Serious and life-threatening injuries can affect e-scooter operators as well as pedestrians going about their day. Injuries sustained can have an adverse effect on a person’s life, resulting in pain and suffering, reduced income, accumulation of medical bills, and loss of freedom. E-scooters have gained popularity throughout the United States due to their availability, low price, and expectations of a fun experience. Unfortunately, injuries linked to these vehicles can leave their victims with traumatic injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered from an e-scooter accident, compensation may be entitled.
Who Is at Risk of E-Scooter Injuries?
A growing concern in cities that have e-scooters are the injuries associated with these devices. Whether it be from falling off an e-scooter, crashing into another person, or tripping over a discarded e-scooter, injuries can be prevalent. Although everyone is at risk, there are certain demographics that are more likely to suffer an injury. A three-month study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the city of Austin, Texas, concluded:
- 192 individuals visited the emergency-room after an e-scooter accident (190 were riding an e-scooter, the remaining two were pedestrians).
- 55% of the injured riders were male.
- The age group ranged from 9-79, with 48% of the injured riders being 18-29 years old.
- 65% of the injured parties were Caucasian, and 22% were Hispanic/Latino.
Furthermore, the study concluded that 33% of the interviewed riders were injured during their first experience on an e-scooter. This suggests that there is a learning curve associated with these vehicles that users might not have expected.
Types of Injuries
When an untrained motorist chooses to operate an e-scooter, which can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour, accidents can and do happen. The injuries noted in the CDC study should not come as a surprise. Looking through the statistics of the 190 injured riders:
- 48% experienced a head-related injury.
- 15% of victims with head injuries were found to have brain trauma.
- 70% sustained an injury to the shoulders, arms, wrists, or hands.
- 55% suffered an injury to the legs, knees, ankles, or feet.
- 18% encountered pain to the chest and abdomen area.
- 35% suffered a bone fracture not linked to the nose, fingers, or toes.
Although any type of injury can be harmful, conditions involving the head and brain are among the most serious. Internal bleeding and concussions can both be prevalent for a brain injury victim. In spite of the fact that wearing a helmet can protect an e-scooter motorist, the average user will not wear one. The CDC’s study reported that less than one percent of the victims were wearing a helmet at the time of his or her injury.
Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
Sustaining an injury from an e-scooter accident is becoming increasingly common as e-scooters gain popularity in urban areas. Individuals should be able to walk the streets without having the fear of being a victim. The Livas Law Group has consistently represented clients in a wide variety of personal injury claims. Our knowledgeable Chicago scooter injury attorneys can help you or a loved one determine who is at fault, and if compensation can be awarded. For a free consultation, please call our office today at 312-804-6102.
Sources:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27372767/electric-scooters-mobility-safety/
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=318777&utm_source=CNN+Five+Things