Scooter Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN
If you have been injured in a scooter accident, now is the time to talk with a scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, TN. These types of legal cases are relatively new; therefore, many lawyers are having to establish a precedence for future cases. Thankfully in Memphis, and elsewhere, there are laws and rules that have been established to compensate any victim who has been injured as a result of negligence. In regards to scooter accidents, by having the right scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, TN on your side, you may increase your chances of recovering compensation. Please call Patterson Bray, today.
The Legal Process
As a leading scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, TN, we know of cases that have involved mild to moderate, severe, life threatening, or even fatal injuries to the rider, a passing pedestrian, cyclist, or driver of the car. Even when the rider was adhering to the rules of the road, it is certainly possible for the scooter to be defective or for a driver of a car to not see the scooter. Whatever happens, it will be up to the plaintiff, or their personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN has to offer, to prove the defendant acted unreasonably. Furthermore, it must be demonstrated that their unreasonable actions led to harm. The general process will likely involve:
Filing a personal injury claim for the scooter accident
- Sending investigators to the scene of the accident
- Talking with eyewitnesses
- Calling upon expert witnesses
- Utilizing any available resources to document evidence and build a case
- Attempt to negotiate with the defense for a fair settlement
- If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed
- Litigating the lawsuit
- Trying the case through arbitration, mediation, or a trial by jury
Only about 5 percent of cases will ever make it into a courtroom for a trial. Insurance companies don’t want this because they know the jury tends to favor the injured plaintiff. What this means is that you will likely be able to reach a settlement through negotiations. This settlement should include compensation for:
All related medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of consortium
- + More
Common Negligent Parties
When you speak with a scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee, he or she will determine who was at fault. Common negligent parties may include:
- The driver of a car
- A pedestrian
- A cyclist
- The scooter company
- The maintenance company
- A parts manufacturer
- The city or municipality
- A building owner or management company
Recovery Costs
After an injury, a scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, TN knows that most people wonder how they are going to pay the doctor bills and medical costs associated with the injury. The costs that you sustain due to an injury include the following:
- Medical treatment expenses
- Lost wages
- Mental healthcare expenses
These recovery costs are quantifiable. While you may be able to sue for punitive damages, the most important damages are your compensatory damages.
Pain and Suffering Costs
If you know anything about personal injury law, then you probably know about pain and suffering. Many people aren’t sure what it covers, however. These damages cover emotional distress, loss of enjoyment and anything else that impacts your day to day life. Generally, these costs are not quantifiable. It is up to you and your Memphis scooter accident lawyer to decide what is best when it comes to pain and suffering. You may use a formula to calculate the amount of pain and suffering you deserve. Many do this by using a multiplier.
Other Costs
A scooter accident lawyer Memphis, Tennessee recommends knows there are other costs usually associated with accidents and personal injury. For instance, if you lost clothing or personal belongings in an accident, you may be able to ask for them. In addition, if you need help with any services around the house after your accident, you may be able to include those in your lawsuit also. This is true if there were activities you could have done if you hadn’t been injured.
If you were hurt in a scooter accident, then odds are you have a personal injury claim. This is especially true if you suffered a significant injury. The best way to know whether your case is worth it and what types of damages you can ask for is to consult with a Memphis scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to help you navigate the personal injury filing process. Contact a scooter accident lawyer Memphis residents trust from Patterson Bray.
In Tennessee, a Scooter Accident Lawyer from Memphis at Patterson Bray has seen how more people than perhaps ever before are getting injured due to E-scooters. These scooters you can rent by the minute or hour, and can be parked or picked up anywhere within that city. While the convenience of these E-scooters is quite appealing to consumers, the scooter companies are not putting the best interests of the riders first. Riders can get seriously hurt from falls or getting hit by vehicle drivers.
If you or someone you care about sustained an injury from an E-scooter fall or accident, you can rely on a Memphis Scooter Accident Lawyer in TN for help getting compensation for recovery. Please call us today to get started right away.
Companies Pushing For Scooter Presence
It probably isn’t a coincidence that E-scooter companies put their scooters out for public use in several cities across America before local traffic laws could be changed to accommodate their new presence on roadways. A Memphis, TN Scooter Accident Lawyer knows that these scooters can be a cheap and fun way to get around town, but there are serious risks that riders face every time they hop on. Due to these dangers, some cities have ordered for E-scooters to be eradicated entirely. But, seeing the profit that they would be missing out on, these companies have pushed to let their electronic products remain on city streets.
Laws for E-Scooters
E-scooters are a fairly new method of getting around town, so laws have not yet regulated their use. Some states have begun to pass laws that protect E-scooter rides while preventing occurrence of tragic accidents. Overall, E-scooters must abide by the same laws as E-bicycles. But, regulations on a nationwide level about regulating these E-scooters hasn’t happened yet. Not every state has established laws pertaining to E-scooters. So, these scooters can basically be used anywhere on trails, streets, and other public pathways without the necessity of registration, insurance, or a license. Although, as more E-scooter accidents happen a Scooter Accident Lawyer in Memphis is anticipating the laws being changed in upcoming years. Until then, the best we can do is help victims overcome such accidents. A Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray is dedicated to supporting victims during their healing and recovery, and is happy to meet with victims of E-scooter accidents for a free case evaluation if they want to know more information.
Common Injuries for E-Scooters
Depending on how the E-scooter rider fell, he or she may sustain a wide range of injuries. For example, if a rider was hit by a car, then injuries like head trauma, broken bones, fractured pelvis, and road rash are likely. Unfortunately, because E-scooter rides aren’t required to wear helmets, the increased chances of a fatality occurring is ever present.
Victims of E-scooter accidents are encouraged to talk with a Scooter Accident Lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee from Patterson Bray immediately for a case evaluation and support as financial compensation is sought. If you or a loved one was injured in a scooter accident, and you believe it was the result of negligence or carelessness, the law may give you the right to recover compensation. Depending on the factors of your case, it could take a few months to a few years to reach a settlement or verdict. Because of this, you are advised to consult a scooter accident lawyer in Memphis, TN as soon as possible. For a consultation with Patterson Bray, call us now.
Avoiding Scooter Accidents – When Possible
Riders can avoid hazards by exercising care and caution while riding. Bolt recommends that all users wear protective helmets, though few do in practice. Anyone using an electric scooter should examine local ordinances to determine whether the scooter should properly be used on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or roadways. Riding an electric scooter in an unlawful fashion may result not only in citations or fines, but in a loss of a claim to damages in the event of an accident.
In order to avoid accidents, riders should be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is dangerous (and poor riding etiquette) to ride with headphones or talk on a cellphone while riding. Users should avoid making sudden changes in direction or pulling off into the street abruptly. Because the scooters are all-electric and mostly silent, pedestrians may not realize that a scooter is approaching and can step suddenly into its path. Accordingly, riders should be prepared to slow down when approaching pedestrians if they are operating their scooter on a sidewalk.
Before using a Bolt scooter, riders should inspect it carefully to make certain there are no defects or problems which may make it unsafe. The front-wheel should turn smoothly and easily, without grinding or catching at any point. The post for the handlebars should be firmly seated without any give or flexibility. The petal footrests should both extend the same distance without bending or angling below a level plane, and both wheels should appear to have the same level of inflation. Riders should look for signs that the vehicle has been in an accident, like dents, excessive scuffing, or a warped frame. It is never safe to assume that a scooter has not been in an accident, as some accidents may go unreported.
A scooter rider is completely unprotected in an accident involving a large motor vehicle, so it is critical to use caution. Crossing only with lights and keeping a lockout for turning vehicles can help to avoid a serious or even fatal crash. When a crash does happen, a Memphis, TN scooter accident lawyer can help piece together what happened and ensure that the rider’s rights are protected. You may be hesitant to connect with a Memphis, TN scooter accident lawyer, especially if you believe that the accident you were involved in was partially your fault. However, it is important to avoid making assumptions about your legal situation until you’ve spoken with a professional. You may be entitled to compensation, even if you don’t think that this is a possibility under your unique circumstances.