How do I claim compensation for an e-scooter accident?
There has been a significant rise in e-scooter accidents and a corresponding increase in the number of people making personal injury claims.
In Avon and Somerset, e-scooter collision casualties have soared from just eight people in 2020 to 96 people last year.
The picture is the same across Britain – in 2021 there were 1,280 collisions involving e-scooters compared to 460 in 2021 and nine people killed last year compared to one person in 2020.
What is behind the increase in e-scooter accidents?
Fast-growing popularity is probably the biggest pointer, influenced no doubt by the fact that e-scooter users are one of the most vulnerable road user groups.
Although wearing a helmet is recommended, it is not compulsory and e-scooter riders are not always easy for other road users to see.
The latest government statistics also show that:
- Male e-scooter riders are the most likely to be injured – making up 75% of casualties where gender is recorded;
- More serious injuries include head injuries or broken arms and legs;
- In 2021, three people broke their neck or back and three had internal injuries.
What is the law on e-scooter use?
It is illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes.
The only exception is using rental e-scooters, which are limited to 15.5 miles an hour, as part of a government-run e-scooter trial up and running in various locations all over the country.
You must be 18 or over and have a full or provisional driving licence.
The trial in Bristol is being run by Voi and 4.8 million rides have been taken on Voi e-scooters in the city since the trial launched in 2020, according to Matthew Pencharz, the company’s Head of Public Policy for UK and Ireland.
Can I make a compensation claim for an e-scooter injury?
There are a number of scenarios in which you may be able to do this:
- If you are using an e-scooter and are injured because of another person or driver’s negligence;
- If you have been injured as a pedestrian by an e-scooter rented out under the government’s trials. The company involved should have insurance in place which makes pursuing a claim more straightforward;
- If you have been injured by a privately-owned e-scooter. Even though it’s currently illegal to ride one of these on public roads, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau – which provides compensation for victims of accidents caused by uninsured and untraced drivers – may be able to help.
Should I get specialist legal advice after an e-scooter accident?
Yes and it’s important to take prompt action as time limits for making a claim apply.
If you have been involved in an e-scooter accident, please contact Wards Solicitors’ Accident and Injury team, ranked as a leading firm in the 2022 edition of the independent Legal 500 guide.
Partner Helen Boyd, a recommended Legal 500 lawyer, is highly experienced and is noted as a ‘vastly experienced and a first-rate lawyer’.
She has specialised in Accident and Injury law since qualifying in 1992 and has been a member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel since 2008.
Get in touch
Contact any member of our Accident and Injury team or call Helen Boyd on 01275 850470, email: Helen.Boyd@wards.uk.com