Omaha Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Electric scooters are a growing sight in Omaha, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for travel. However, their growing presence on city streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks brings significant safety concerns. Without proper protection like helmets or safety gear, riders face serious risks when accidents occur, often resulting in injuries varying from minor scrapes to severe head trauma and broken bones.
When you suffer injuries in an electric scooter accident, understanding your rights and the legal process becomes essential for protecting your interests. The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have 55 years of experience helping victims obtain compensation. Our firm has obtained multi-million dollar settlements for clients throughout Nebraska, and we work diligently to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents in Omaha
Electric scooter accidents can happen in numerous ways, each presenting unique challenges for determining liability and pursuing compensation. Motor vehicle drivers frequently fail to notice scooter riders due to their smaller size and quieter operation, leading to devastating collisions at intersections or when vehicles make turns. Distracted driving compounds this problem, as drivers focused on their phones or other devices may not see scooters until it’s too late to avoid impact.
Defective equipment plays a significant role in many accidents. Malfunctioning brakes, faulty steering mechanisms, or sudden power failures can cause riders to lose control without warning. Poor maintenance by scooter rental companies compounds these risks, as many shared scooters on Omaha streets lack proper upkeep. Battery issues, worn tires, and loose handlebars create dangerous conditions that rental companies have a duty to address through regular inspections and maintenance protocols.
Road hazards create particularly dangerous conditions for electric scooter riders. Potholes, uneven pavement, construction debris, and wet surfaces can cause riders to fall or swerve into traffic. Unlike larger vehicles, scooters offer no protection when riders encounter these obstacles, making even minor hazards potentially catastrophic. Construction zones pose additional risks when proper warning signs or barriers are absent, leaving riders vulnerable to sudden changes in road conditions.
Weather-Related Accident Factors
Nebraska’s changing weather conditions create additional hazards for electric scooter riders. Rain makes surfaces slippery and reduces visibility for both riders and drivers. Snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks and bike lanes can cause scooters to skid or become unstable, leading to falls and collisions.
Wind poses another underestimated risk factor, particularly for lightweight electric scooters. Strong gusts can push riders off course or cause them to lose balance, especially when traveling at higher speeds. Riders may overcompensate for wind effects, leading to erratic movement patterns that confuse nearby drivers and pedestrians.
Establishing Liability in Electric Scooter Cases
Determining who bears responsibility for your electric scooter accident requires careful investigation of all circumstances surrounding the incident. Multiple parties may share fault depending on the specific details of your case. Thorough documentation of the scene, witness statements, and physical evidence becomes essential for building a strong liability case.
Driver negligence often contributes to scooter accidents when motorists fail to yield right-of-way, drive distracted, or operate vehicles under the influence. Pedestrian accident laws frequently apply to these situations, as scooter riders occupy a similar position in the road hierarchy. Proving driver negligence may require analysis of traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and expert accident reconstruction testimony.
Property owners and municipalities may bear liability when dangerous conditions on their premises cause accidents. Inadequate lighting, unmarked construction zones, or failure to maintain safe riding surfaces can make these entities responsible for resulting injuries. Government liability cases require specific procedural requirements and shorter filing deadlines, making prompt legal action essential.
Manufacturer and Rental Company Liability
Electric scooter manufacturers may face liability when design defects or manufacturing flaws contribute to accidents. Battery explosions, sudden brake failures, or structural weaknesses that cause handlebars to snap can result in product liability claims against manufacturers. These cases often require extensive technical analysis and expert testimony to prove design or manufacturing defects.
Rental companies bear responsibility for maintaining their fleets in a safe operating condition. When companies fail to perform regular safety inspections, ignore reported mechanical problems, or continue deploying damaged scooters, they may face liability for resulting accidents. Documentation of maintenance records and company policies becomes crucial evidence in these cases.
Types of Injuries from Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter accidents frequently lead to severe injuries. This is primarily because riders lack protective barriers, leaving them vulnerable to impact with the ground or other vehicles. The combination of speed, exposure, and limited stability makes riders vulnerable to serious harm when accidents occur.
Traumatic brain injuries represent the most serious concern, as most riders don’t wear helmets during their trips. These injuries range from mild concussions to life-altering cognitive impairments that affect memory, concentration, and personality. Long-term consequences may include reduced earning capacity, ongoing medical care needs, and significant lifestyle changes that impact family relationships and daily activities.
Fractures and orthopedic injuries commonly occur when riders instinctively extend their arms and legs during falls. Wrist fractures, ankle injuries, and collarbone breaks frequently require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation periods. Complex fractures may necessitate multiple surgeries, hardware implantation, and months of physical therapy to restore function.
Soft Tissue and Secondary Injuries
Road rash and abrasions, while appearing less severe than fractures, can cause significant scarring and require extensive wound care. Deep abrasions may become infected, leading to additional medical complications and prolonged healing times. Scarring on visible areas of the body can cause emotional distress and may require plastic surgery for cosmetic improvement.
Spinal injuries pose serious long-term concerns for electric scooter accident victims. Spine injuries range from minor strains to complete paralysis, depending on the severity of impact and location of damage. Even seemingly minor back pain following an accident should get immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious spinal damage that may worsen without proper treatment.
Insurance Issues in Electric Scooter Accidents
Navigating insurance coverage after an electric scooter accident can be complex, as traditional auto insurance policies may not clearly address these newer forms of transportation. Many insurance companies attempt to deny coverage by arguing that electric scooters don’t qualify as motor vehicles under their policy definitions.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may apply to electric scooter accidents depending on your specific policy language and state regulations. Some insurers extend PIP benefits to cover injuries sustained while using alternative transportation methods, while others specifically exclude such coverage. Understanding your policy’s specific terms becomes crucial for accessing available benefits.
Liability insurance from at-fault drivers typically provides the primary source of compensation for electric scooter accident victims. However, insurance companies often dispute fault or attempt to minimize payouts by arguing that scooter riders contributed to their own injuries through negligent actions. Having experienced legal representation helps protect your interests during insurance negotiations and ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Legal Process for Electric Scooter Accident Claims
Filing an electric scooter accident claim involves several critical steps that must be completed within specific time limits to preserve your right to compensation. Nebraska’s statute of limitations typically provides four years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, but certain circumstances may shorten or extend this deadline.
Gathering evidence immediately after your accident becomes essential for building a strong case. This includes photographing the accident scene, documenting your injuries, obtaining police reports, and collecting contact information from witnesses. Medical records documenting the extent and treatment of your injuries provide crucial evidence linking your damages to the accident.
Working with personal injury lawyers familiar with electric scooter cases ensures proper handling of your claim from the initial investigation through final resolution. Our attorneys know the challenges these cases present and work diligently to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Knowles Law Firm for Your Electric Scooter Case
Our family-owned firm operates differently from other personal injury practices. Every attorney here is a member of the Knowles family, ensuring a personal connection to your case and a deep understanding of the hard work required to build our reputation. We answer our own phones, return calls promptly, and provide clients with direct access through personal cell phone numbers and email addresses. This level of accessibility ensures you always have direct communication with your attorney when questions or concerns arise during your case.
We work diligently, often seven days a week, to move cases forward quickly so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Our firm takes cases with a deep sense of commitment to the people we serve, understanding the profound impact our work has on clients and their families. If an insurance company refuses to settle your claim fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your electric scooter accident case and learn how we can help you move forward.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
Menu
