Electric scooters are gaining popularity; however, they are also bringing a mix of convenience and unexpected hazards. An electric scooter offers a quick way to get around town, but they have also been sparking a rise in accidents. Thankfully, a Pahrump Segway accident lawyer at H&P Law knows these cases inside and out and can help you move forward with each step.
These accidents are not always straightforward. That is where H&P Law’s expertise as a Pahrump personal injury lawyer comes into play. Faulty brakes, unstable designs, or unclear operating instructions can turn a scooter into a devastating experience. We dig deep with our 60+ years of experience to uncover whether the manufacturer, rental company or another party neglected safety measurements.
Nevada’s Scooter Laws
Make sure you educate yourself on Nevada’s electric scooter laws and what you should know about the specific regulations governing the use of electric scooters and Segways to ensure public safety and clarify riders’ rights and responsibilities.
According to Assembly Bill No. 485 of the Nevada Legislature, these laws state that electric scooters are devices that weigh less than 100 pounds, with an electric motor, handlebars, and a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface. Riders must be at least 16 years old and are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and human-powered devices.
While helmets are not mandatory for adult riders, they are strongly recommended to prevent serious head injuries in the event of an accident. Electric scooters are permitted on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks unless local ordinances specify otherwise. However, riders must adhere to a 15 mph speed limit on sidewalks and in crosswalks to ensure pedestrian safety.
Riders must familiarize themselves with local regulations, as municipalities may have additional restrictions or requirements. For instance, some areas may prohibit electric scooter use on certain streets or require riders to dismount in specific zones. Knowing and obeying these laws not only promotes safety but can also significantly affect liability in case of an accident.
Types of Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter accidents can occur in various scenarios, often resulting in serious injuries to riders, pedestrians, or other road users. The nature of these accidents can lead to injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to severe head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. Common types of accidents that your segway accident attorney in Pahrump may help you with include:
- Collisions with vehicles
- Falls due to road hazards or equipment malfunction
- Pedestrian impacts
- Accidents caused by reckless riding
- Dooring incidents (when a car door opens into a scooter’s path)
The compact profile of electric scooters can make them difficult for drivers to spot, especially in busy urban environments or at night. Weather conditions, such as rain or strong winds, can significantly increase the risk of accidents by affecting the scooter’s stability and the rider’s control. This is why it is important to understand scooter safety and its implications for personal injury cases in Nevada.
Liable Parties in an Electric Scooter Accident
Determining liability in electric scooter accidents often involves a thorough examination of multiple factors and potential responsible parties. Each of these parties may bear full or partial responsibility for the accident, and in some cases, multiple parties may share liability. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liable parties may include:
- The scooter rider
- Vehicle drivers
- Scooter rental companies
- Property owners (if hazardous conditions contributed to the accident)
- Scooter manufacturers (in cases of equipment failure)
Local municipalities may also be responsible if poor road maintenance or inadequate infrastructure contributed to the accident. In some cases, software developers could be held liable if a glitch in the scooter’s app or operating system caused a malfunction. Third-party maintenance providers might share faults if improper servicing or repairs contributed to the incident.
Why Gathering Evidence Can Be Difficult in Electric Scooter Cases
Collecting evidence in electric scooter accident cases presents unique challenges that can complicate the legal process. Unlike traditional vehicle accidents, scooter incidents often occur in areas with limited surveillance or witness presence, making it difficult to obtain objective accounts of the event.
The portable nature of electric scooters means that crucial evidence, such as the scooter itself, may be quickly removed from the scene, potentially erasing valuable clues about the accident’s cause.
The rapid pace at which these accidents unfold can also lead to a lack of immediate documentation. For example, if you were disoriented or focused on seeking medical attention, you may panic that you missed the opportunity to gather critical information or take photos at the scene. Keep in mind this does not mean you lose all chances of getting justice.
The involvement of rental companies adds another layer of complexity, as accessing user data or scooter maintenance records may require legal intervention.
Physical evidence at the accident site, such as skid marks or debris, can quickly disappear due to weather conditions or regular street maintenance. The nature of the evidence highlights the need for prompt action in recording the scene and preserving all obtainable information immediately following the incident.
Types of Evidence that Help a Pahrump Segway Accident Lawyer Establish Liability
Extensive evidence is necessary to build a strong case for claims with a Pahrump scooter accident lawyer’s help. Make sure to have every type of evidence available you possibly can, and your segway accident lawyer in Pahrump may be able to help you gather more. Key types of evidence include:
- Photos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage
- Witness statements and contact information
- Police reports and official accident records
- Medical records and bills related to injuries sustained
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
- Scooter maintenance logs and user data from rental companies
- Expert testimony on scooter mechanics or accident reconstruction
Each piece of evidence plays a vital role in piecing together the events leading to the accident and establishing liability. Photos can provide visual proof of road conditions, vehicle positions, and the extent of injuries, while witness statements offer crucial perspectives on how the accident unfolded.
Expert testimony can be particularly valuable in cases involving technical aspects, such as scooter malfunctions or complex accident dynamics.
Take Control of Your Recovery
A Pahrump segway accident attorney can be your greatest asset after an electric scooter mishap. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay unless we win your case. Do not let a Segway accident change the trajectory of your life or drain your finances. Reach out to H&P Law today for a free consultation, and let us put our expertise to work for you.
