Lime scooters, also known as electronic scooters, first arrived in Atlanta in 2018. They were an instant hit, with several city residents deferring to them as their preferred transportation. The scooters took over the sidewalks, with people renting them to move from place to place.
However, in 2019, Lime Scooter and other e-scooter companies pulled out of Atlanta due to high impound fees and the banning of scooter operations at night. However, in July 2021, the Atlanta government let e-scooters back on the street, with Lime scooters being one of them.
The return of electric scooters means a higher propensity for accidents. Lime scooters move at 15 miles per hour when at full speed, and riders are prone to different types of accidents and injuries for several reasons. This then begs the question: who pays for your injuries in a Lime scooter accident in Atlanta?
Our Atlanta Lime scooter attorneys at The Weinstein Firm discuss this and more in this article. If you suffer injuries in a Lime scooter accident, contact us to learn your legal options. We are available 24/7.
What Are the Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents in Atlanta?
Electric scooters manufacturers like Lime do not require riders to go through a training course. Thus, many scooter users find themselves in otherwise avoidable accidents. Here are some ways that e-scooter accidents happen in Atlanta.
Instability:
Atlanta roads have cracks, bumps, and potholes, and scooters were not built to withstand the impacts from riding across one. This is because the e-scooter has tiny wheels covered with a thin rubber strip. Thus, a scooter that clips a crack, bump, or pothole may eject the rider.
Missing Protective Gear:
Unlike motorcycle and bicycle riders, most scooter riders do not wear protective apparel like helmets. Thus, when there’s a collision, they might suffer traumatic brain injuries. In addition, Lime scooter riders break knee and ankle bones because they don’t wear pads.
Excessive Scooter Speed:
When the scooter rider uses excessive speed, they cause accidents that harm them and pedestrians. Thus, even if it’s thrilling to zoom around on the ride, don’t give in to the temptation.
Low Visibility:
Scooters have a slight elevation above the ground. This makes it hard for cars and bigger vehicles to spot them in time to avoid a crash.
What Injuries Can You Sustain in an E-Scooter Accident?
Electric scooters may be a fun and useful way to get around, but they pose serious safety threats. In Atlanta, our Lime scooters accident lawyers have represented victims with the following injuries:
- Scarring
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Who Can You Sue for a Lime Scooter Accident in Atlanta?
When an e-scooter accident occurs, there are two classes of people who might be responsible for your injuries. One is the scooter company and the other is a vehicle driver.
Lime Scooter Company
What most e-scooter users don’t know is that the company user agreement has an arbitration clause. The clause prohibits you from filing a lawsuit based on the rental of a defective or dangerous scooter. It means that you may have to arbitrate your injury claims rather than file a lawsuit.
Your accident lawyer can advise you on the workings of an arbitration. However, for the arbitration clause to come into effect, the accident must not be your fault. A defect in the scooter must have caused the accident. If your negligence caused the crash, e.g., speeding, Lime would not pay.
Motor Vehicle Driver
When the accident is between a scooter and a motor vehicle, the driver will pay for your injuries if they caused the accident. But, again, you must have no liability in the crash to get full compensation. If you contributed to the accident in any way, you would not get any payment based on Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule. This is the rule if your fault is more than 50%.
Where the facts show you’re not to blame, you’ll be able to get compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disability and disfigurement
Let Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at The Weinstein Firm Help You!
If you suffer injuries in a Lime scooter accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries. However, if Lime is the fault party, you need legal help getting the settlement you deserve. At The Weinstein Firm, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to win your case, and we have a no-win-no-fee policy. So contact us today for a free case review.
