Electric scooters have become a popular way to get around Newark and throughout New Jersey. While they offer convenience and an affordable transportation option, scooter accidents happen more frequently than many people realize. If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Newark, you may benefit from working with a scooter injury lawyer who understands your situation and can pursue compensation on your behalf. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has helped many victims recover damages after scooter accidents. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Scooter Injury Claim
When you’re injured in a scooter accident, you need an attorney who has the knowledge to handle your case effectively. Our firm brings decades of trial experience to every scooter injury claim we handle. Our team has recovered over $700 million for clients across New Jersey, and we apply that same dedication to scooter accident cases.
We understand the challenges that scooter accident victims face. Unlike traditional vehicle accidents, scooter injuries often involve questions about manufacturer liability, rental company responsibility, and negligent drivers. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to identify all parties who may be responsible for your injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Newark office is conveniently located at 360 Lafayette Street, and we’re available to answer your questions 24/7. If you cannot come to us, we’ll come to you—whether that’s your home or hospital room.
Common Causes of Scooter Accidents in Newark
Scooter accidents in Newark happen for many different reasons. Understanding what caused your accident is the first step toward building a strong legal claim. Some accidents result from the scooter rider’s own actions, while others stem from negligence by drivers, property owners, or the scooter manufacturer.
Defective Equipment and Manufacturing Defects
Scooter manufacturers have a responsibility to design and build safe products. When they fail to do so, riders can suffer serious injuries. Common defects include faulty brakes that don’t stop the scooter properly, wheels that collapse or fail unexpectedly, and handlebars that break or detach. Battery defects can also cause fires or explosions. If a manufacturing defect caused your accident, you may have a claim against the scooter company in addition to any other liable parties. Under product liability law, manufacturers must ensure their products are safe for consumer use.
Negligent Drivers and Road Hazards
Many scooter accidents involve negligent drivers who fail to see riders or don’t give them enough space on the road. Drivers may turn suddenly into a scooter rider’s path, open car doors without looking, or hit riders while backing up. Road hazards also cause accidents—potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and poor road maintenance can cause scooters to tip or throw riders. Property owners who fail to maintain their sidewalks or parking areas may also bear responsibility for accidents that occur on their property. These situations often fall under premises liability claims.
Common causes of scooter accidents include distracted drivers, speeding, failure to yield, defective scooters, poor road conditions, and inadequate lighting.
Injuries You Can Suffer in a Scooter Accident
Scooter accidents can cause serious injuries. Because riders have little protection compared to people in cars, even low-speed accidents can result in significant harm. The injuries you suffer depend on how the accident happened, what part of your body struck the ground or another object, and your overall health at the time of the accident.
- Head and brain injuries are among the most serious scooter accident injuries. Riders often strike their heads on the pavement, vehicles, or other objects. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent cognitive changes, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. Even concussions can have lasting effects on your ability to work and enjoy life.
- Fractures and broken bones occur frequently in scooter accidents. Riders instinctively put out their hands to break their fall, which often results in broken wrists, arms, and hands. Broken legs, ankles, ribs, and collarbones also occur regularly. Some fractures require surgery and months of physical therapy to heal properly.
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries happen when skin scrapes against pavement. These injuries cause pain and can leave permanent scars. Muscle strains, ligament sprains, and tendon injuries also occur when the body twists or impacts during an accident.
- Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most serious scooter accident injuries. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and permanent disability. Even injuries that don’t cause paralysis can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Internal injuries may not be immediately obvious after a scooter accident. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and ruptured blood vessels can develop over hours or days. Any scooter accident victim should seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Scooter Injury
Determining liability in a scooter accident is important to recovering compensation. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries, and an experienced attorney can identify all of them.
Negligent Drivers
Drivers who cause scooter accidents may bear responsibility for the injuries they inflict. This includes drivers who fail to see scooter riders, don’t yield the right of way, drive recklessly, or violate traffic laws. You can pursue a claim against the driver’s auto insurance policy to recover damages.
Scooter Manufacturers and Rental Companies
If a defective scooter caused your accident, the manufacturer may be liable. Scooter rental companies may also bear responsibility if they failed to maintain their scooters properly or knew about defects and did not address them. These companies have a duty to keep their scooters reasonably safe for public use.
Property Owners and City Negligence
Property owners must maintain their sidewalks and parking areas in a safe condition. If poor maintenance, debris, or hazardous conditions caused your accident, the property owner may be liable. In some cases, the City of Newark or the New Jersey Department of Transportation may bear responsibility if road defects or inadequate maintenance contributed to your accident.
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence standard. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. If you were more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages under New Jersey law.
Compensation You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. The amount you receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of your case.
Economic damages cover the financial losses you’ve suffered. Medical expenses include hospital bills, emergency room visits, surgery costs, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. If your injuries require future medical care, you may be able to recover those costs as well. Lost wages compensate you for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may be able to pursue damages for reduced earning capacity.
Non-economic damages compensate you for pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability, you may be entitled to additional damages. The extent of your injuries and their impact on your life will influence these damages.
In cases where a scooter accident causes death, surviving family members may be able to recover wrongful death damages. These can include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, lost income the deceased may have earned, and compensation related to loss of companionship.
What to Do After a Scooter Accident in Newark
The steps you take immediately after a scooter accident can impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. A medical professional can document your injuries, which creates important evidence for your claim. Keep all medical records and bills related to your accident.
- Document the scene if you’re able to do so safely. Take photos of the scooter, the accident location, road conditions, traffic signs, and any vehicles involved. If you were hit by a car, photograph the vehicle’s damage and license plate.
- Report the accident to the police. A police report creates an official record of what happened and may help establish liability. Get the police report number and the officer’s name.
- Gather witness information. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Witness testimony can be important to proving your case.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t repair or discard the scooter if it is defective. Keep your clothing if it shows evidence of the accident. Save all medical records, receipts, and documentation related to your injuries and recovery.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the better. We can preserve evidence, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and build a strong claim on your behalf. Call us at (973) 364-8300 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a scooter injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a statute of limitations that limits how long you can wait to file a lawsuit. For personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, this deadline can vary in limited circumstances. Contacting an attorney promptly can help you understand how the timeline applies to your situation.
What if I were partially at fault for the scooter accident?
New Jersey’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. An attorney can help evaluate how fault may be assigned in your case.
How much is my scooter injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, your medical expenses, lost wages, and the strength of the evidence. Cases involving permanent injuries or significant medical expenses may result in higher compensation than cases involving minor injuries. We can evaluate your case and provide an estimate during a free consultation.
Do I need a lawyer for my scooter injury claim?
While you have the right to handle your claim yourself, hiring an attorney can improve your ability to pursue full and fair compensation. Insurance companies often work to limit payouts. An attorney can help protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
How long does a scooter injury case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and whether the other party is willing to settle. Some cases resolve within a few months, while others take a year or more. If your case goes to trial, it may take longer. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
What evidence do I need to prove my scooter injury claim?
Strong evidence includes medical records documenting your injuries, photos of the accident scene, police reports, witness statements, and testimony regarding liability and damages. We investigate thoroughly to gather available evidence and build your claim.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to pursue fair compensation. Insurance companies may consider trial readiness when evaluating settlement offers.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free Scooter Injury Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Newark, do not wait to seek legal help. The statute of limitations limits how long you can file a lawsuit, and evidence can disappear over time. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers is ready to assist you.
Call us today at (973) 364-8300 for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Newark office is located at 360 Lafayette Street, Unit B, Newark, NJ 07105. If you cannot come to us, we’ll come to you.
Do not let insurance companies take advantage of you. Let Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
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We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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