If you are in an accident while riding a scooter, do not hesitate to contact our legal team at Galloway Jefcoat for immediate help. Our extensive experience and dedication to our clients help us effectively represent injury victims. Set up a free consultation.
Our scooter accident lawyer in Lafayette is available to discuss your case. Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
Why Scooter Accidents Are Growing and What Your Rights Are
Electric scooters are a convenient and environmentally friendly way for just about anyone to ride around Lafayette. In fact, these vehicles are so convenient and easy to use that many people fail to consider how dangerous they can be. If riders are not careful, they can get into a crash with a car or lose control and fall off, resulting in severe injuries. Riders can also cause drivers and pedestrians to suffer severe injuries.
Crash victims may be able to pursue compensation for the injuries and damages they suffered, but the legal process for these cases may be complex. Galloway Jefcoat’s Lafayette electric scooter accident lawyers have detailed knowledge of state and local laws regulating the use of these vehicles. We know how to determine liability and build detailed cases for victims.
Our firm has been helping injured victims in Louisiana for more than 30 years. Founding partner John Jefcoat is a Lafayette Parish native who attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. We have obtained millions for our clients, and there are no upfront costs for our services. Call today to learn about the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
How Does the Louisiana Government Define an Electric Scooter?
It is important to distinguish between electric scooters and other vehicles that are somewhat alike. In Lafayette Parish, an electric low-speed scooter refers to a vehicle with the following features/characteristics (§ 32:300.1.1):
- Weighs less than 100 pounds
- Handlebars
- Electric motor
- The vehicle can only be powered by a motor or human power
- Max speed of 20 mph on paved, level surfaces
Companies like Bird and Lime make these types of scooters available in many cities in the nation. Scooter operators must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
Where Can Electric Scooters Be Operated in Lafayette?
Electric scooters can be operated in any of the following places in the City of Lafayette or the unincorporated Parish of Lafayette in bike lanes, sidewalks, or any two-lane road that has a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Riders cannot do any of the following while operating electric scooters:
- Ride with more people than the scooter was designed to carry
- Attach themselves to the scooter or another vehicle
- Carrying anything that prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars
- Operate two scooters at the same time
- Tow anything, including a scooter
- Text while on the move
When these vehicles are operated on sidewalks, riders must yield to pedestrians and wheelchair users. Riders must also give an audible signal before they pass a pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Electric Scooter Liability and Claim Rights
If you were injured in an accident involving an e-scooter and you have reason to believe the crash is someone else’s fault, there may be a case. However, there are many aspects that must be carefully considered to determine if you may be able to recover compensation. This is why victims may wish to consult an experienced law firm to determine their legal options.
The victim in a scooter accident could be the rider, a pedestrian, or even a driver. For instance, drivers could swerve to avoid a scooter and crash into a car or a fixed object. Our Lafayette electric scooter accident lawyers are prepared to take on any of these types of cases. The initial legal consultation with one of our lawyers is free of charge, and there is no obligation to hire our firm for your claim.
Electric scooter accidents can cause devastating injuries to riders, pedestrians, and drivers. Most people ride scooters without helmets or other protection. It is not recommended to do so, as falling off these vehicles while they are in motion could cause broken bones, head/brain injuries, and long-lasting soft-tissue damage.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Causes of Scooter Accidents in Lafayette
Scooter accidents happen throughout Lafayette, especially in Downtown Lafayette, along the busy commercial and cultural areas near Garfield Street, and in the residential areas off Johnston Street. These accidents change the lives of victims in an instant, putting people at risk for preventable reasons. There are a variety of e-scooter crashes that may result in a claim for compensation:
- Distracted Rider/Driver Accidents: Drivers are not the only ones whose eyes or attention are on something other than driving. Scooter riders may get distracted and stare at their phones instead of keeping their eyes on what is in front of them. This could result in a high-speed collision between a car and a scooter or a scooter and a pedestrian.
- Intersection Accidents: Pedestrians, scooter riders, and drivers need to be careful at the most dangerous intersections in Lafayette, especially when turning or crossing. Drivers often do not keep an eye out for pedestrians, bicyclists, or people on electric scooters. Scooter riders might try to cross when they do not have the right of way. Drivers might check for oncoming traffic when turning right, but fail to look for pedestrians or e-scooter riders.
- Sidewalk Collisions: This includes collisions between scooter riders and pedestrians, cars, or fixed objects like storefronts or road signs. Neither scooter riders nor pedestrians have any protection from injury in a collision. Although e-scooters are slower than motorcycles, they can still go fast enough to generate a tremendous amount of force in a collision.
- Poor Road Conditions: Scooter accidents may occur due to potholes, overgrown areas that reduce visibility, or debris blown onto the road.
- Mechanical Issues: There are some situations where the scooter’s brakes fail, the throttle sticks, or other mechanical failures occur, causing the accident.
If you were involved in these or any other type of scooter accident, call Galloway Jefcoat to discuss legal options. Our scooter accident lawyer in Lafayette can help evaluate liability and discuss your legal options.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Scooter Accident in Lafayette?
Drivers, scooter riders, and potentially pedestrians could be held liable for an e-scooter crash. If the driver caused the crash, you may be able to seek compensation from his or her liability insurance. Louisiana is an at-fault state, which means drivers are financially liable for the damages they cause in a crash.
If you were a pedestrian and got hit by an electric scooter, you may be able to seek compensation from the liability insurance of the scooter rental company. Drivers may also be able to seek compensation from the rental company’s insurance policy if they were in a crash caused by a scooter rider.
Injured pedestrians and drivers might have a claim against the rental company itself if there was a problem with the scooter, such as failing brakes. The rental company may have known about the problem and failed to fix it or take the scooter out of service until the issue was fixed.
Scooter rental companies are required to maintain records of maintenance and repair activities for at least three years. They must also maintain records of complaints from members of the public, such as complaints about mechanical problems with the scooters.
Who Cannot Be Held Liable for Scooter Accidents?
However, under regulations set by the City of Lafayette and Lafayette Parish, the following parties cannot be held liable for damages or losses related to the use of an electric scooter:
- City of Lafayette
- Parish of Lafayette
- Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government
There are always limitations and considerations to these rules. If you were in an accident, no matter who is at fault, contact our scooter accident lawyer in Lafayette to discuss your legal options.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Electric Scooter Crash
There are several reasons people choose to consult an electric scooter accident lawyer. First, know that the statute of limitations in Louisiana for personal injuries like this is two years, meaning you have time to act, but you should act quickly. Your attorney can help ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline.
Next, there are some things you can do after your accident that could help your case, including taking photos of the area and the damage you have. You also need to seek medical care immediately. By taking these steps right after your accident, you create a strong foundation.
Then, seek the help of a scooter accident lawyer in Lafayette. Our legal team goes to work to do the hard work necessary to build your case and hold those who hurt you accountable. There are many reasons why you need an experienced Lafayette electric scooter lawyer to manage your case.
Determining Liability
Sometimes the liable party may be obvious, such as if it is a driver. In these situations, our lawyers may be able to seek compensation from the driver’s liability insurance.
However, many other e-scooter accidents may be more complicated. For example, a scooter rider may have caused the accident because there was something wrong with the scooter. Maybe the brakes failed, or the throttle got stuck. In these situations, the e-scooter rental company may be responsible for providing a defective scooter.
Our scooter accident lawyer in Lafayette will gather available evidence to evaluate liability. We build cases based on evidence, and that means it may be more difficult for insurance companies to dispute your claim.
Building a Case
Once liability has been determined, it is up to the victim to prove that another party breached a duty of care and connect the breach to the accident. This can be challenging if it is one party’s word against another’s.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we deal with these types of situations every day. We know how to gather evidence of liability for an accident. We also know how to gather evidence regarding the relationship between a clients’ injuries and the accident.
For example, we know how to gather evidence about a defective scooter and how to evaluate an accident to determine what happened. Our Lafayette car accident lawyer may work with medical and accident experts when appropriate.
Managing the Legal Process on Your Behalf
When you hire our firm, you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Our attorneys manage the process on your behalf. We are committed to guiding clients through the legal process.
That means you do not need to spend time talking to the insurance company or negotiating for compensation. Not having to deal with the insurance company protects you. We will handle the entire negotiation process without you feeling overwhelmed or unfairly pressured.
The legal process can be confusing, but just having a scooter accident attorney in Lafayette at your side makes all the difference. Having legal representation can affect how claims are evaluated and handled.
Filing a Lawsuit
While most cases are settled, sometimes the insurance company denies the claim or does not offer the compensation you need. In these situations, you may need to file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you need. At Galloway Jefcoat, we have taken many cases to court on behalf of our clients.
Trial experience may be an important consideration when selecting legal representation. The insurance company will know there is a possibility of a lawsuit, which may affect settlement discussions.
If we have to go to trial, know that our trial-proven attorneys are ready to be your advocate. Though rare, we will advocate for your interests through the court process.
Types of Injuries After a Scooter Accident
Electric scooter accidents can be incredibly dangerous. Falling off a scooter or getting hit by a car while riding a scooter could result in severe injuries, such as:
- Broken bones, including severe fractures in the arms or legs
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe knee injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
These injuries can be quite expensive to treat, and some could affect victims for several months or more. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries have the potential to affect victims for the rest of their lives.
Forms of Compensation That May Be Available
At Galloway Jefcoat, we know how devastating personal injuries can be to your health, finances, and ability to work. We also know there can be an emotional component to these injuries, as many victims experience physical and mental pain and suffering. Our attorneys are committed to pursuing compensation for damages allowed under the law, including:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Home or vehicle modifications to accommodate a long-term disability
We can help evaluate potential sources of recovery that may be available. We work to pursue compensation supported by the facts and law applicable to your case.
Contact Galloway Jefcoat’s Lafayette Scooter Accident Lawyers
The accident may be a result of another’s negligence, and you may have the right to seek compensation to pay for your hospital bills, lost wages, and other damages. While compensation cannot change what occurred, it can be a vital part of the recovery process.
The Lafayette scooter accident attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat represent injured victims in claims involving alleged negligence. We have been a trusted advocate for the injured for more than 25 years. There are no upfront costs. The initial legal consultation is free of charge, and there is no obligation to hire our firm.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
