Bird is an electric scooter company that allows customers to rent electric scooters for a flat fee using their smartphone app. With e-scooter sharing companies like Bird becoming more prominent recently, so have the number of e-scooter accidents.
E-scooters are advertised as convenient and environmentally conscious but can be dangerous. If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a Bird e-scooter accident, the New Mexico attorneys at Rochelle McCullough are here to help. We will carefully listen to the circumstances of your case and discuss whether you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Types of Bird E-Scooters
Bird has used several e-scooter models for its rentals. Earlier Bird scooter models included Bird Ninebot ES2, Bird Ninebot ES4, and Bird Xiaomi M365. Segway manufactured the Ninebot models. Xiaomi, a Chinese electric company, made the Xiaomi models. These models have a history of breaking when vandalized and are not very durable.
More recently, Bird began manufacturing scooters in-house to control costs better. Bird designed the Bird Zero, which now accounts for most of Bird’s fleet. Bird has been experimenting with the Bird One model, which has a 30-mile range and can be purchased rather than rented. Bird Two scooters have sensors intended to self-report any damage they sustain to Bird. Bird Three is the newest model, including a beginner’s mode with improved sidewalk detection.
Common Types of Bird E-Scooter Accidents
The lack of detailed rules about how to ride Bird e-scooters and negligent and reckless driving habits and high speed have caused thousands of accidents. Hospitals have noticed an increase in emergency room visits due to scooter accidents. Most of these accidents involve one of these four categories of accidents:
- The accident involved the Bird E-scooter rider
- The accident involved a pedestrian and an e-scooter
- The accident involved a motor vehicle and an e-scooter
- A pedestrian tripped and fell over an e-scooter lying on the sidewalk
Damaged E-Scooters
Bird pays people to collect e-scooters that have been used and bring them inside to recharge. Those tasked with collecting scooters are supposed to look for and report any damage to the scooters, but there is no real way to enforce this policy.
When a damaged e-scooter that hasn’t been repaired causes an accident, the victim can pursue compensation from Bird. Defective brakes and steering components can make e-scooters impossible to maneuver. Similarly, if a defectively designed or manufactured e-scooter causes an accident, the victim can bring a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Inexperienced Riders
While using an e-scooter can be quick and affordable, many riders don’t have enough experience to use them properly. Many e-scooter accidents involve riders who were in the middle of their first e-scooter ride when they were injured. Bird scooters are designed to drive around 20 miles per hour. This may not seem like a high speed for motor vehicle drivers, but 20 miles an hour can be too fast for inexperienced riders.
At higher speeds, they may more easily lose control of the vehicle. Bird encourages users to wear helmets and watch their safety videos, but only some customers do. When riders don’t know how to operate a scooter safely, they’re more likely to collide with a pedestrian, bicyclist, or vehicle.
Distracted Scooter Riders and Drivers
Distracted scooter drivers may collide with scooter drivers and cause devastating injuries. Tourists frequently use e-scooters as a quicker way to see a new city than walking. However, they may be distracted by taking in the landmarks and historical features of the city. In other cases, drivers texting, talking, or eating while driving may not see the e-scooter driver in time to avoid a collision.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions can be particularly hazardous for e-scooter riders. While a passenger vehicle’s tires may be able to roll over a piece of debris, an e-scooter’s tires are much smaller. A relatively small piece of debris, pothole, or other dangerous condition can cause the rider to fly off the scooter and collide forcefully with the asphalt or concrete. The following road conditions can cause devastating injuries, such as:
- Deep potholes that throw riders off their scooters
- Poorly designed sidewalks and intersections
- Poorly laid sidewalk blocks
- Cracks in sidewalks caused by tree roots
- Icy or wet public sidewalks
Proving Liability
Speaking to an attorney is crucial if you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident. An attorney can help you determine which party or parties are at fault for your injuries. For example, if you were injured while riding a defective or poorly maintained scooter, Bird may be liable for your injuries.
If you were a pedestrian injured by a negligent E-scooter rider, you may be entitled to compensation from the scooter rider. Pedestrians who trip and fall over e-scooters may have a valid claim for compensation from the local government if it assumes responsibility for discarded E-scooters, the driver who left the e-scooter in the middle of the sidewalk, and Bird. Finally, if you were riding an e-scooter and a motor vehicle driver caused your injuries, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
Compensation Available in E-Scooter Accident Cases
Many e-scooter riders do not wear helmets when they’re involved in an accident. As a result, head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common. Fractures, soft tissue injuries, back and neck injuries, or a combination of multiple injuries are also common. Severe injuries can result in over a million medical expenses over a victim’s lifetime.
Pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit allows victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, loss of earning capacity, and other damages.
Discuss Your Case with Our Dallas Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys
Electric scooter accidents can happen anywhere, and several parties are usually involved, including the scooter company, the other driver, and you, the scooter rider. As a result, e-scooter cases can be quite complex. As the victim of an e-scooter accident, you must understand your legal rights. Don’t hesitate to contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Rochelle McCullough to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation.
We extend our personal injury legal services to help clients throughout Texas, including Dallas, & Fort Worth, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.