Baltimore Scooter Accident Lawyer
Scooters offered by companies such as Bird and Lime are becoming extremely popular today. They offer an easy mode of transportation that does not require a license, they are better for the environment, and they are cheaper because they do not use any gas. Unfortunately, these scooters also pose great risks to both the scooter rider and others, such as pedestrians. When these scooters are involved in an accident, it is important injured individuals understand the laws surrounding scooters, and how a Baltimore scooter accident lawyer can help them claim compensation for those injuries.
Scooter Laws in Maryland
In Baltimore and throughout the rest of Maryland, e-scooters are subject to the same state law that regulates bicycles. Scooter operators must follow all traffic laws, must not wear earphones in both ears, and must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Scooters must also not be operated on sidewalks or in crosswalks, within parking garages, or while the operator is impaired. Scooter operators are also responsible for operating the scooter in a safe manner at all times. Operators are also required to wear a helmet at all times.
Most often, scooter operators follow these laws, but other motorists can cause a crash.
Causes of ScooterAccidents
Scooter operators face the same risks that bicyclists and pedestrians do. Drivers of larger vehicles often do not see them or watch for scooters, and they miscalculate the speed a scooter operator is traveling. Other times motorists may cut off scooters, pull out in front of them, or pass scooters at a very high speed without any regard for the operator’s safety.
However, scooter accidents are not always the fault of other drivers. Improper maintenance of a scooter can lead to an accident, as can defective scooters or defective parts. Additionally, when road conditions are poor because they have not been properly maintained, that can also cause a crash.
Liability for Scooter Accidents
After a scooter accident, injured individuals can hold at-fault parties liable for paying compensation. When a driver has caused a crash, accident victims can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company to claim the compensation they need.
In the event that the rental company, such as Bird or Lime, has not properly maintained the scooters, they can be held liable if that poor maintenance causes a crash. Likewise, when manufacturers have sold a defective scooter and that defect, such as faulty brakes, causes a crash, the manufacturer can also be held liable.
Lastly, when improperly maintained roads have caused a crash, accident victims can file a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads.
Our Baltimore Scooter Accident Lawyers can Help with Your Claim
If you have been injured while on a scooter, it is important that you speak to our Baltimore scooter accident lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP, today. We can determine who was liable for your crash and hold them accountable for paying the full amount of compensation you need. Call us today at (410) 779-6160 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
