The number of people who use scooters to get to and from work, school and shopping areas are steadily increasing each day. Scooters are an efficient way to get around town, as they cost less to operate than cars and require less physical exertion than bicycles. More and more people are taking them to work, and more and more students are using them to get to class.
Because of this, the number of accidents involving scooters is also increasing. While most cities in Arizona don’t track the number of accidents because it is a relatively newer mode of transportation, Tempe saw an average of one accident per day between the months of September and December 2018, according to the Tempe Fire Department. There were 119 scooter-related incidents during the second half of 2018.
Scooter accidents can involve other scooters, pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars. Some involve drunk driving. Others involve only the people riding the scooters who have fallen and injured themselves. Some accidents in Tempe last year were serious enough to be classified as Level 1 trauma injuries. While most of the victims of scooter injuries are younger college students, the fire department is also seeing an increase in accidents involving riders older than 50 years of age.
According to Arizona Central, other cities are also experiencing a rise in scooter accidents, including 12 accidents in Scottsdale since December 12, 2018, and the beginning of January 2019. Gilbert police also responded to at least three calls in November and December 2018 involving head injuries, broken arms, and serious lacerations.
Many people are calling on city officials to monitor how fast scooters can go, where they can be ridden and whether riders must wear helmets. So far, most cities simply regulate where they can be parked, which isn’t enough, many argue, to help everyone who shares the road to do so safely.
It’s important to remember that as someone using the roadways and sidewalks, it’s not just other cars you have to watch out for. It’s also bicyclists, pedestrians, and now, scooters.
If you are injured in a motorized scooter accident, you may have the same rights as someone injured in a car accident. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you understand who is at fault and whether you might be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. The initial consultation with us is free and will give you a good understanding of what your next steps are. Don’t hesitate to reach out.