E-scooters are relatively new additions to our roads, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. If you’ve been injured whilst riding an e-scooter, or you’ve been injured by an e-scooter colliding with you, Slater and Gordon may be able to help you claim compensation.
Our team of expert car accident lawyers are considered industry leaders, with a significant amount of expertise in handling all manner of road traffic accident claims.
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, which means that to be used on public roads or in public spaces, you must have a driving licence and the e-scooter must be taxed and insured.
When you rent an e-scooter, operators are required to provide an insurance policy as part of their rental agreement. They can then be used in public, and should be ridden in cycle lanes or by the side of the road, as you would if you were cycling.
Privately owned e-scooters are different. It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it’s illegal to use them in public. If you do, the police have the authority to seize the scooter for no insurance.
As e-scooters are still relatively new additions to our roads, the law around their use can be quite complex and susceptible to change as the transport gains transaction. Inevitably, this is likely to cause some confusion around what to do in the case of an e-scooter accident, and you may be left wondering if you can make a claim.
Our expert solicitors can advise you on whether you can get compensation for your accident and guide you through this process.
What are the common causes of e-scooter accidents?
As the number of e-scooters on the road is increasing, unfortunately, so are the number of accidents. E-scooters can reach excess speeds of 30mph, which can be difficult to control as they have limited breaking capacity and riders often don’t wear protective gear.
Pedestrian accidents can occur if you trip over a dangerously parked e-scooter or if you’re hit as a pedestrian by someone riding an e-scooter on the road or pavement.
You might also be injured as an e-scooter rider by another car or vehicle driving negligently on the road. E-scooter riders often have lack of visibility on the road, making them vulnerable to accidents.
You can also make a claim if the rental e-scooter you were using was faulty or if the road surface you were driving on is dangerous such as having potholes.
Why do I need a lawyer after a road traffic accident?
Cardiff-based personal injury lawyer, Nick Collins, explains the benefits of seeking legal advice after a traffic accident and the various options of compensation that a lawyer can provide.
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What are the types of e-scooter accident claims?
You can make a claim if you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident as a result of someone else’s negligent behaviour, either whilst riding an e-scooter, as a pedestrian or if you’ve been injured in a collision with one. A claim may even be brought against the local authority if the road you were riding on had a defect such as a dangerous pothole.
If you’re injured by a rental e-scooter, the scooter rider should have insurance and the process for claiming compensation is the same as if you were hit by a car or motorbike.
If you’re injured by someone riding a private e-scooter, the rider is almost certainly uninsured. However, the lack of insurance doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing the claim. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) deals with claims against drivers who don’t have insurance, essentially stepping in and acting as an insurer for them.
If you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you’re uninsured, you may still be able to make a claim. Case law suggests that not having insurance is not a sufficient criminal offence to stop you from making a claim. In all cases, it’s worth talking to us about your e-scooter accident claim and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What are the most common injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents?
Similar to pedestrians or cyclists, e-scooter riders are particularly vulnerable road users, and so accidents can have a devastating impact on their daily lives. Some common injuries include:
Brain damage
Serious fractures
Spinal cord injury
Whiplash
All of these injuries can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’ve had a serious injury following an e-scooter accident, get in touch today.
How can I make a claim following an e-scooter accident?
If you’ve suffered an e-scooter injury through someone else’s negligence, you can make an e-scooter accident claim by speaking to one of our expert and professional solicitors, who can help you through this process. It’s important that you gather as much evidence as possible through photographs, witnesses and medical reports – get in touch online or by calling 0330 041 5869 so we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
Kenny Jackson
What rehabilitation and treatment can I receive as part of my claim?
If you’ve suffered a serious injury, we’ll work with you to get you the high-quality rehabilitation and treatment you need to improve your chance of recovery. Early interim payments are a key part of our strategy to avoid any financial hardship and make early rehabilitation possible for you as we deal with your case. These payments can help with things you need such as physiotherapy, specialist nursing and house adaptations. We also work closely with charities and organisations that can provide you with additional advice and support if you need it.
Even after we’ve settled your case, our solicitors will still be there to provide you with invaluable advice and support when you need it, at any point in your life.
If you've suffered an injury as a result of an e-scooter accident, contact us today and one of our specialists will be in touch.
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
The law surrounding the use of e-scooters can be complex and continues to evolve as the use of e-scooters becomes more popular. It’s therefore crucial that you choose lawyers who specialise in this area of law.
We’re one of the UK’s largest and leading consumer law firms, with a number of offices nationwide, providing end to end services for all of your legal needs
We’ve received a number of awards recognising our expertise
We’re ranked highly in independent legal guides
We aim to produce the best possible outcome on every case
We offer No Win No Fee funding so there’s no financial risk to you
We work closely with a range of charities throughout the UK to provide you with additional support and guidance
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
What evidence will I need to be able to pursue an e-scooter accident claim?
To successfully make a e-scooter accident claim, you’ll need to be able to prove that you were not to blame for the accident, and that the accident caused your injuries.
If you are able, try to collect as much information as possible from the scene of the accident, including photographs and the contact details of any witnesses. This information will help your solicitor build a case to prove who was responsible for the accident.
What’s the cost of making an e-scooter accident claim?
We understand that your injuries might already be causing you financial hardship, especially if you’re unable to work as a result of your injuries. That’s why we offer a No Win No Fee promise for e-scooter injury claims, which means that if you don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay your legal costs and there’s no financial risk involved in making a claim. Instead of worrying about how to pay for your legal representation, you can focus on your recovery.
How long does an e-scooter accident claim take?
There is no definitive timeline as every case is different, and the extent of your injuries will influence how long it takes to get compensation. It also depends on whether the person you believe was responsible for the accident accepts responsibility. However, as we’re experts in road accident claims, we’ll strive to achieve the best possible results as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What are the time limits for making an e-scooter accident claim?
Under UK law, you have three years from the date of your e-scooter accident to make claim. There are certain circumstances in which this time limit may change; for example, if you’re claiming on behalf of a child, or someone who lacks mental capacity to do so for themselves, or if your accident happened abroad.
It’s always best to speak to a specialist road traffic accident solicitor to discuss your personal circumstances in more detail. To get in touch, call us on 0330 041 5869 or reach out online, and we’ll be able to help you start your claim.
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson