Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in bird scooter accident lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on December 16, 2018, last updated on July 21, 2021.
Bird scooters are the hip new way to get around town in many major cities, but if you get hurt using one, what happens? A Bird scooter accident attorney can help you understand the law and get fair compensation for your accident.
Speak with experienced Bird Scooter Accident Attorneys today, for free.
Understanding Bird Scooter Accident in Atlanta
Motorized or electric scooters have become a convenient and economically/ecologically friendly means of transportation. However, according to Bird and Lime – the two most popular companies in the motorized or electric scooter industry – serious accidents are bound to happen when the necessary safety requirements are not in place. From brain injuries to spinal cord problems, broken or fractured bones, lacerations, bruises, and road rash, riders are at risk of sustaining various injuries caused by motorized scooters.
You will find most Bird scooters parked by bike racks in places where their presence does not block public pathways. They can also be parked in front of restaurants, stores, or buildings, provided they are not disturbing the building.
Access the Bird app to rent and pay for the Bird scooter. You must sign up as a qualified rider and pay an out-of-system fee. Each Bird ride costs a fixed unlock fee of $1 and an additional 15 cents for every minute spent on the ride.
As they grow in popularity, it is important to note that electric scooters are associated with serious injury risks. If you have been injured in a Bird scooter accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Atlanta Bird scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Recovering Compensation After a Bird Scooter Accident
At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, LLC, our attorneys understand the different types of injuries associated with bird scooter accidents and are prepared to fight for accident victims in Atlanta.
We understand how difficult it can be to seek compensation for your injuries without legal help or guidance. Our attorneys will work diligently towards helping you recover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial losses related to your bird scooter accident.
We have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies that may be difficult to negotiate with. We will strive to maximize your compensation and ensure fair treatment by the insurance company or at-fault party.
Can You Sue Bird Scooter?
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Yes, you can sue Bird Scooter for any accidents caused by their negligence. To prevail in a lawsuit against Bird, you must prove that the company was negligent in some way and that its negligence caused your injuries. If you can establish this, Bird may be liable for the losses associated with the accident.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complicated legal process of filing a lawsuit against Bird. Your attorney will be able to assess your case, determine if you have a valid compensation claim, and build a strong case that proves Bird’s negligence.
Speak with trusted Bird Scooter Accident Attorneys today, for free.
Broken Foot and Other Scooter Injuries
Over 100 U.S. cities saw the influx of thousands of e-scooters, courtesy of some top tech companies in the country. A direct consequence of this has been a rapid increase in personal injury cases. A few deaths and several injuries have been recorded in Austin, Denver, and San Diego hospitals.
While some victims have been left permanently disabled, others have suffered life-threatening injuries of different forms, including broken ribs, collarbones, ankles, scapulas, and femurs. Others include ruptured spleens, head fractures, black eyes, and multiple stitches.
Example of an e-Scooter Accident in Atlanta
When doctors said Taylor McCullough would survive her life-threatening injuries from an electric scooter accident, it was a great relief to everyone. Taylor was riding an electric scooter with her boyfriend when they were struck by a car going at a speed of over 50 miles/hr. The impact resulted in several facial fractures, a broken nose, and a blood clot on McCullough’s brain.
Her mother said, “She had a breathing tube and a neck brace. She had blood coming out of her ears, her eyes, her mouth. They had every tube hooked up to her. It was really hard to see.” Few thought Taylor would make it – and many still believed her survival and ongoing recovery were miracles.
Even in situations more harrowing than this one, the family members of accident victims can benefit from the advice of an experienced Bird scooter accident attorney.
Causes of Bird Electric Scooter Accidents
Although they occur for a range of reasons, the majority of bird scooter accidents have been reported to be caused by one or more of the following:
- The driver is trying to avoid other objects, including pedestrians, motor vehicles, scooters, dogs, or bicyclists.
- The rider may need to escape an attacking dog. Dog breeds with high prey drive commonly chase electric scooter riders. This has the potential to cause a severe crash with multiple injuries.
- Pedestrians may also be at risk. Many people have tripped on an abandoned scooter on a sidewalk or by a moving electric scooter.
- Other motorists are often involved. Drivers of motor vehicles may knowingly or unknowingly swerve toward a scooter while trying to avoid hitting another object.
Additionally, scooter riders have been injured when they run into a vehicle with open doors, a turning vehicle, or a vehicle backing up. Although the vehicle’s owner will be protected by their insurance company, a Bird scooter accident lawyer offers the best representation when you’ve been involved in an electric scooter accident.
Other Causes of Bird Scooter Crashes
Although they are advertised as a simple and efficient transportation method, several other causes of Bird scooter crashes exist. Including user-error, these include, but are not limited to the following:
- Failure of the rider to wear a safety helmet
- Hit-and-run accidents where scooter riders are hit by cars
- The inexperience of the rider or failure to obey traffic laws and safety protocols
- Defective Bird scooter or equipment
- Pedestrians being hit by Bird scooters going at high speed
- Pedestrians getting injured when attempting to avoid colliding with an electric scooter rider
- Riding Bird scooters on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the street
Plus, with their small wheels and a high center of gravity, scooters tend to get wobbly after a while. Likewise, the front wheel may lock up while braking. When this happens, the rider gets thrown over the front.
Surprisingly, electric scooter companies have failed to address the risks of using them. Wrongful death, personal injury, and accident attorneys can fight for compensation and damages.
Safety Measures to Avoid e-Scooter-Related Injuries
Unfortunately, most scooter drivers fail to adhere to the rules of the road and safety practices. The direct implication is an increase in the rate of accidents and, ultimately, the number of e-scooter injuries. There are several ways to implement electric scooter safety practices in Georgia, as outlined below:
- All scooter riders should wear a helmet every time they ride.
- Riders should be aware of their local traffic laws and road rules. Each rider must pay attention to the blind spots around them while riding on busy streets.
- Scooter riders should avoid using their phones or other devices that could distract them while riding.
- Pedestrians should also be aware of their surroundings and move to the side when passing by a scooter rider.
- All riders must always maintain a safe speed and refrain from speeding or weaving in and out of traffic.
- Riders should avoid riding on sidewalks unless necessary, as this can create risks for pedestrians.
- Riders should also know the terrain and adjust their speed to avoid risky situations.
With proper precautions, electric scooter riders in Atlanta can reduce the risk of being injured in a Bird accident. However, if you or someone close to you has been injured while riding an electric scooter, it is recommended that you contact an experienced Bird scooter accident lawyer in Atlanta. An experienced attorney can help you protect your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
No one should have to bear the costs of an electric scooter accident out of pocket if it was due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. With a reliable attorney to advocate, you can seek justice and compensation for the damages caused. Contact an experienced Atlanta Bird Scooter Accident attorney today to discuss the details of your case.
Don’t delay. Schedule a risk-free Bird Scooter Accident consultation today, for free.
What to Do if You Got in a Bird Electric Scooters Accident
You must take immediate action if you have been hurt in an accident involving Bird scooters and got severe injuries. Riding a Bird scooter seems too cool, and it looks like a low-cost option to go a few extra miles around the town. However, a scooter user is vulnerable to injuries, including head injuries. Scooter-related accidents, especially those involving a motorized scooter, are hazardous and can potentially cause personal injury.
So, if you have been injured in accidents involving a Bird electric scooter, take immediate action to get maximum compensation for your losses and cover medical expenses. Once you get consciousness, submit an accident report and seek help and legal assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
1- Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
If you are an injury victim of a scooter or car accident, seek immediate medical help from your surroundings. If you are in a safe place, stay right there. If not, then ask for someone else’s help. When you reach the hospital, undergo a detailed medical checkup even if you think you are fine. If you want compensation for your medical bills, keep them safe.
If any other vehicle is involved in the accident, for example, if you have crushed someone else, stay on the scene until it is allowed to leave. However, if the accident is caused by the driver’s negligence of another vehicle, they will be held liable to recover compensation for your losses and undergo a legal process.
Furthermore, if the accident is caused by any scooter malfunctions, such as brake failure, the scooter company will be liable to pay for your losses and compensation of medical bills.
2- Call 911 and Report the Accident
If you are conscious at the accident scene, call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance. We suggest reporting every detail of the accident to the police, especially if the negligence of any other driver causes it.
3- Discuss the Accident With a Lime Scooter Accident Lawyer
If you want compensation for your losses, hiring an experienced scooter accident lawyer is necessary. An experienced attorney will not only help you file the scooter accident lawsuit but also help you deal with scooter companies to get compensated. Moreover, they will guide you with the best legal advice about e-scooter accidents.
Since a huge audience has been using these dockless scooters, the rate of Bird scooter accidents has increased. Because of these situations, more people are taking legal action and hiring injury lawyers to protect their rights.
Conoscienti & Ledbetter, LLC is a leading law firm helping scooter users get compensation for their losses and protect their rights against scooter companies. Our law firm has expert injury lawyers who will do a free case evaluation of your accident and help you understand the options you are left with. If you have been in any scooter accident in Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Santa Monica, feel free to book a free consultation.
How Can a Bird Scooter Lawyer Help?
An experienced Bird scooter lawyer can help you understand the legal process of filing a personal injury claim and maximize your chances of getting compensated for your losses. A reliable attorney will work closely with you to ensure you are well-informed throughout the process and have ample evidence to back up your claims.
In addition, an attorney will help you deal directly with the scooter company’s legal team and compensate you for your losses. Our law firm has a team of expert attorneys with years of experience dealing with scooter accident lawsuits. We will help you navigate the legal system, fight for justice on your behalf, and maximize the amount of compensation available to you.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Bird scooter accident, contact our experienced attorneys today to get the justice and compensation you deserve. We are available 24/7 to help you out with your legal needs. Contact us now!
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(404) 373-5800
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
