Scooter Rider Transported to Hospital After Motor Vehicle Collision
On March 10, a scooter collision with a motor vehicle caused injuries in Sacramento. The accident was reported along 66th Avenue and Stockton Boulevard at around 7:21 in the morning by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The male scooter rider was found in the roadway and had suffered facial injuries, according to the CHP. The roadway was blocked by emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department as they assessed the rider’s injuries. He was then transported to an area hospital for treatment and further evaluation. Both the Honda SUV and scooter that were involved in the accident were retained as evidence in the case. The CHP is investigating to see how the scooter collision happened and to assign fault. The extent of the rider’s injuries has not yet been released.
Electric Scooters in Sacramento
As the numbers of electric scooters in Sacramento increase, scooter collisions will become more common. Recently, Bird scooters joined others in introducing their rental line to the city. While this is an easy, earth-friendly way to get around, the number of injuries has increased since 2014. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has said that approximately 39,000 injuries occurred from 2014 to 2018. That number increased in the following years, and emergency room staff are overwhelmed with the number of injured riders. Head injuries are reported in over half of all injury accidents.
Head Injuries in a Scooter Collision
The probability of a head injury is high in a scooter collision. As with pedestrians and bicyclists, riders have little means to protect themselves from a motor vehicle. Although scooter rental companies do not include access to a helmet in a rental and helmets are not required, they are an effective way to help avoid head injuries. Some common head injuries are:
- Laceration of the scalp, which may bleed profusely
- Facial injury, including fractured facial bones and broken teeth
- Subdural hematoma, which can be life-threatening
- Subarachnoid hematoma, which often requires surgical treatment
- Coma, especially if the rider is involved in a high-speed collision
- Death from a significant head injury
Liability in a Scooter Collision
Scooter rental companies use liability exclusions in their rental agreements. Renters agree to not hold the company liable for an accident while the scooter is in use. However, if the scooter malfunctioned due to a lack of maintenance, the company may be liable. In the event that the scooter was defective, an injured rider may have the right to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Riders injured in a traffic collision can hold the negligent motorist liable.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
As with all other accidents, our firm assigns a team of investigators to the case. They are sent to the scene of the accident, where they use crash reconstruction techniques to determine liability. The investigators also obtain digital footage from surveillance cameras on traffic lights and businesses in the area. They speak to witnesses who saw the collision occur and review the police report for mistakes. Our investigators also look to see if the scooter was defective or if the rental company failed to maintain it. Once all evidence is compiled, it is released to our legal team, who use it to build a strong case for our client.
Sacramento Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento electric scooter accident lawyer. Accidents involving riders of electric scooters or bikes often cause serious injuries. When negligence by a motorist is involved, you may be able to claim compensation to cover your economic and noneconomic damages. For my free and friendly advice, contact me at (916) 921-6400 in Sacramento or (800) 404-5400 if calling long-distance. A contact form is available on my website if you prefer to message me.
It has been my honor to have helped many people from Sacramento and Northern California with obtaining fair compensation for their injuries for 38 years. Among areas I practice in are cases involving traumas such as brain injury, wrongful deaths, and all types of traffic accidents.
Several of the associations I am especially proud of belonging to are the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Click on the following links to look over my clients’ reviews and cases my law firm has handled in the past:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/roller-e-scooter-electric-scooter-4418950/
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