Common Scooter Injuries

Monday, February 17, 2020

Common Scooter Injuries

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Scooters are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas and for a good reason. They are a faster alternative to walking and are fairly lightweight and easy to transport. Many cities, including Chicago, now even offer electric scooter (eScooter) rental program that allows riders to rent scooters by the minute or hour, dropping them off at a different station than where they started when they are finished with their ride. Given the easy access and loose requirements for renting a scooter, it is easy to see why many people choose to ride them. Unfortunately, with the increase of scooters on the streets, there has also been a rising number of scooter-related accidents

Common Scooter Injuries to Watch Out For 

Just like those who travel on a motorcycle or a bicycle, a scooter is especially dangerous because of the limited amount of protection that it provides a rider. Many people who ride scooters do not take into consideration the risks and forgo wearing a helmet or protective clothing. At average speeds of ten miles per hour, an accident on a scooter can result in a serious injury. Some of the common injuries that are a result of scooter accidents include:

  • Road rash
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Scrapes and lacerations
  • Puncture wounds
  • Torn ACL and knee damage
  • Whiplash and neck injuries

Play it Safe to Avoid a Scooter Accident

In order to reduce your risk of injury, it is advisable to protect yourself every time you ride a scooter. Remember to:

    • Learn the laws in your area – are you allowed to ride on the sidewalk? Or do you need to ride on the street? If so, be sure to wear bright clothing, especially if you are traveling at night. 
    • Wear a helmet – riding a scooter is no different than riding on a bike, it is essential to protect yourself from a potential TBI by wearing a helmet. This could be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. 

 

  • Make yourself visible – One of the most dangerous aspects of riding a scooter is that they are smaller and not always visible to cars, especially when the driver is already not paying attention to the road. Think of different ways to protect yourself by making your scooter more visible. For example, you can attach a bright, blinking light to the front of your scooter and to your back to add extra visibility both during the day and at night. 

 

Speak to a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Without Delay 

The bottom line is that scooters can be dangerous, and a scooter accident can lead to serious injuries for all those who are involved. If you have been hurt while riding a scooter or by a person who was riding one, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can outline your legal rights. At Malman Law, our team of skilled Chicago personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve after a scooter accident. Call us today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help. 

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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