Scooters are vulnerable to accidents. Depending on the size of the scooter, they may be even more vulnerable than motorcycles, especially if they are low powered and cannot keep up with the flow of the traffic. Scooter riders are often seriously injured in scooter accidents. They are usually thrown from their machines and are injured as they strike the ground or if they are dragged along the ground by another vehicle. Broken bones, lacerations and more severe injuries such as spinal damage and brain damage are very real possibilities. Like motorcyclists, scooter riders may find it hard to get insurance cover when they ride their scooters and are often denied PIP cover, even in no-fault states. That makes it even more important to pursue a personal injury claim if evidence of negligence can be obtained.
Medical Bills from a Scooter Accident
Medical bills must be paid by the injured scooter rider unless the rider has personal health insurance which covers them, or they can recover the cost of treatment through a personal injury claim. The cost of medical treatment obviously depends on the exact nature of the injuries but usually consists of some combination of the following:
- Cost of the ambulance ride to a hospital;
- Doctor’s examination and assessment;
- Scans, tests and x-rays;
- Medication;
- Surgery;
- Hospital fees including stay in a hospital bed and food;
- Anesthesia;
- Equipment needed either temporarily or permanently, such as wheelchairs, crutches and prostheses.
Property Damage Bills After a Scooter Accident
The most common property damage in a scooter accident is the damage to the scooter itself. Scooters are relatively light and easily thrown on to one side. At the least, there may be scratches and dents on the scooter’s bodywork. Parts of the scooter that stick out like handlebars, mirrors, lights, brake and gear controls are easily damaged. At the worst the scooter may be irreparable and may need to be scrapped and replaced. There are other items of property that could be damaged in a scooter accident. These include the rider’s clothes, helmet, electronic items that were being carried and anything else of value that was carried on the back of the scooter.
How a PI Claim Can Help Pay Bills After a Scooter Accident
A personal injury claim may be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurer if there is sufficient proof that he / she was to blame for the scooter accident. You will need convincing evidence that you were not at fault and it was the other driver’s negligence that caused the accident. Typically, medical bills, the cost of repairing or replacing property damage, lost earnings and an amount for pain and suffering are included in a personal injury claim.
Why Working With a Lawyer Makes Sense
A personal injury lawyer should be consulted as soon as possible after initial treatment. The lawyer can assess the chances of a successful personal injury claim and advise what sort of evidence and other documentation should be obtained. Most PI lawyers provide free initial consultations and defer legal fees until a final payment has been negotiated.
Additional Resources
