Scooters are common in most cities, including Chicago, making them vulnerable to negligent drivers. If you get hurt in a scooter-car accident, let our lawyers determine who is at fault. Once we identify the liable party, we can pursue compensation against them.
Often, negligent drivers are responsible for accidents involving electric scooters. Drivers might ignore small scooters or veer into bike lanes, potentially hitting scooter riders. Drivers who are drunk, tired, or distracted may be more likely to hit scooter riders. Proof of fault includes eyewitness statements and accident photos, both of which we can gather for your case. Once we prove the negligent driver’s fault, your economic and non-economic damages should be covered.
Call the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 to discuss your case for free with our Chicago personal injury lawyers.
Who’s at Fault if a Car Hits a Scooter in Chicago?
Electric scooters are a growing mode of transportation in Chicago and other cities. Riding electric scooters is permitted there, although there are some fundamental rules that riders must follow and off-limits areas, such as certain trails and parks. Like any other motor vehicle accident, if a negligent driver hits you while riding your scooter, they are likely at fault.
Fault is a key factor in Chicago motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars hitting pedestrians, bikers, or electric scooter riders. Illinois is a fault state, meaning the victim gets compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
Car drivers are typically at fault for accidents with scooters. Drivers might ignore much smaller scooters or fail to see them in blind spots. Tired or drunk drivers might veer into bike lanes, which scooters can also use in Chicago, hitting riders.
If you’re hit while riding your electric scooter, you might suffer serious injuries. Road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spine damage, and broken bones are among the most common injuries for scooter accident victims, making determining fault and seeking compensation paramount.
What Evidence Proves Fault in a Scooter-Car Accident Case?
Let our experienced lawyers get the evidence you need to determine who’s at fault for a scooter-car accident, and prove their liability.
Eyewitness Testimony
Chicago is known for its bustling streets and sidewalks. This often benefits victims, due to the high likelihood of eyewitnesses witnessing a collision. If possible, speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information.
We may also contact eyewitnesses after obtaining their information from a police report, so don’t worry if you couldn’t speak to them and had to go straight to the hospital.
Eyewitness testimony can corroborate yours and align with the facts our Illinois personal injury lawyers present in your lawsuit. In fact, it is such strong evidence that eyewitness testimony may compel the defense to give a sizeable out-of-court settlement and forgo a trial.
Accident Photos
Even if the vehicle that hit you was a small passenger car, it’s much larger than your electric scooter. Photograph any damage you can see on your scooter. While a car or truck might not sustain much damage at all in a crash with a scooter, you can still photograph small dents or scratches.
You may also photograph the greater area. Pictures may show you were in the bike lane when the reckless driver hit you, or give other useful context to the crash.
Video Footage
Most businesses in Chicago, as well as many homes, have security cameras. These devices can produce strong evidence, showing the exact sequence of events that led to your crash. We must reach out to preserve the video footage immediately, as it may be deleted within several days or weeks of the collision.
What if You Share Fault for a Scooter-Car Accident?
Defendants sometimes argue that plaintiffs share fault for their injuries, hoping that this reduces their damages under Illinois’ modified comparative fault rule. We can anticipate this potential argument, explain how comparative fault might affect your case, and work hard to maximize your compensation regardless.
Plaintiffs may file lawsuits, so long as they are not more than 50% at fault for an accident. Sharing some of the blame doesn’t block you from suing, but it does reduce your damages based on your involvement.
Certain evidence might directly contradict comparative fault arguments. For example, suppose eyewitnesses can testify that you were riding your scooter firmly in the bike lane, not veering into the other driver’s lane of traffic as the defendant suggests. In that case, comparative fault arguments from the defense may fail.
What Damages Does the at-Fault Party Have to Pay After a Scooter-Car Accident?
Like after any motor vehicle accident involving bikes or pedestrians, the negligent driver is liable for all economic and non-economic damages the victim incurs in a scooter accident.
Medical Expenses
Even if struck at slow speeds, victims might be thrown from their scooters and suffer bad injuries. Even if you wear a helmet, you could sustain a traumatic brain injury in a scooter-car accident. Let us keep track of all medical bills and expenses after a crash so we can make accurate requests for relief.
Lost Wages
Tell us if you miss any work after a scooter-car crash in Chicago. We will seek compensation for all lost wages, current and future. Don’t try to return to work prematurely or against your doctor’s advice, as this might hurt your claim for lost wages.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Property damage costs, child care services, transportation accommodations for wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and any other out-of-pocket expenses from a scooter-car crash are compensable.
Pain and Suffering
Like any car accident victim in Chicago, scooter riders may seek non-economic damages from negligent drivers. Pain and suffering can be hard to quantify, so let us calculate and fight for these damages on your behalf.
Call Our Attorneys for Help After a Scooter-Car Accident in Chicago
Call (312) 578-8502 for a confidential and free case evaluation from the Evanston, IL personal injury lawyers of the Rhatigan Law Offices.
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