If you have spent a little time in the downtown section of a large city, you probably noticed several scooters moving passengers through heavy traffic. It is not just in large cities where you can find portable scooters.
The two-wheel form of transportation has become a huge hit among a wide variety of age demographics for several reasons. Scooters do not leave much of a carbon footprint and the newest mode of transportation avoids getting stuck in heavy traffic.
Because of the rising popularity of scooters, there has been a significant uptick in the number of accidents involving the two-wheel “vehicle.” According to Consumer Reports, there were 1,545 accidents in the United States during 2018 that involved an electric scooter.
How do you handle an accident with a scooter? Do you need a police report and if there is no police report in an accident with a scooter, what steps should you follow to ensure you file a convincing insurance claim?
Reasons for No Police Report
Let’s say you are backing down your driveway when you hit someone operating an electric scooter. The impact is minor and the owner of the scooter appears to be in good condition. The fact that the accident happened on private property means law enforcement will not get involved by writing up a formal report. With a minor accident, you might be able to proceed with collecting information, without needing a police report to accompany an insurance claim.
However, you should at least contact your local police department to determine whether the accident is serious enough to involve law enforcement. A formal police report is the most persuasive piece of evidence used by insurance carriers to make claim decisions.
Playing the Role of Detective
Without the presence of police, it will be your responsibility to collect the compelling evidence needed to file a successful claim. Start by taking photos of the accident scene. You want images of the damage caused to your vehicle, as well as the damage suffered by the operator of the scooter.
Your insurance company will want to know the condition of the road or pavement where the accident took place, as well as the weather conditions on the day of the accident. Foul weather, such as a blinding rainstorm, can contribute to an accident a motorist has with a scooter.
Anecdotal evidence in the form of witness accounts of the accident lend support for the physical evidence you collect. Witness accounts carry much more weight, if the accounts are issued immediately after the accident. The longer you wait to interview witnesses, the more likely the accounts of the crash will change.
Make sure to exchange contact information with the owner of the scooter. As of early 2020, most states require scooter riders to own some type of bodily injury and property damage insurance coverage. If that is true for your state, exchange insurance information with the owner of the electric scooter.
Never let a scooter accident investigation proceed, without first consulting with a state licensed personal injury attorney. Most personal injury lawyers schedule free initial consultations with new clients.
Additional Resources
- Determining Negligence if You Were Hit While on a Scooter
- Tips for Working With A Personal Injury Attorney
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against the owner of an electric scooter, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
