter, a knowledgeable lawyer should review your case and help determine who holds liability.

You’ll need to tie the other party’s negligence to the harm you suffered to recover damages. Evidence used to recover compensation for a scooter accident can include witness statements, medical reports, and subsequent bills for treatment.

Who’s to Blame for a Scooter Accident?

Every accident is unique and determining who’s at fault depends on several factors. Such as were you operating the e-scooter properly, was the driver speeding or distracted, and was ether party impaired at the time?

All of these may come into play, but Ohio’s contributory negligence law does allow your compensation to be reduced if you hold some fault for your accident. This law also completely bars you from recovering if your actions are found to be the primary cause.

Therefore, it’s very important that you contact your lawyer immediately after a scooter accident. Failure to do the following could harm your case for damages:

• Stop at lights & stop signs – Many scooter drivers simply yield or cruise through red lights or stop signs. You are required to follow the rules of the road when driving a scooter.
• Using a Scooter on the Sidewalk – Many towns and cities have banned riding scooters on sidewalks. Cincinnati has banned scooters from being ridden on sidewalks due to the concern over collisions with pedestrians.
• Speeding – Many scooters can travel at speeds of over 20 miles per hour, which is very fast in parking lots or ally ways.

Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick After An Accident

Scooters offer a convenient and fun way to travel around town, and they are becoming more and more popular in Ohio. Be sure to make safety a priority if you or your child use one of these vehicles. Accidents are all too common, and injuries from a scooter wreck can be severe.

If you are hurt in one of these collisions, do not delay in contacting a scooter accident lawyer at KNR. It’s important to understand your rights, and to secure all of the compensation you deserve.

Ohio’s two year statute of limitations law requires your claim to be filed within two years or else you may be unable to recover. Your case may be complex, and we strongly encourage you to speak with your lawyer as soon as possible.

To discuss a possible scooter accident claim with an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer, call Kisling, Nestico & Redick today at 1-800-HURT-NOW. We have 11 offices throughout Ohio, offer free consultations, and there are no fees unless you recover compensation.