The growing use of e-scooters means that more people are hurt on these transportation devices. In 2022, there were over 67,000 people who were injured in e-scooter accidents. Over 5,000 people were hospitalized as a result of these injuries. Roughly half of these injuries require surgery. Since conditions are growing more dangerous, and more people are getting around on e-scooters, the number of people injured rises roughly 20% on an annual basis.

The number of fatalities in e-bike and scooter accidents in New York City has begun to exceed the amount of people killed in bicycle crashes. People are being encouraged to use these devices to get around New York, and they are described as an environmentally friendly device. E-scooters are a way for people to travel shorter distances without worrying about giving up a parking space or finding a place for their car.

Drivers Do Not Know Your Rights as an E-Scooter Rider

E-scooter riders must share the road with many others. They have the right to a lane in traffic, just like bicycle users would. In New York City, there is a speed limit of 15 miles per hour for e-scooter riders. A rider can operate an e-scooter in a bicycle lane. In addition, they can ride on the street when the speed limit is no greater than 30 miles per hour.

Drivers in traffic often do not know the law as it applies to e-scooter riders. They may not know that they have to share the road with an e-scooter, and they may even need to yield the right of way when it is required by law.

Common Causes of Brooklyn E-Scooter Accidents

Brooklyn e-scooter accidents may be caused by the following:

  • Being hit by drivers who make illegal turns or who get too close to the rider.
  • A car which suddenly stops short in front of an e-scooter, causing the rider to run into the back of the vehicle.
  • Being struck by buses that are pulling into and out of traffic.
  • Running over defective pavement on the road and being thrown from their e-scooter.
  • Having a car door opened into their path when they are riding in a bike lane or on the side of the road.

E-scooters are very sensitive to any change in terrain. There is no system that could absorb the shock of running over a crack in the pavement or a pothole. In addition, there is little to nothing to protect an e-scooter rider from impact with the car or a fall to the pavement.

There have been numerous serious e-scooter accidents in Brooklyn recently. In one August 2023 accident, a 65-year-old man died when he was thrown from his e-scooter after running over a defect in a pavement. In another incident, a man was critically injured in Brownsville when his e-scooter collided with a bus.

Who You May Sue in an E-Scooter Accident Lawsuit?

If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, your attorney could perform a complete investigation and help you figure out who you can sue. Potential defendants in a lawsuit may include:

  • Another driver who was involved in the crash.
  • The city, which failed to maintain the road in a reasonable condition.
  • The manufacturer of the e-scooter in a product liability lawsuit.
  • The company which rented the e-scooter for a failure to maintain it.

You could then seek financial compensation for your injuries from the responsible party.

Contact the Brooklyn Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki

If you have been injured while you were on an e-scooter, reach out to the Brooklyn motor vehicle accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki. Call 718-522-1020 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Brooklyn, New York, we serve injured clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.