Dallas Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Traveling with an electric scooter around Dallas is an excellent alternate method of transportation. They can be better for the environment and be less expensive than a rideshare. But unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact a Dallas electric scooter accident lawyer. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Hartley Law Firm will fight to ensure you get compensation for your injuries.
Why Do I Need a Dallas Electric Scooter Accident Attorney?
Being in an electric scooter accident is traumatic. You’re in pain, and bills are mounting. You have a lot of questions that need answering, such as:
- Who’s at fault?;
- What caused the accident?; and
- Can I recover any compensation?
Don’t go through this alone. You’re under enough stress. At Hartley Law Firm, our electric scooter accident attorneys can:
- Investigate facts,
- Gather evidence,
- Interview witnesses,
- Consult with experts,
- Negotiate with the other parties, and
- Defend you in court.
Let us help you while you take time to rest and recover.
Legal Status of Electric Scooters in Dallas
Electric scooters have been reintroduced in Dallas. However, the Dallas Department of Transportation has established new regulations for using electric scooters including the following:
- Hours of operation. Electric scooters can only be used from 5 AM to 9 PM.
- Minimum age. Electric scooter users must be at least 16 years old.
- Designated zones. Scooters must not be used in “no-ride zones” such as sidewalks, parks, and roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or more.
- Speed limit. The maximum speed for electric scooters is 20 mph, except in designated “slow-ride zones,” where the speed limit is 10 mph.
These new rules are meant to curb the dangers of operating an electric scooter.
Who Is Liable for an Electric Scooter Accident?
Electric scooter accident liability depends on the parties to the accident. Possible responsible parties include the following:
- Drivers,
- Bicyclists,
- Motorcyclists,
- Electric scooter manufacturers,
- Electric scooter rental companies, and
- Government entities.
A Dallas electric scooter accident attorney will review the facts of your case and identify the appropriate parties to hold responsible.
What Are Common Causes of an Electric Scooter Accident?
Electric scooters are growing to be a common form of transportation. And like all transportation, it comes with dangers. Electric scooters are especially vulnerable. They are surrounded by larger and more substantial vehicles, and not every electric scooter driver is an expert at maneuvering it.
Negligent acts are the root of most accident causes. They can include the following:
- Distracted driving,
- Speeding,
- Lack of alertness,
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Failure to stop,
- Scooter malfunction,
- Failure to signal, and
- Other traffic violations.
Some issues are outside human control, such as damaged roadways, lack of visibility from night, and the weather.
What Are Common Injuries from an Electric Scooter Accident?
Depending on the particulars of the accident or crash, common injuries can include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Skull fracture,
- Neck injury,
- Spinal cord injury,
- Organ damage,
- Internal bleeding,
- Amputation,
- Lacerations, and
- Broken bones.
For any other injuries you sustained from an electric scooter accident, our attorneys can help, too. This includes wrongful death claims if your loved one was killed in an electric scooter accident.
Damages in a Dallas Electric Scooter Accident Lawsuit
Damages from an electric scooter accident are calculated based on injuries you suffered and their effect on your ability to work and enjoy life. Common damages include:
- Medical expenses such as hospital stays, doctor bills, and surgeries;
- Future medical expenses such as rehabilitation, therapy, and home nursing assistance;
- Lost income;
- Reduced earning capacity;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement;
- Loss of enjoyment of life; and
- Loss of consortium.
You may also get punitive damages. However, this is rare. Punitive damages are reserved for particularly egregious acts.
Can I Still Get Damages If I’m at Fault for the Dallas Electric Scooter Accident?
It depends. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. If your portion of fault for the accident is 50% or less, then you can still recover damages. Your compensation, however, will be reduced based on your portion of fault. However, you will be barred from collecting compensation if your fault is 51% or higher.
For example, suppose a car ran a red light and hit you on the electric scooter. You suffered $50,000 in damages. However, you were found to be 10% liable because you were intoxicated by alcohol. You can recover compensation. However, the $50,000 will be decreased by your 10% fault. Therefore, you can only recover $45,000.
Alternatively, if your alcohol intoxication was found to be 60% of the reason you were injured, you cannot recover any damages because your percentage of fault exceeds 51%.
How Long Do I Have to File an Electric Scooter Accident Lawsuit?
Personal injury cases like electric scooter accidents have a two-year deadline in Texas. The clock starts ticking on the day of the accident. Once the two-year statute of limitations period passes, you generally can no longer bring a claim against the responsible party for compensation. Contacting a scooter accident attorney as soon as possible is imperative to preserve your case.
Contact Hartley Law Firm Now for a Free Case Evaluation
At Hartley Law Firm, you’re not just another client. You’re a long-term relationship that we want to foster. Our priority is our clients’ satisfaction. That’s why we are fully transparent in all aspects of your case so you can make a fully informed decision on how you want us to handle your case.Call us or submit a contact form today to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our seasoned scooter accident attorneys.
