Las Vegas Scooter Accident Lawyer

Electric scooters are a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for residents and visitors to use when navigating themselves throughout the city of Las Vegas. Although it offers benefits that make it convenient for people to travel, it does raise some concerns for its lack of protection.

Even if you are cautiously riding on the road, you can still run into negligent drivers or dangerous hazards. Either scenario can affect your safety and ultimately trigger an accident to occur. With no protective barrier surrounding you, the chances of sustaining a serious or fatal injury is relatively high.

If you were involved in a scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to take legal action against them to seek damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Las Vegas legal team is readily available to assist. We have over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. Due to our successful track record of delivering client satisfaction, we are confident that we will secure a reasonable settlement on your behalf.

To schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced scooter accident lawyer, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Electric Scooter Laws in Las Vegas

As e-scooters continue to be a reliable source of transportation in Las Vegas, lawmakers have created legal structures to address certain aspects of its operations. Below are some established rules and regulations that are required to be followed by scooter riders.

• Electric scooters can be ridden up to 15 mph on roadways, bike paths, lanes, or designated routes. (Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.785)
• Scooter riders can use sidewalks and other pedestrian areas, but cannot go over the posted speed limit if it is specified in an ordinance enforced under Nevada Revised Statute 484A.469.
• Electric scooters must have lamps, reflectors, and brakes installed. (Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.783).
• Scooter riders cannot turn from their current course while on the road unless it is safe to do so. If a turn is made, the operator will need to give an appropriate signal to communicate their intention to enter a different path. Signals are not required if the scooter rider is in a designated turn lane or, under certain circumstances, the safe operation of an electric scooter requires the operator to keep both of their hands on the handlebars (Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.768).
• To communicate signals to other motorists, scooter riders will need to extend their right hand and arm horizontally and to the right side of the motorized vehicle. (Nevada Revised Statute 484B.769)

Common Causes of a Scooter Accident in Las Vegas

It is important to understand the common causes of scooter accidents outlined below to help promote safer road conditions and to influence people to take preventative measures to reduce the number of possible cases.

Negligent Drivers

Negligent drivers often exhibit the following actions:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Drowsy driving

You may file a scooter accident lawsuit against the liable party to seek damages. Under such a case, it is encouraged to hire a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, for assistance. Our Las Vegas scooter accident lawyers will examine the situation and determine what necessary steps should be taken to get you fair compensation.

Road Hazards

Road hazards, like potholes or debris, can trigger an e-scooter rider to lose control over the motorized vehicle and get thrown off of it. This can result in minor to fatal injuries depending on how intense the fall was. Given the scenario, a claim can be submitted against the property owner or government entity in charge of maintaining the area.

Low Visibility

Scooter riders who experience low visibility will have a difficult time detecting oncoming vehicles and hazards ahead. Common factors that can obstruct an operator’s perspective of the road include the following:

• Darkness
• Smog
• Weather conditions, like rain, hail, or fog

Poor Maintenance

Electric scooter companies must design, produce, and sell scooters that are in usable condition. If any defective parts are present, they should:

• Get it recalled
• Have it replaced or repaired
• Notify customers about the problem

Failing to fulfill either of these actions can ultimately lead to a collision. Potential defendants in such a case may include the:

• Manufacturer
• Distributor
• Other entities associated with the chain of distribution

Common Scooter Accident Injuries

Scooter riders are defenseless against drivers and road hazards, meaning that they are more prone to sustain bodily harm. Common injuries that may occur after a scooter accident include the following:

• Broken bones
• Dental injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries

Liability in an Electric Scooter Accident

Determining liability in an electric scooter accident would require you to gather evidence that incorporates the elements of negligence. You must show how:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• The defendant’s reckless behavior caused you to suffer injuries and/or damages

Since Nevada follows the modified comparative negligence law, all parties will be evaluated to identify the amount of recklessness committed. Once it has been calculated, compensation will be distributed accordingly. If it is found that you were at fault for more than 50 percent of the collision, you will not be entitled to receive damages.

In the sections below, we will discuss who could face legal repercussions for contributing to a scooter accident.

Scooter Riders

Scooter operators that are inexperienced or negligent are likely to trigger a collision. This can be due to the following reasons:

• Failing to yield to pedestrians or drivers
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals
• Dangerously overtaking other motor vehicles or bicyclists
• Speeding
• Riding while under the influence
• Aggressively traveling on Las Vegas roads

Motorists

Although motorists are required to provide a duty of care to others, some may go against traffic laws and exhibit reckless driving behaviors. Since they are surrounded with a protective barrier, they are more likely to endure less severe outcomes compared to scooter riders.

Scooter Manufacturers

Scooter manufacturers will need to monitor the condition of each product they design, produce, and sell to ensure it is safe for consumers to purchase and use. If a faulty part is present, it must be fixed or should be notified to the new scooter owner. Failing to do either of these could cause the motorized vehicle to lose function and crash into a nearby object.

In such a case, you will be granted four years from the date of when the collision took place to file a product liability claim against the at fault party.

Government Entity

Government entities need to resolve poor road conditions in a reasonable amount of time. Overlooking the problem can lead to several accidents. Injured victims can pursue legal action against the government agency for failing to fix these issues. You will be given two years from when the incident took place to file a lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Las Vegas?

The statute of limitations for a scooter accident claim in Las Vegas is two years from the date of when the event occurred. Although you are given a substantial amount of time to take legal action against the negligent party, you should act quickly to ensure you have enough evidence to build a strong claim and the right Las Vegas scooter accident lawyer to represent you.

Failing to submit your lawsuit before the deadline will cause you to lose your opportunity to recover compensation.

Damages Available in a Las Vegas Scooter Accident Case

Damages available in a Las Vegas scooter accident case will depend on what unique factors are involved in your situation. Each plaintiff will experience a different cause and effect, meaning that settlement amounts will vary.

Common types of compensation that are typically awarded in scooter accident cases include economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible, financial costs that are a direct result of the scooter accident. This includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible, non-monetary losses, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Our Las Vegas Scooter Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you were involved in an electric scooter accident, you may be entitled to sue the liable party to obtain damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Las Vegas legal team will help you hold the opposing side accountable for their negligent behavior and get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.

To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, we welcome you to reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.