Motor scooters are becoming more and more popular throughout the country. Though not yet legal in New York City, many can be seen on the streets of the five boroughs. A powerful lobby is actively working to make these vehicles legal all over the city, and an e-scooter company has already begun pilot programs in certain parts of the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. In addition, electric-assist bicycles (that also involve pedaling) are now permitted in New York. Certainly, motor scooters will be an increased presence in New York once they become legal and one or more companies that rent them move in permanently. Although there will probably be new legislation to restrict the use of these vehicles in terms of speed and lane usage, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will have to adapt to their presence. Unfortunately, another category will be added to traffic accidents in New York.
There are dangers involved in any type of mobility, even walking. If you are injured while riding a motor scooter in a collision with a larger vehicle, your injuries are likely to be severe. At the same time, however, the presence of motor scooters on our streets presents one more hazard to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. If you are seriously injured in a traffic accident in New York in which someone else was at fault, you should consult with a first-rate personal injury attorney at Scaffidi & Associates. When you contact us, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys will work to protect your interests and win you the substantial compensation you deserve.
Why Motor Scooters Have Become So Popular
Traveling by motor scooter offers many advantages, including:
- Low cost
- Cheaply powered
- Easily paid for through apps
- Easily maneuvered
- Helpful to the environment (reduced emissions)
- Dockless (can be picked up and dropped off just about anywhere in the city)
While some New Yorkers can’t wait for motor scooters to become available for inexpensive commutation, others fear the complications these vehicles will cause, both in terms of the dangers they present to the general public and in terms of collecting appropriate damages for those injured in motor scooter accidents.
Why Motor Scooters Are So Dangerous
While efficient, cost-effective, and fun to ride, motor scooters provide no real protection for those who ride them since there is no cage of metal to protect riders. Also, because the scooters travel relatively slowly (as a result of legal restrictions and because they are incapable of moving more quickly), riders may not be able to avoid a faster-moving vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Also, because of their small size, motor scooters are far less visible than other vehicles, not only to traffic, but to pedestrians. For these reasons, major injuries and fatalities are not uncommon in motor scooter accidents.
Who do we sue to get you the compensation you deserve?
We know all too well that those who ride inexpensive vehicles often have minimal insurance coverage. We also know that large companies that rent motor scooters have deep pockets when it comes to insurance coverage. We will, therefore, likely look for significant damages to be paid by the insurance of the companies providing these vehicles for public use.
A great many motor scooter accidents involve only one vehicle. Solo crashes can be the result of unrepaired potholes, slippery road surfaces, fallen branches, or other debris. If you have been seriously injured as a result of such a solo crash, you can depend on our investigative team to assess whether the city, county, or town is liable for the lack of repair or street cleaning that has led to your injuries. Whether you were injured riding a motor scooter or being hit by one, our legal team will negotiate & litigate forcefully to win you the damages to which you are entitled.
Types of Motor Scooter Injuries
Tragically, before motor scooters even become legal in New York, we know that once they do there will be severe injuries resulting from their use. The injuries recorded in other states that already make full use of motor scooters include fractures, road burns, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, organ damage and traumatic brain injuries. Each of these injuries involve emotional, as well as physical, trauma, and result in enormous expenses for the patient and his/her family.
Types of Compensation Scaffidi & Associates Will Work Hard To Win
If you are seriously injured in a motor scooter accident for which another party is at fault, you are entitled to:
Economic damages to reimburse your financial costs, including those for:
- Medical, surgical, and rehabilitative expenses
- Out-of-pocket medication costs
- Loss of income, present and future
- Long-term care costs related to permanent disability
- Property damage
Non-economic damages to reimburse you for intangible consequences of the accident, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only awarded if the defendant has behaved in a particularly egregious manner, such as by breaking the law or acting maliciously. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant while simultaneously discouraging others from similar misconduct.
Contact Our NYC Motor Scooter Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love is seriously injured in a motor scooter accident in New York, call the accomplished traffic accident attorneys at Scaffidi & Associates. We have the knowledge and skill to win you the damages you deserve. Not only is your initial consultation free, but you will pay no attorneys’ fees until we win your case. Call us or contact us through our website. We’re eager to help.