If you or a loved one has been injured in a scooter accident, you may have legal rights to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A scooter accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. With years of experience in personal injury law, a scooter accident lawyer can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the best possible outcome.
From gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement, a scooter accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case. With their knowledge and experience, they can help you understand the intricacies of the law and handle any legal issues that may arise. Don‘t wait any longer to get the legal help you need. Contact a scooter accident lawyer today to get the justice you deserve.
What is a Scooter Accident?
A scooter accident is when a person riding a scooter is involved in a collision with another vehicle, person, or object. This type of accident can happen for a variety of reasons, such as failing to properly navigate traffic, inexperience, or not paying attention. Scooter accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and concussions, so it is important to always wear a helmet and be aware of your surroundings.
What is the most common Scooter Injury?
Responsibilities of Scooter Riders
1. Wear a helmet: All scooter riders should always wear an approved helmet while riding.
2. Obey traffic laws: Follow all traffic signals and signs, and obey the speed limit.
3. Be aware of the environment: Look out for obstacles and other scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians.
4. Be courteous to other road users: Signal your intention to turn and use appropriate hand signals.
5. Avoid riding on sidewalks: Riding on sidewalks can be dangerous to pedestrians and is illegal in many areas.
6. Avoid riding on wet surfaces: Wet surfaces are slippery and can be dangerous for scooter riders.
7. Be aware of weather conditions: Be aware of weather conditions and avoid riding in hazardous weather.
8. Maintain your scooter: Make sure your scooter is well-maintained and in good working order before you ride.
9. Respect private property: Do not ride on private property without permission.
10. Follow all local regulations: Make sure you follow all local regulations and laws regarding scooter riding.
Causes of Scooter Accidents
1. Speeding: Scooter riders may travel at excessive speeds, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
2. Poor Visibility: Scooter riders may not be able to see obstructions in their path, such as potholes, debris, or oncoming traffic.
3. Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone, can lead to scooter accidents.
4. Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, can cause scooter riders to lose control and crash.
5. Alcohol Impairment: Alcohol or drug use can impair a scooter rider’s judgment and reaction time, leading to accidents.
Treatments for Common Injuries in Scooter Accidents
The course of treatment your doctor recommends will be based on the severity of your condition. These treatments could be expensive and take time away from your job. You may require:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Diagnostic imaging scans
- Residency in a specialized care facility
- Medications
- Assistive devices, like wheelchairs
- Physical therapy
You can pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit if you were hurt in a scooter accident. Yet, while recovering from your injuries, you may not want to take on this process by yourself.
Compensation for a Scooter Accident
A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your damages. The severity of your injuries, the treatments you needed, and your prognosis will play a role in how much money you can get. Some compensable losses in your case may include:
- The cost of treating your condition
- Lost wages from the time you missed from your job
- Property damage costs (if applicable)
- Loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Disability, scarring, and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Your loved one may have passed away due to a scooter accident. In this case, your loved one’s funeral, medical bills, and lost income could be compensable.
Read also: How to Find an Austin Car Accident Lawyer
What Does a Scooter Accident Lawyer Do?
A scooter accident lawyer does several things to help clients who are seeking compensation in their personal injury case. Accident victims do not need to hire an attorney to represent them, but having one on board can help them manage their case, ensuring that important tasks are done correctly as they pursue legal action.
Scooter accident lawyers can do any of the following:
- Collect information about the accident.
- Establish who is responsible for the accident.
- Help clients build a case to support their claims.
- Handle all communications about the case.
- Work with insurance companies in negotiations.
- Seek fair compensation for accident victims’ damages.
- Represent clients in civil court if needed.
- Keep clients abreast of all developments in the case.
Attorneys who handle scooter accidents also explain all applicable laws to their clients so they can understand what is going on at all times.
It can be challenging to manage a scooter accident case on your own when trying to recover from injuries, too. While you are focused on recovering from your accident, an attorney can pursue financial awards that you might be due and ensure your case is filed within your state’s statute of limitations.
Is it Worth Hiring a Scooter Accident Lawyer?
Different variables enter into any calculation of worth. The same holds true for hiring a lawyer. For a straightforward, simple case, one individual might find it excessive to hire an attorney. However, another person with the same case might decide they do not have the time to deal with all the intricacies of managing a claim, and they see value in hiring a lawyer so they can continue on with their job and other responsibilities.
Another accident victim might have the understanding of the case—and the time to pursue it—but they simply do not care to immerse themselves in all the legwork of gathering evidence or the stressful interactions and negotiations with the insurance company
The greatest value that comes from hiring a scooter accident lawyer, though, stems from their services. They can gather the necessary evidence and conduct an investigation into the accident for you. Furthermore, they can take care of communicating with the insurance companies. A lawyer can handle your case while you focus on your recovery and health.
Another factor to consider in any question of the “worth” of something is what you are putting into it. In the case of hiring a scooter accident lawyer, that value is nothing because you pay only when or if you win a settlement or court award with some firms. In other words, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
What Questions Should I Ask My Scooter Accident Lawyer?
Do not underestimate the importance of finding the right scooter accident lawyer to handle your case. To some extent, you will decide based on what feels right. That said, you should not choose your lawyer on personality alone. Consider asking the following questions of any lawyer you are considering hiring:
Do I Have a Case?
A lawyer will listen to your description of the accident and tell you if the law favors your chances for recovering damages. You might also ask what types of damages you can claim in your accident.
How Long Has Your Firm Practiced Personal Injury in This State?
A lawyer might boast an impressive number of years practicing in another part of the country. Laws pertaining to scooter accidents differ from one state to the next. Consider a lawyer who shows a significant length of history practicing personal injury in your state. If they show substantial experience with scooter accidents, all the better for you.
How Are Your Fees Structured?
Most scooter accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay legal fees only when and if they win a settlement or court award on your behalf. Confirm this is the case with the lawyer, then ask about expenses, like court-filing fees. Will you be billed upfront for these items, will you have to pay as they surface, or will the expenses be settled at the end of your case? If the latter, then does the lawyer include the expenses as part of their contingency fee?
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Scooter Accident Lawyer
1. Not doing your research: Before hiring a scooter accident lawyer, it is important to do your research and make sure the lawyer is qualified and experienced in this area of law. Make sure to read reviews and ask around to get an idea of their reputation.
2. Not reviewing the lawyer’s fees: Make sure to inquire about the lawyer’s fees before you hire them. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation, so take advantage of this and ask questions about fees and payment plans.
3. Not reading the fine print: Make sure to read all contracts and legal documents carefully before signing. Ask questions and make sure you understand the terms and conditions before agreeing to anything.
4. Not asking for recommendations: Ask your friends and family for recommendations for a good scooter accident lawyer. This way you can be sure that you are getting the best representation possible.
5. Not getting the right advice: Don’t be afraid to ask your lawyer questions. Make sure you feel comfortable with their advice and that they are offering you the best advice for your situation.
6. Not making sure your lawyer is licensed: Make sure that your lawyer is licensed to practice law in your state. This is important to ensure that your lawyer is qualified and experienced in the relevant laws.
How to Find a Scooter Accident Lawyer
You can do an online search for law firms that have handled cases similar to yours. You also could look for attorneys whose legal backgrounds, qualifications, and results match what you are looking for. Once you find several options that seem like a good fit, you can schedule meetings so that you can interact with them or the law firms they represent to confirm which one you are comfortable with.
What is their Experience?
Many personal injury attorneys focus on a particular type of case. Some handle workers’ compensation cases, others handle class action lawsuits against manufacturers and others handle scooter accidents. You want to find an attorney that has a lot of experience with scooter accidents. Look for a lawyer who has taken cases all the way to trial, in the unlikely event your case doesn’t settle before then. Of course, with this experience, there should be a winning track record of getting appropriate settlements and judgments from insurance companies.
What are the Fees?
It’s no secret that attorneys cost a pretty penny. You want to find an attorney who works on contingency, meaning they don’t make any money until you get your settlement or judgment. Most personal injury attorneys work for a percentage of the final award amount. This is typically around 33%, and potentially more if your case goes to trial. You’ll also probably be responsible for costs such as filing fees and expert witness fees. Read the lawyer’s fee agreement closely so you understand what you’re responsible for. Don’t make the decision solely on the fee; if they’re the best, they may be worth the extra money.
Are they able to Communicate Clearly?
You’ll have a lot of questions in the course of your case. You want to have an attorney who can speak to you in a way that you understand what is going on. A lawyer sticking to legal jargon may seem impressive but you will find yourself confused in the process.
Are they respected by their Peers?
Do some research online to see what other attorneys have to say about them. Don’t be afraid to ask them what percentage of their business comes from other attorney referrals. The higher the percentage, the better. Referrals mean that other attorneys have a high amount of respect for the person you’re talking to—enough respect that they risk their own reputation on a recommendation. A good attorney is also willing to provide references that speak to their abilities. You can also contact the state bar to find out whether the lawyer has been subject to any disciplinary actions.
Do they have a Professional Office?
You need an attorney who has the resources to handle your case. This means that they have the staff capable of doing investigative work and addressing issues as they arise. It’s likely that you’ll be interacting with some of these staff members as your case progresses. An organized office space is also a good indication that the attorney is running a professional business. It’d be hard to trust an attorney who is flipping through files trying to find your case when you come in for a meeting.
When Do I need a lawyer after a Scooter Accident?
Start working with a scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible following your scooter accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.
Should I Hire a Scooter Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
A minor accident can mean different things to different people. At its most basic sense in a scooter accident, a minor collision might consist of one in which you suffered no injuries. In this case, the insurance companies would enter into the picture, assess the repair estimates for your Scooter, and compensate you accordingly.
You do run a risk in this situation, though. As we have discussed previously, you may not be aware of injuries from your scooter accident for days following the incident. If the at-fault individual’s insurer calls you right after the collision and offers you a quick settlement offer based on your Scooter damage, you have no way of knowing whether you will later experience symptoms of physical injury. Once you accept the insurance company’s offer, you will be stuck with all the medical expenses and other related losses from this injury.
By hiring a lawyer for even a minor accident, you can steer clear of making these unfortunate decisions. At the very least, consider calling a law firm for an initial consultation. Most personal injury firms offer free case reviews, and they can inform you of your options for recovering your losses.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for Scooter Accident Claims?
How much lawyers can charge for Scooter accident claims is based on the business model they use to get paid. If you hire a lawyer or firm that charges contingency fees, then you can expect that it might request a fee ranging from 33% to 40% of the settlement you receive if you win your case.
However, these percentages serve only as a guideline. A percentage can change based on your case’s outcome, so you can discuss this with your attorney before agreeing to how your payment arrangement will work. You also can speak with your lawyer about the kinds of fees that will need to be paid in your specific case and what your financial responsibility is for paying those.
Make sure you are clear about how a lawyer will bill you for the services they provide before hiring them so that there are no surprises later.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Scooter Accident Lawyer?
How much it will cost to hire a Scooter accident lawyer will depend on the attorney you choose to hire and what payment method they use. Many personal injury law firms that handle Scooter accidents choose to bill clients for services rendered using a contingency model. These firms start work on the client’s case without collecting an upfront retainer fee or billing the client by the hour. Instead, they take a percentage of the financial award their client wins if their client’s case is successful.
It is important for clients to be clear on what percentage they can expect to be charged if they win their case. Ask any questions you have, including how any changes in your case, or your case’s outcome, will affect the final percentage. Some cases do settle out of court, which could change the fee your lawyer will bill you.
What Percentage Do Scooter Accident Lawyers Take?
Scooter accident lawyers who use the contingency fee model for payment can take between 33% and 40% of your settlement if you win your case, notes the American Bar Association. The association also explains that this fee is a fixed percentage that the attorney has agreed to accept.
This percentage is a guideline. Developments in your case and your case’s outcome could affect the final percentage. You can clarify with your lawyer the amount you will pay and ask any questions you have.
The contingency fee model allows an attorney to start work on your case, so no fees are charged upfront. It also gives clients their time back so that they can focus on recovering from their traffic accidents instead of trying to come up with the attorney’s fees ahead of time.
Even if you work with a law firm that uses a contingency fee model, you could pay some fees, so confirming this in advance can help you prepare for them. These can include paying court costs and fees associated with any experts who might be involved in establishing your case, such as investigators, expert witnesses, and others.
Can You Represent Yourself in a Scooter Accident Case?
From a legal standpoint, nothing prevents you from representing yourself in a Scooter accident case. Just be certain you know what lies ahead.
If you have experience managing legal matters and knowledge of the law, can aggressively and effectively fight for your rights—and you suffered only minor injuries from the accident—you might consider taking on the matter of settling your case on your own.
One big problem you face, however, involves knowing with 100-percent certainty that you suffered only minor injuries. You might not get much of a fight from an insurance company to cover the expenses of what you assume to be a few, insignificant bruises. They could offer you a quick, no-fuss settlement, and you will be happy with how easily the whole matter resolved itself.
Consider, though, what happens if you later discover that the bruising appeared as a sign of serious damage to an internal organ. You now will have to bear the cost of potentially significant medical expenses, on top of missing time at work (income), and a host of other damages.
A lawyer knows all the possible traps you can fall into in a Scooter accident case, and they can prevent you from falling into them and damaging your ability to recover all your damages.
A Scooter accident lawyer knows how to fully calculate existing and future losses, including intangible, non-economic damages, to bundle in your demand letter to the insurer. A lawyer also has the knowledge and resources to build an evidence-back case, thereby blocking the insurance company’s attempts to deny a claim by questioning their policyholder’s fault in the accident.
How to settle a Scooter Accident claim without a Lawyer?
To negotiate a Scooter accident settlement without a lawyer, you’ll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver’s insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.
Will My Scooter Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Companies for Me?
Your Scooter accident lawyer will take the challenge of dealing with the insurance company off your shoulders, enabling you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Whether from fear or distaste, nobody likes the idea of dealing with insurance companies. An insurance adjuster’s knowledge of their own industry outmatches yours—even when you are in top health. Your reluctance to deal with them while you suffer from your physical injuries and emotional stress is understandable.
Even for the bolder individual, interactions with an insurance company can quickly turn sour. Insurers know exactly how to talk to you, what to ask, and how to prompt you to say something they will later use against you. Keep in mind, too, that the adjuster does not work alone. Just outside their office, they have access to teams of lawyers who will advise them in everything they do.
Having a lawyer to represent your best interest during interactions with the insurance companies may provide you with a tremendous relief. Rather than talk to the insurer after your accident, call a Scooter accident lawyer and let them represent you from the very start. If the adjuster tries to contact you directly, simply refer them to your lawyer.
Your lawyer can establish productive communication with the insurer, which will dovetail nicely into the negotiation phase of your claim. At this stage, your attorney can handle all negotiations with the insurance company and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How long after a Scooter accident can you claim an injury?
The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a scooter accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.
How to Build a Powerful Scooter Accident Claim
Scooter accident claims can be one by proving liability based on a preponderance of the evidence. This means the evidence must show that the defendant is likely at fault for the injuries you sustained. With that in mind, there are many types of evidence that could be used to support your case. However, there are some types of evidence used in scooter accident claims more frequently than others. These include:
- Cell phone records
- Video of the accident
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Chemical blood alcohol test results
- Driving records
- Medical records
- Receipts
- Financial documents
- Accident reconstructionist reports
- Police and crash reports
- Safety inspection reports
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the property damage
- Photos of the accident scene
The Statute of Limitations for Scooter Accidents
You generally have four years from the date of your scooter accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, per Florida Statute § 95.11. You may not be able to sue the other party if the deadline expires on your case.
Florida Statute § 95.051 lists some exceptions that can give you more than four years to take action. For instance, your case could be tolled if the at-fault driver fled the state.
Do You Have To Go to Court for a Scooter Accident?
Some scooter accident cases do not go to trial. Typically, they settle as personal injury claims before you even have to consider filing a lawsuit. However, if the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to agree to a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit so a court can decide your award.
This is why your attorney will prepare your claim as though it were a case going to trial. They will gather evidence and use their knowledge of the law to show the insurer that you do have a case that could win in court.
Insurance companies do not want to risk the outcome of a trial. They will evaluate the evidence your lawyer has obtained and check the overall presentation of facts. The more solid they assess your case to be, the more likely they are to work out a settlement.
There are law firms that work to get you fair settlement for your case. If the insurance company insists on a low settlement offer, this type of firm will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and litigate at trial for the award you deserve.
Conclusion
A scooter accident lawyer is an important resource for anyone who has been injured in a scooter accident. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a claim for compensation. Scooter accident cases can involve complex legal issues, so it’s important to have someone on your side who understands the law and can protect your interests. By working with a qualified scooter accident lawyer, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
