No-Fault Law Involving Scooter Accidents in New York

The use of scooters has increased significantly in New York. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a rise in the number of accidents involving them.

If you are a victim of a scooter accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. However, you might be required to have no-fault insurance depending on the type of scooter you use. Further, these accidents can happen in various ways, such as involving pedestrians, cars, or other hazards, and multiple parties could be held liable for your injuries. The damages you could be entitled to receive will depend on the specific details of your case.

Call The Carrion Law Firm today at (718) 841-0083 to receive your free case review with our New York personal injury lawyers.

No-Fault Law and Scooter Accidents in New York

Scooters in New York are classified as motor vehicles and must meet the state’s motor vehicle insurance requirements. How your scooter is classified under state law, and the type of scooter you have will determine the requirements. Our Brooklyn personal injury attorneys are knowledgeable in this developing field of law and can help you determine what no-fault laws apply to your case. Liability insurance can assist in paying for any damages or injuries you might cause to others while operating your scooter.

Motorized Scooters

If your motorized scooter is considered a limited-use motorcycle, it will be subjected to similar regulations as motorcycles described in Veh. & Traf. Law § 410. These types of scooters possess engines larger than 50cc or are capable of exceeding 30 mph. In the event that you possess a motorized scooter that falls under this category, you are obliged to acquire liability insurance coverage. Having liability insurance is advantageous as it aids in covering the expenses that might arise from injuries or property damage caused by your scooter use.

Electric Scooters

E-scooters are electrically powered with smaller engines, according to Veh. & Traf. Law § 125, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles does not consider e-scooters to be standard road vehicles. Therefore, there is no requirement for e-scooter registration or insurance coverage.

Electric scooters are permitted in New York but must follow certain rules. They can only be operated on highways with speed limits of 30 MPH or less, and local authorities have the power to regulate their use. Sidewalk use is only allowed if authorized by local law or ordinance. However, it is crucial to verify the specific scooter insurance regulations in your locality with local authorities since they might differ among municipalities in New York State.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Scooter Accident in New York

There are several parties that could be held liable for a scooter accident in New York, depending on the circumstances. In the event of a pedestrian being hit by a scooter, the responsibility for injuries or damages typically falls on the scooter driver. Conversely, if a pedestrian intentionally causes a scooter to crash, they might be held liable for any resulting harm or damage to the driver.

When a collision between a car and a scooter occurs, liability might be attributed to the party who failed to adhere to traffic laws or caused the accident, or it might be shared between both parties.

If a scooter malfunctions, the manufacturer might be held liable for any injuries or damages resulting from a defective product. In cases where a non-operational scooter causes injury, such as if a pedestrian trips over it and falls, the manufacturer might be held responsible. Additionally, poorly maintained roads or unmarked hazards that cause scooter accidents might result in liability for the city.

How Our New York Scooter Accident Lawyers Can Support Your Case

It is becoming increasingly common to see people riding scooters in New York. Despite their convenience, they can still lead to serious accidents and injuries. If you were hurt as a scooter rider or as a result of one, we are here to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. Our team can handle every aspect of your case to ensure that your rights are protected, and all available legal options are explored.

Identify the Liable Parties

Our attorneys can assist you in determining who is responsible for your injuries, which is a crucial aspect of your case. Scooter accidents happen quickly, so investigating the cause of the accident is necessary. If you were the scooter rider, there could be several parties responsible for your injuries, including other drivers or individuals on the road. For example, a reckless bicyclist could cause a collision with a rider.

On the other hand, if you were a cyclist or pedestrian injured by a scooter, our team can help you obtain compensation from the negligent scooter operator in such cases.

Obtain Evidence

In order to receive compensation for your injuries, it is essential to provide evidence that the other party was responsible for the accident. There are various sources from which evidence can be obtained for a scooter accident. The evidence will not only be used to determine liability but also to demonstrate the financial damages that have been incurred, which usually include medical records and employment records that show lost wages.

It can be challenging to gather evidence after being involved in a scooter accident. Depending on the location of the accident, security or traffic cameras might have captured it. We can help you investigate your claim and gather the necessary evidence.

Secure Witnesses

It is possible that there were witnesses to your scooter accident, especially if it occurred during a commute to or from work, which is common for bird scooter accidents. If anyone offers to help, we can reach out to them and arrange for their testimony. Additionally, even if you did t speak to any witnesses, the police most likely conducted an investigation and created a report. If a witness was interviewed by the police, their contact information should be included in the report.

Determine the Value of Your Claim

Our team can assist you in assessing your claim to ensure that you receive the compensation that you rightfully deserve. In some instances, the injuries you have sustained might necessitate long-term treatment or might limit the type of work you can perform. Our law firm can help you arrange for medical professionals to provide testimony that will establish the extent of your injuries, especially in severe cases.

Our New York Scooter Accident Attorneys Can Help

For a free case evaluation with our Bronx personal injury attorneys, contact The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.