Electric scooters are turning into a popular form of transportation for many people, especially in busy cities like Portland. But with e-scooters popularity, the number of related accidents has also increased, and riders have suffered major injuries in some cases. These injuries can be painful and costly to treat, especially if you’re struck by a car or larger vehicle while riding a scooter.
An electric scooter accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Jeff Siefman and his team at Siefman Law LLC have more than a decade of experience defending accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Oregon electric scooter accident lawyer.
If you were injured in an electric scooter accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Oregon law makes it possible for you to pursue compensation for the injuries and related losses you’ve suffered:
This covers all costs related to treating injuries sustained in the e-scooter accident. It includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed due to the accident.
If injuries from the scooter accident prevent the victim from working, they may recover compensation for lost income. This can include both lost wages and potential future earnings if your injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.
This non-economic damage compensates victims for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. While more challenging to calculate than medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering can be a significant part of compensation.
The amount of compensation in an electric scooter accident case can vary depending on the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim's life, and the specific circumstances of the accident. An experienced Portland electric scooter accident lawyer can help accident victims understand the value of their claims and work for fair compensation.
Electric scooters are defined as two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicles with speed and power limitations.
Under state law, e-scooter riders are not allowed to go over 15 mph. There are electric scooter laws in Oregon, including:
Some of the most common causes of electric scooter accidents include:
Potholes, uneven road surfaces, debris in the roadway, and other road hazards can all cause electric scooter accidents. E-scooter riders who lose control after hitting a road hazard can end up crashing with a pedestrian or another vehicle. In other cases, the e-scooter rider might be tossed from their vehicle and suffer major injuries.
Electric scooters are considerably smaller than most other vehicles, even when you compare their size against motorcycles. This means it can be hard for pedestrians and people in other vehicles to see an electric scooter if there’s a lot of traffic.
A major safety hazard for bicyclists is people opening car doors into traffic without looking, and the same is true for electric scooter riders. If someone opens their door without checking to see if an electric scooter rider is approaching, the rider could end up running into the door, injuring themselves, and damaging the vehicle as well.
Electric scooters have become very popular in Portland. Despite their lower speeds and power, e-scooters can still get involved in all sorts of accidents. Here are some of the most frequent scenarios:
A crash between a scooter and a car accident is super common and often leads to complicated injuries for scooter riders. These collisions typically happen when:
While less common than car-scooter collisions, accidents between e-scooters and motorcycles can still happen. These accidents often happen due to:
In these cases, determining liability can be complex, as both e-scooter riders and motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road users under Oregon law. An experienced electric scooter accident attorney can help with the legal considerations and ensure fair compensation for victims.
Collisions between e-scooters and trucks are some of the most dangerous scooter accidents. The size difference between these vehicles frequently results in catastrophic injuries for scooter riders. Common scenarios include:
Given the kinds of injuries in these accidents, it's important for victims to seek immediate medical care and consult a Portland electric scooter accident lawyer to understand their options and how to file a claim.
Accidents involving e-scooters lead to severe injuries and huge medical bills for victims. Here are common situations we see happen all the time:
In cases involving public transportation, there may be additional legal considerations and shorter deadlines for filing claims. An experienced scooter accident attorney can help.
Electric scooter accidents in Portland can result in a number of injuries:
Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious consequences of e-scooter accidents. Even minor head impacts can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma.
The impact of falling from an e-scooter or a collision with a vehicle can easily result in broken bones. Wrist and arm fractures are common as riders instinctively try to break their fall.
When riders are thrown from their scooters and slide across the pavement, they often suffer painful skin burns, known as road rash. While sometimes small, other cases can lead to infections and scarring.
Falls or collisions that hit your back can cause spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries have long-lasting effects on a victim's life.
The force of an impact during an e-scooter accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Without a lot of face protection, riders are at risk of facial fractures, dental injuries, and eye damage in the event of an accident.
If you’ve been hurt in an electric scooter accident in Oregon, you deserve a chance to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
A Portland electric scooter accident lawyer from Siefman Law LLC can help with your case, so contact us today for a free initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
If you're involved in an electric scooter accident, prioritize your safety first. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. Report the accident to the police and the scooter rental company. Gather what evidence you can and consult a Portland electric scooter accident lawyer to understand your legal options.
Electric scooter riders in Oregon must comply with most of the same traffic laws as other vehicles. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians.
Absolutely. If you've been injured in an electric scooter accident due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced electric scooter accident attorney can help with the legal system and pursue a personal injury claim.
Liability in electric scooter accidents can be tough to define. Potentially liable parties include:
Given the complicated task of determining fault, it is recommended that victims work with an experienced personal injury law firm.
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for electric scooter accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Always consult an electric scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected, and you don't miss important deadlines.
Under the modified comparative negligence rule, people may still receive compensation even if they were partially at fault for an accident, as long as they're not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
A skilled electric scooter accident attorney can:
At our personal injury law firm, we have a track record of helping accident victims secure fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.