New York E-Scooter Accident Attorneys
We Can Help You Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
Both privately owned or Rent-to-ride electric scooters, or “e-scooters,” are the latest micro-mobility fad to hit New York’s busy streets. E-scooter rental companies, including Bird and Lyme, advertise these devices as fun, trendy, and cost-effective transportation options. However, state lawmakers and safety organizations tend to have mixed feelings about these vehicles. Just recently have they finally become legal in New York.
The following safety concerns have been linked to electric scooters:
- These devices are unstable by design.
- Scooterists are vulnerable to distracted and speeding motorists.
- Roadside clutter and uneven pavement can easily overturn a scooter.
- Drivers are not used to seeing these devices on the road.
- E-scooters lack built-in safety features, and companies don’t provide customers with helmets.
- Electric scooters are popular with young and inexperienced riders.
- Before renting a scooter, customers need to read an extensive (skimmable) liability waiver that protects the company from certain civil lawsuits.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Crashes
- Road Hazards: From debris in the road to potholes and uneven surfaces, there are numerous hazards scooter riders can encounter that might cause them to lose control.
- Lack of Visibility: Electric scooters are significantly smaller than cars and trucks, which makes it more difficult for drivers to see them when making turns or changing lanes.
- Crashes with Motor Vehicles: Riders remain incredibly vulnerable while on board these products. Whether by being "doored" or other interactions with motor vehicles on the street, the risk remains very real for the user.
Last February, a Consumer Reports investigation revealed that there were over 1,500 e-scooter injuries reported in 2018. According to the report, “Several doctors at trauma centers told CR they’ve been treating serious injuries related to e-scooters since the ride-share fleets were launched.
A scooterist can sustain the following injuries and more during an accident:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Concussions and contusions
- Nasal fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple bone fractures
- Neck injuries
Sarah Holder, a staff writer at CityLab, wrote “Anatomy of an Electric Scooter Crash” after she was injured by a malfunctioning electric scooter. In her article, Holder describes how she has ridden scooters with broken brakes, sticky accelerators, and faulty motors, all dangerous issues that can result in severe and even fatal injuries.
Why Are E-Scooters Dangerous?
As of 2018, over 85,000 e-scooters were available for public use in about 100 US cities. Needless to say, these powerful little machines are all the rage these days. If you choose to ride an e-scooter, we encourage you to take the necessary precautions. Time and time again, we see riders who have run into issues with these scooters, so much so that we have developed standard protocol for the steps we need to take in these cases. According to a study published in JAMA Surgery, the number of scooter-related injuries and hospital admissions in the United States grew by 222% between 2014 and 2018, resulting in more than 39,000 injuries. Another study conducted by the CDC showed that for every 100,000 e-scooter trips taken, 20 individuals will have an injury. Some other jarring statistics about the dangers of e-scooters include:
- 48% of the individuals injured in these studies were between the ages of 18-29, meaning that young adults are suffering the most from the dangers of e-scooters
- 38% of the individuals injured reported that they would ride an e-scooter again, which leads us to believe that these injuries are not interfering with the popularity of e-scooters
- 33% of those injured were first-time riders
- Nearly 50% of those injured sustained a severe injury
- Individuals were most likely to become injured in the evening or early morning between the hours of 6pm and 6am
So what is it that makes e-scooters such a liability? For one, many riders approach these machines with a false sense of confidence because they are not given clear instructions on the best ways to ride them and their potential dangers. This means that sometimes, the crashes can be a user issue, but other times, the poor design and lack of communication with customers is to blame. Below are some features of e-scooters that make them particularly dangerous:
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I highly recommend Cathy if you’re looking for a lawyer who is persistent, professional, and truly cares about her clients. I was hit by a taxi cab while riding my bike, and the process to get a settlement took much longer than expected due to COV
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"Went above and beyond to get a favorable settlement"Dan and his team were quick to respond after my bike accident and went above and beyond to get a favorable settlement.- Jared
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"Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming"After being hit on my bike, Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming. Daniel himself explained everything thoroughly and I felt supported throughout the whole process with followup from his team. Super grateful to have found Daniel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.- Cody
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"Phenomenal Team!"The team here is nothing short of phenomenal. I reached out about my case on a Sunday afternoon from the hospital and we spoke before the evening was over. Since then, they have been happy to answer any question I have, and walked me through the entire process from handling my no-fault insurance to ultimately getting a settlement offer.
To any cyclist in search of a lawyer who understands the challenges of biking in this city, look no further than Daniel and his team.- Conor -
"I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence."Almost 4 years ago I was struck by a delivery truck while on my bike and suffered a shattered wrist. Cathy Flanzig guided me through the process of bringing a suit against the company that owned the truck and the driver. Ms. Flanzig was professional and compassionate and realistic throughout the whole process. I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence.- Kathe D.
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"Combination of legal expertise with a compassionate approach"If you are in search of a lawyer who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to client care, look no further than Daniel Flanzig and his team at Flanzig and Flanzig. From start to finish, Daniel not only holds an impressive depth of legal knowledge, especially in bicycle laws, but also a remarkable commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Daniel took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of my case, patiently listened to my concerns, and provided clear, concise explanations of the legal strategies available. This level of transparency and communication instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance during what was initially a daunting process. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.- Runa R.
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"Supported me since DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey!"Daniel Flanzig was with me on DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey through the fractured legal system following a serious bicycle accident which left me with two broken wrists. The thirteen day hospital stay included surgeries on both, titanium plates implanted on both, and a severe challenge to my mental health and way of life. Unfortunately, I needed two
more surgeries on the significantly more damaged right wrist. Dan navigated me through the strained New York City Medical System, still struggling in late 2021 from the wrath of COVID. When the lawsuit needed to be moved to New Jersey, Dan seamlessly transferred the case to Joseph G. Hughes. Both men proved to be upstanding attorneys and outstanding human beings, emotionally invested in my traumatic, drawn-out experience, and committed to reaching the settlement deserved. After matters were resolved by Mr. Hughes, I received a call from Dan, closing this chapter of our time together, but cementing a lifelong connection filled with the utmost respect and gratitude.- Marty Keiser -
"Helped me through a difficult time with great results!"I recently suffered a grievous injury being struck by a drunk driver while cycling, when dealing with short-term disability, hospital bills, and all manner of associated paperwork I received care and support from the lawyers at Flanzig & Flanzig. Can't recommend their services enough, they really helped me through a difficult time with great results!- Brandon W.
Who Is Liable When an E-Scooter Accident Occurs?
Electric scooter litigation is an untested legal field with an alarmingly small body of precedent. The transportation companies have established and lobbied for legal loopholes that make it difficult to for accident survivors to obtain civil justice in a traditional sense. If you’re interested in pursuing damages after an e-scooter accident, then you’re going to need the services of an innovative, knowledgeable, and experienced personal injury attorney.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have grounds to file a claim against the following entities:
- A negligent motorist
- A negligent Truck or Bus Operator
- The City of New York or another municipality for a road defect
- Construction company or Utility company for road defect
Why Choose Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP?
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Leaders in the Safe Streets Movement
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Committed Advocates for New York Cyclists
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Top-Rated New York Attorneys
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Dedicated to Helping Cyclists
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Free Consultations
Why Flanzig and Flanzig for an E-Bike or Scooter crash?
The laws involving e-bikes, e-scooters, Revel mopeds and other alternative forms of transportation are changing rapidly. Some of these companies even include liability provisions that riders electronically sign, without proper notice, limiting their rights to file lawsuits. Daniel Flanzig has actively been involved in e-bike legislation and micro-mobility legislation for over the last 7 years and has even given testimony in front of the New York City Council on the amendments to e-bike legislation in the City. He is well versed in the law on these products as well as the cause of crashes during their use. As one of the few attorneys in the New York area skilled in this area of practice, we can offer a unique ability to represent your interests when involved in this type of crash.
In 2019, Daniel Flanzig participated in one of the first Continuing Education Programs in the Country focused on e-scooter litigation. A link to the presentation is here.
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