Electric scooters have become a common sight on Dallas streets, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, with their growing popularity comes an increase in accidents involving cars and scooters. When a collision occurs, determining liability isn’t always straightforward. Both drivers and riders may share responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Understanding who’s at fault is crucial—especially when injuries, medical bills, and lost wages are involved. That’s where guidance from a Dallas electric scooter accident attorney becomes invaluable.
Common Causes of Scooter and Vehicle Collisions
Several factors contribute to these collisions:
- Distracted Driving: A motorist checking a phone or adjusting a GPS can easily miss a rider in a bike lane.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often misjudge scooter speeds or fail to yield when turning.
- Road Conditions: Uneven pavement, debris, or potholes can cause a scooter to lose control.
- Improper Scooter Use: Some riders fail to follow traffic rules or ride on sidewalks where vehicles don’t expect them.
Regardless of the cause, Texas law requires that fault be determined based on negligence—whether it’s the driver, the scooter rider, or both.
Determining Liability: Who’s Responsible?
Liability in an electric scooter vs. vehicle accident depends on multiple factors, including road conditions, visibility, and adherence to traffic laws:
- Driver Negligence: If the motorist was speeding, distracted, or intoxicated, they are likely at fault.
- Scooter Rider Negligence: Riders who ignore signals, ride against traffic, or fail to maintain control may share responsibility.
- Shared Liability: Under Texas’s comparative negligence laws, both parties can share blame. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
A Dallas electric scooter accident attorney can help investigate the crash, review evidence, and identify the liable party so victims can pursue compensation for medical expenses and lost income.
How an Attorney Can Strengthen Your Case
After a scooter accident, it’s vital to gather evidence quickly. Surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements can all influence the outcome of your claim. An experienced Dallas electric scooter accident attorney can handle these details while you focus on healing. Your attorney can:
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Calculate the true value of your damages.
- Protect you from unfair blame or settlement pressure.
- Represent you if the case goes to court.
Legal expertise ensures that your rights are protected and your recovery is prioritized.
What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident
If you’ve been in a collision, take these steps immediately:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries can worsen over time.
- Call the Police: Obtain an official accident report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and gather contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid Discussing Fault: Don’t admit blame at the scene or online.
- Consult an Attorney: A Dallas electric scooter accident attorney can guide you through the next steps and help file a claim promptly.
Goff Law: Expert Dallas Electric Scooter Accident Attorney
When an accident turns your life upside down, you deserve a legal team that treats you with compassion and determination. Goff Law represents Dallas residents in personal injury cases involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and scooters. We understand how to navigate complex liability issues and negotiate fair settlements for injured clients.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an electric scooter collision, contact us at Goff Law today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to listen, investigate, and fight for the compensation you deserve.