Scooter, Moped, and E-Bike Accidents
Scooters, mopeds, and e-bikes have become a common sight on roads and sidewalks throughout the Orlando area, but many riders and drivers aren’t clear on the rules that apply to them. Depending on the vehicle’s speed and design, Florida law may treat it as a motor vehicle, a moped, or a bicycle, each with its own licensing, insurance, and right-of-way requirements. Riders often have little protection in a crash, which can lead to serious injuries even at low speeds.
When a driver fails to see or yield to a rider, or a rider is struck due to a road hazard or another vehicle’s negligence, the personal injury attorneys in Orlando with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. can help determine liability and pursue the compensation the rider is owed. If you or a loved one has been injured while riding a scooter, moped, or e-bike, understanding what to do after the accident can help protect your health and your ability to pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Scooter, Moped, and E-Bike Accidents
Accidents involving scooters, mopeds, and e-bikes can happen for many reasons. Because riders can be more difficult for motorists to see and have less physical protection during a collision, even an accident at a relatively low speed can have serious consequences.
Drivers Failing to Yield
Drivers may fail to notice a scooter, moped, or e-bike rider when entering an intersection, turning across traffic, or pulling out of a driveway or parking lot. When a motorist fails to yield when required, a rider may have little time or space to avoid a collision.
Distracted Driving
A driver looking at a phone, adjusting navigation, eating, or otherwise taking their attention away from the road may fail to see a rider nearby. Distracted driving can be especially dangerous for people traveling on scooters, mopeds, and e-bikes because they’re smaller and harder to notice.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers are expected to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. A motorist who changes lanes without seeing a nearby rider can sideswipe them, force them off the roadway, or cause them to lose control.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to recognize and respond to a rider. Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors can also increase both the likelihood of an accident and the severity of resulting injuries.
Common Injuries in Scooter, Moped, and E-Bike Accidents
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, riders do not have a vehicle frame, seat belt, or airbag surrounding them during a crash. As a result, an accident can cause significant injuries. Some injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, or other ongoing medical care. Serious injuries can also prevent an accident victim from working or returning to normal activities.
Common injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain and head injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder, arm, wrist, leg, and knee injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Road rash and other skin injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
What to Do After a Scooter, Moped, or E-Bike Accident
The moments following an accident can be disorienting, but the actions you take afterward may become important to both your recovery and a future injury claim.
Stop and Get to a Safe Location
If possible, move away from active traffic and remain at or near the accident scene. Do not put yourself at additional risk attempting to move a damaged scooter, moped, or e-bike if doing so is unsafe.
Call 911
Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance when necessary. Law enforcement can document the accident and gather information from the people involved.
Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries may not immediately cause noticeable symptoms after an accident. Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain, and injuries involving the head, neck, back, or internal organs may become apparent later. Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify and document your injuries.
Document the Accident Scene
If you can do so safely, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Try to document the vehicles involved, your scooter, moped, or e-bike, roadway conditions, traffic signals and signs, visible injuries, and any property damage.
Gather Contact and Insurance Information
Collect the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, license plate number, and vehicle information. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information as well.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Determining responsibility for a scooter, moped, or e-bike accident can become complicated, particularly when an insurance company disputes how the collision occurred. An attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and evaluate the compensation that may be available.
Determining Fault After an Accident
Determining who is responsible for a scooter, moped, or e-bike accident depends on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Evidence such as police reports, photographs, video footage, witness statements, vehicle damage, medical records, and other documentation may help establish how an accident occurred. In some cases, more than one person or entity may share responsibility. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident and identify the parties who may be legally responsible for a rider’s injuries.
Compensation After a Scooter, Moped, or E-Bike Accident
An accident can affect much more than the vehicle a person was riding. Injured riders may face emergency medical bills, ongoing treatment, time away from work, and long-term changes to their everyday lives. The compensation available in an individual case depends on factors including the cause of the accident, available insurance coverage, and the nature and severity of the injuries.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries involved, compensation may be available for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of jobs
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or permanent impairment
What to Avoid After a Scooter, Moped, or E-Bike Accident
What you do after an accident can affect an insurance claim or personal injury case. After a crash:
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about who caused the accident.
- Avoid giving unnecessary statements about your injuries or the accident.
- Do not ignore pain or other symptoms that develop after leaving the scene.
- Avoid posting details, photos, or comments about the accident on social media.
- Do not dispose of or repair your scooter, moped, e-bike, helmet, or other damaged equipment before it has been properly documented.
- Avoid accepting a quick insurance settlement before understanding the extent of your injuries and losses.
