Westchester County has seen a boom in the number of Bird Scooters being ridden around the city. Unfortunately, this has led to rising accident cases involving Bird Scooters.
Fortunately, victims can recover compensation for a Bird Scooter accident and injuries from the negligent party. Scooter accidents can happen in several ways, involving pedestrians, cars, or other hazards. As such, several parties could be liable for causing your injuries. However, you could be entitled to substantial damages depending on the facts of your case.
If you were in a Bird Scooter accident and suffered injuries, our Bird Scooter accident and injuries attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve. For a free case review, call The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
Determining Liability for a Bird Scooter Accident and Injuries in Westchester County
Determining liability after being injured in a Bird Scooter accident presents new challenges for this new area of law. Bird scooters and many other companies’ scooters are now legal to operate in New York, and their popularity cannot be denied. However, this has led to entirely new possibilities for road collisions. Whether you were injured by a scooter rider or while riding one, our Bird Scooter accident and injuries attorneys can investigate your claim to determine who is responsible for your damages.
Pedestrian Accidents
Common scooter accidents occur between pedestrians and scooter riders. Some scooter riders feel uncomfortable sharing the road with other cars, so they ride on the sidewalk for safety. However, it is illegal to operate most scooters on the sidewalk. In other cases, the scooter rider might not follow the rules of the road, like stopping at a stop sign and injuring a pedestrian trying to cross. In scooter accidents involving pedestrians, the scooter rider will most likely be liable for the accident and injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Scooter riders that do use the road must share it with other vehicles. In many cases, scooters are treated like motorcycles, so a claim will need to be investigated to see which vehicle violated the law or acted negligently. If the vehicle that caused the accident was a commercial vehicle, the driver’s employer might also be held liable for the employee’s negligence. If multiple drivers are involved, our Bird Scooter accident and injuries attorneys can help determine who was at fault.
Manufacturing and Charging Defects
Scooter accidents can also be caused by malfunctions and other defects caused by the scooter company or another company that services the scooter. Defects like engine or brake failures are not uncommon and can cause devastating injuries. Companies responsible for recharging scooters, commonly known as “juicers,” could also be held liable for an accident if the battery malfunctions or burns because of a charging issue that was not addressed.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions and other unmarked hazards on the road can also cause scooter accidents. For instance, serious injuries can occur if a scooter rides over an unmarked pothole or is injured while passing an unsecured construction site. In these situations, several parties could be responsible. The city government is typically responsible for streets and sidewalks, but business owners and construction companies could also share the blame depending on the circumstances.
If the Westchester County government is liable, there are usually additional requirements you must meet before filing a lawsuit. This includes filing a notice to the government agency you are suing of your intention to file suit within 90 days of your accident. Our Bird Scooter accident and injuries attorneys can review your case to ensure that each liable party is held accountable.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for a Bird Scooter Accident and Injuries in Westchester County
The time limit to file a lawsuit after a Bird Scooter accident is known as the statute of limitations. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Westchester County. While scooter accident cases have much in common with other Bird Scooter accident and injuries cases, it is a burgeoning new area of law that tends to be complex. Gathering evidence after a Bird Scooter accident could be difficult, depending on the circumstances, and it will take time to obtain the records needed to build the strongest game possible. Our Bird Scooter accident and injuries lawyers can help you get the evidence you need and file your lawsuit before time runs out.
Damages You Could Recover After a Westchester County Bird Scooter Accident and Injuries
When someone negligently injures another person, they are entitled to recover the losses caused by their injuries. The legal term for these losses is “damages,” and victims can pursue a wide range of them.
One type of damages you can claim is for your economic losses. This includes ambulance transportation costs, medical bills, and compensation for future and ongoing medical treatment you will need. You can also claim lost wages if you missed time at work or worked in a reduced capacity. In severe cases, lost earning potential can be pursued if you will never be able to do the same type of work you could do before your accident. If you had other out-of-pocket expenses associated with your injuries, like transportation costs or childcare, you can also claim those in your case.
You could also be entitled to “pain and suffering” damages in cases involving serious injuries. Pain and suffering damages are for the subjective losses you have experienced. This includes physical pain from your injuries, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of the enjoyment of life. While these damages can be difficult to calculate, you are no less entitled to recover them if caused by a negligent person. Our Bird Scooter accident and injuries attorneys can help calculate the damages in your case so that you recover the compensation you are owed.
Our Westchester County Lawyers for Bird Scooter Accidents and Injuries Can Help
Whether you were injured by a Bird Scooter or injured on one, our Bird Scooter accident and injuries attorneys can help you get compensation from the negligent party. Contact The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950 for a free evaluation of your case.
