Cities have quickly embraced scooters as a handy way to get around. They're affordable, accessible, and great for quick trips. They're budget-friendly, convenient, and ideal for covering short distances.
But riders often don't realize how unprotected they are if they get into an accident or are hit by a car. Unlike cars, scooters don't protect you at all; your only protection is the gear you choose to wear. Even with proper gear, the risk of serious injury remains because the body is fully exposed.
When you crash, your body takes the entire hit. The outcome? Injuries that can be serious, permanently damaging, and incredibly expensive.
Why Motor Scooter Accidents Are Especially Risky
Here's why injuries sustained in scooter accidents can be especially severe:
No Structural Protection
Scooters lack any protective equipment like seatbelts, airbags, frames, or reinforced structures. If you get hit by another vehicle or fall at moderate speed, you're fully exposed. There's no barrier between you and the pavement or anything else you strike during the accident.
Because scooters offer absolutely no protective features, even seemingly minor accidents can lead to serious injuries. A person in a car might walk away from a low-speed crash unharmed, but a scooter rider in the identical situation could end up with broken bones or head trauma.
Small Wheels and Instability
Scooters come with small wheels that are extremely sensitive to potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, and debris. A minor road defect that a car wouldn't even feel can make a scooter rider lose control right away and lead to falls and severe injuries.
Limited Visibility
Scooter riders are smaller and lower to the ground than most vehicles. Drivers often don't see them, particularly in busy intersections or at night. Many scooter accidents occur when drivers turn or merge without noticing a rider.
Speed Without Protection
Many motor scooters can reach speeds of 30 to 70 mph. Especially when you're not wearing protective gear. At these speeds, a fall onto concrete can result in broken bones, head injuries, and severe abrasions.
Most Common Injuries in Motor Scooter Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Road rash and soft tissue damage
The Long-Term Impact of Motor Scooter Accident Injuries
The harm from scooter accidents usually doesn't stop after the ER. Victims commonly deal with:
- Ongoing physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
- Cognitive rehabilitation to address brain injury symptoms
- Lost income during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if injuries cause permanent limitations
- Chronic pain that affects quality of life
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and depression
Healthcare costs after an accident can reach truly shocking amounts. The financial fallout leaves many victims and their families in desperate circumstances.
Legal Issues in Motor Scooter Accident Cases
Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible, especially when victims get blamed for part of what happened. That's why documenting the accident scene, getting medical treatment right away, and talking to a qualified attorney are crucial steps. Who's at fault might include:
- A negligent driver who failed to yield or was distracted
- The scooter company, if there was a malfunction
- A property owner whose property had dangerous conditions
- A city or municipality responsible for maintaining roads
An experienced personal injury attorney can look into who's liable, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and go after full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary for a Scooter Accident Case Evaluation
Scooters might seem like an easy and handy way to get around, but injuries resulting from accidents can be anything but small. Knowing what risks exist is the first step toward keeping yourself safe.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a scooter accident, getting legal help early can make a real difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.
Contact the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary today to talk about your case and look at your legal options.
We offer free consultations and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.