Bicycle Accident Lawyer
In the spring of 2018, venture capitalists dropped electric scooters by the scores on select towns across the country. Municipal laws banning the electric ride-sharing vehicles were non-existent – who could have anticipated grown adults would flood the streets with toys reminiscent of their youth? The bombardment of scooters on streets, trails and sidewalks provoked city administrators to ask the California-based entrepreneurs to suspend their ride-sharing businesses while councils could weigh the practicality of electric scooters on city streets and carve out some light rules and regulations until more comprehensive legislation could be written. The E-Scooter visionaries prevailed in most locales while town representatives were left scratching their heads.
In most niche cities, e-scooters are treated much like bicycles. A bicycle accident lawyer Indianapolis, Indiana listens to believes that cyclers in cities with bicycle infrastructure have injury rates approximately fifty percent lower than cities without bicycle lanes. The Rules and regulations regarding rider-assisted shared electric vehicles are sparse to say the least. Each municipality has adopted a list of regulations that may differ from one city to another. The following is a general list of common-sense rules adopted by various cities, but before renting an e-scooter or electric bicycle, check your local rules before you take to the road.
- Drivers must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
- E-Scooters must be operated on the streets; in bike lanes wherever they exist; and on trails only where permitted.
- Drivers are generally not permitted to operate e-scooters on sidewalks.
- Cities differ in parking requirements. Dockless e-scooters may be left on the sidewalk – not on city streets. Each city requires a margin of sidewalk space for pedestrians, wheelchairs and people with disabilities. Check your city’s regulations before you park, or you may contact your bicycle accident lawyer to learn more.
- Vehicles may not be parked in front of ramps or doors
- In cities where e-scooters are permitted between sunset and sunrise, most jurisdictions require the vehicle must be equipped with front and rear lamps.
- In states where helmets are not required by law, e-scooter companies encourage the operator to wear a helmet and may, in fact, provide one upon request.
There is a genuine need for quick, cheap and easily accessible transportation in congested cities like San Diego, LA, Indianapolis and DC. E-scooters allow urbanites to travel relatively short distances in no time at all, from one office to another or across town for a quick lunch break with a friend. The scooters have also enjoyed popularity as a prime attraction for tourists or a brief time-out for an energetic downtown workforce to burn off steam.
Know and follow the rules of e-scooter safety in your jurisdiction. Failure to abide by the rules may cause harm to another rider, cyclist, or motorist and you may personally be held responsible for their injuries. On the other hand, if you are injured by the negligence of another driver, do not discuss your accident on social media or with the press before you contact your bike accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN residents rely on.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into bicycle accidents and personal injury claims.