Motor scooters allow riders to easily navigate through traffic and arrive at nearby destinations quickly and efficiently. However, because riders lack protection during a collision, accidents can result in serious injuries even at lower speeds. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, a Miami scooter accident lawyer can review your legal rights and explain if you may be able to file a scooter accident claim according to Florida law.
Busy roadways like Biscayne Boulevard, Brickell Avenue, US Route 1, and the roads that connect to Interstate 95 are common places where scooter accidents occur. Many riders share the road with passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.
With electric scooters and motorized scooters being used more frequently throughout Miami, scooter accidents are also increasingly common in parking lots, intersections, on sidewalks, and in areas where traffic mix includes vehicles and riders.
Why Choose the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA?
The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, advocates on behalf of accident victims who were hurt through the negligence of others throughout South Florida. Scooter accident claims can involve multiple areas of the law. Our attorneys understand the depth of knowledge required to successfully advocate in these claims and can assist you in yours.
Common Causes of Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents can happen for many reasons. Unfortunately, careless or negligent behavior by drivers or property owners can contribute to many scooter accidents. Motorists may fail to take reasonable care to look for smaller vehicles that can be harder to see. Common causes of scooter accidents include:
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Driver distraction
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Opening a door in the way of an oncoming scooter
- Failure to follow traffic signals/signs
- Poorly maintained roads
- Large potholes
- Mechanical failure with scooter components
Analyzing who caused the accident can help determine liability. An attorney can also help identify all parties who may be responsible for injuries after a scooter accident.
Of course, the rising use of electric scooters comes with injury reports across the country. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 79,300 injuries associated with e-scooters required treatment in an emergency department in 2024. The CPSC also estimates about 380,000 injuries from 2017 through 2024. The CPSC also recorded 206 deaths associated with e-scooters and other micromobility products during that time frame.
Florida Scooter Accident Laws That May Help Your Claim
Florida law has specific statutes that may apply when evaluating a scooter accident claim. Florida Statutes § 316.2 128 contains information on the lawful operation of electric scooters in the state. This statute outlines where riders can legally travel on public roads and provides information on rights and responsibilities when operating on bike lanes and sidewalks where allowed.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule when apportioning fault for personal injuries. Florida Statutes § 768.81 provides that an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. In some cases, individuals who are found to be 50% or more at fault may be prohibited from recovering compensation.
Compensation Available in a Scooter Accident
Motor scooters provide little protection from impact with another vehicle or surface. Collisions may occur at any speed and result in serious injuries. Injuries that occur when a rider falls onto pavement are also common. Some of the most common injuries after scooter accidents include:
Injuries after a scooter accident can require emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation procedures, physical therapy, and follow-up medical care.
Why Hire a Scooter Accident Lawyer
When you hire a scooter accident lawyer to handle your scooter accident claim, they can investigate what happened, gather evidence, and determine who may be responsible for paying compensation.
After gathering all of the evidence, your attorney can review medical records and calculate your damages. You may want to hire a Miami scooter accident attorney as soon as possible because there are strict deadlines for filing claims against property owners, government entities, and others who may be liable.
Scooter accidents can cause catastrophic injuries that require lifelong care. If you or a loved one was injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal rights.
MEET YOUR ATTORNEY
Alexander Alvarez
Founding Attorney at Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA
Alexander Alvarez leverages over 30 years of legal experience and a background in finance and international business to provide sophisticated representation in complex business litigation. A Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator and AV-rated litigator, he develops strategic solutions for breach of contract and insurance disputes.
FAQs
What Happens if Someone Hits Your Car With a Scooter?
Should a scooter crash into your car, questions of negligence and right-of-way, as well as traffic violations, may arise. Get photos of the damage, exchange information if possible, report the incident if needed, and obtain medical treatment. Insurance implications and who is liable depend on the details of the crash and evidence.
Are Electric Scooter Accidents Covered by Auto Insurance?
Insurance coverage following an electric scooter accident depends on who was involved and who was at fault. Auto insurance may cover an accident caused by a driver, and other policies could apply in some cases. Scooter accidents can involve many types of insurance, so it helps to understand the different policies and review the facts of your accident.
What Do I Do After a Scooter Accident?
After a scooter accident in Miami, Florida, your first concern should be safety. Receive treatment for your injuries, even if you do not think they are serious. File a report if possible. Exchange contact information with witnesses and take photos of the scene. Save any evidence from the scooter or car. Maintain records of your medical treatment and costs you incurred as a result.
Can I File a Claim if a Defective Scooter Caused My Accident?
If you were hurt because of a defective scooter, you might have a potential product liability claim. A key question for a product liability lawyer may be whether a design or manufacturing defect was responsible for your accident. They may also consider if a lack of warning caused you to be injured. The scooter itself, maintenance records, and proof of purchase may help establish if there was a defect.
The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, Can Help
If you were injured in a scooter accident, the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, PA, can help. Contact us today to begin seeking the compensation you deserve.
Miami Scooter Accident Resource: