Electric scooter (e-scooter) accidents are a growing problem in the United States due to the e-scooter’s increase in popularity in recent years. A report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that injuries involving e-scooters and other micromobility products increased by 21 percent from 2021 to 2022. Understanding the most common causes of e-scooter accidents can help you prevent or avoid them.
Distracted Drivers
Driver distraction is a significant hazard for all road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for at least 3,522 deaths in 2021, or 8 percent of all fatal crashes. If a driver operates a motor vehicle while his or her eyes are not looking at the road, hands are not on the wheel or mind is not on the driving task, he or she could cause an e-scooter collision.
Cell Phone Use
Cell phones are the most dangerous type of driver distraction because they meet all three types: visual, manual and cognitive distraction. New Mexico combats this risky and widespread habit by outlawing text messaging and talking on a handheld cell phone while driving. Despite this law, however, many drivers still put motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and e-scooter users at risk with cell phone use.
Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Many other examples of dangerous driver behaviors also contribute to e-scooter collisions in New Mexico. Motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility, known as a duty of care, to drive with reasonable caution and prudence to prevent accidents. Failing to meet this duty of care in any way constitutes negligence.
Examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding
- Violating traffic laws
- Driving while intoxicated
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield a scooter the right-of-way
- Making illegal left-hand turns
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Following or passing too closely
- Driving recklessly or aggressively (e.g., road rage)
These risky driver behaviors can cause a motor vehicle to strike an e-scooter and potentially inflict life-changing injuries on the rider. In these cases, the motor vehicle driver can be held liable with an at-fault insurance claim, meaning his or her insurer will be responsible for paying for the victim’s injuries, medical bills and other losses.
Poor Road Conditions
Scooters are lightweight vehicles that are vulnerable to dangerous road conditions and hazards, such as cracks, uneven road surfaces, debris and potholes. It is the government’s responsibility to regularly inspect public roads and remedy any discovered or known hazards. If a road is allowed to fall into a dangerous state of disrepair and this leads to an e-scooter accident, the victim could hold the government liable.
E-Scooter Defects and Malfunctions
Many e-scooter accidents that have been reported in the U.S. are caused by product or software defects. Issues with the e-scooter’s software could lead to dangerous malfunctions mid-ride, such as the electric scooter coming to an abrupt stop without warning.
Electronic motor issues, flat tires, bad brakes and damaged handlebars may also lead to harmful e-scooter accidents. In these cases, the manufacturer could be held responsible for the defective vehicle with a product liability claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an E-Scooter Accident in New Mexico?
If you have recently been involved in an e-scooter accident in Albuquerque, contact the attorneys at The Fine Law Firm for a comprehensive overview of your case. We can investigate your e-scooter accident to determine its cause and identify the responsible party or parties. Then, if we believe you have grounds for a personal injury claim, we can help you file the paperwork and seek fair financial compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.