Micromobility options like electric scooters and e-bikes have transformed how Dallas residents commute, combining speed, convenience, and sustainability. But behind the convenience is a sharp rise in injury rates, especially in urban areas.
Understanding the risks associated with these devices is important, especially if you or a loved one has been injured. Knowing when to contact a qualified Dallas electric scooter accident attorney, like Goff Law, could make all the difference in how your case unfolds.
A Surge in Traumatic Injuries
There has been a dramatic surge in micromobility injuries, with a near 22-fold increase in e-bike injuries from 2017 to 2022 and a 6.6-fold rise in e-scooter injuries. This surge isn’t just about more riders, it’s about more severe outcomes – higher-speed crashes, and more complex legal scenarios.
Emergency departments across the U.S. are seeing a steady stream of e-scooter and e-bike riders with traumatic injuries. Head trauma, facial fractures, broken limbs, and internal injuries are among the most common outcomes. If you’ve been injured in a micromobility incident, A Dallas electric scooter accident attorney can help you understand your medical and legal options.
Severity of Injuries: E-Scooters vs. E-Bikes
When comparing injury severity, e-bikes generally result in more complex and serious trauma. E-bike riders had significantly higher odds of sustaining internal organ injuries and fractures, while e-scooter riders are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Researchers reviewed over 250,000 emergency department cases and concluded that although e-scooter accidents were more common, e-bike accidents were often more dangerous.
E-bikes typically travel faster, causing the force of impact greater when a crash occurs. E-scooter riders are more likely to fall due to unstable surfaces, curb strikes, or sudden stops. Helmet usage was also significantly lower among e-scooter riders, which correlates with the higher TBI rates.
Demographics and Risk Factors
E-scooter users are more likely to be younger riders, often college students or tourists. They are also less likely to wear helmets or understand local traffic laws. This contributes to a high volume of preventable injuries, especially from alcohol use or nighttime riding. E-bike users, frequently older and commuting longer distances, face different risks like vehicular collisions and mechanical failure.
Alcohol and drug involvement play a significant role. According to CDC data, around one-third of e-scooter injuries involved intoxicated riders. This raises questions of liability, both personal and from a third-party perspective.
The Rise of Micromobility Injury Cases
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has noted that micromobility devices caused an estimated 233 deaths from 2017 to 2022. Many of these incidents stemmed from faulty devices, poor road conditions, or shared-lane collisions with vehicles. As Dallas and other cities scramble to adapt their infrastructure, riders are often left vulnerable.
Poor maintenance of rental devices also contributes to the problem. Shared scooters and e-bikes may have worn brakes, unresponsive throttles, or malfunctioning lights. In these cases, multiple parties may be liable, such as the device manufacturer, rental company, or even the city.
Legal Complexities and What to Do Next
When it comes to e-scooter or e-bike injuries, liability isn’t always clear. Unlike car accidents with well-established insurance norms, micromobility claims often lack straightforward paths. Many rental companies include complex user agreements, which may waive certain legal claims.
An experienced attorney understands how to challenge these waivers and pursue just compensation. Contact a Dallas electric scooter accident attorney to evaluate your situation today and get legal advice that could make or break your case.
Goff Law: A Dallas Electric Scooter Accident Attorney
Goff Law has a strong reputation for helping clients injured by electric scooters, e-bikes, and other micromobility devices. Whether you were hit by a negligent driver, injured due to a malfunctioning scooter, or hurt navigating unsafe city infrastructure, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a micromobility accident, reach out to us at Goff Law, your trusted Dallas electric scooter accident attorney.