Scooter Accidents
Navigating scooter accidents in Colorado
In the sunny streets of Colorado, scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate the cityscape. However, their rising popularity comes with an increased risk of accidents.
Scooter accidents in Denver and across Colorado are frequently caused by the negligence of motor vehicle drivers. The urban environment and dense traffic conditions create significant hazards for riders, who are inherently more vulnerable due to their exposure and smaller representation on the road
Legal Help in Colorado is dedicated to supporting victims of scooter accidents, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Colorado laws are designed
to protect scooter users
The law requires that drivers in Colorado report to the police any car accident that causes injury, death, or property damage. Police departments can determine their response to minor accidents where no apparent injuries occur. In addition, drivers must provide reasonable assistance to anyone who was injured in the accident, including calling emergency services if necessary. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve rendering aid by transporting or making necessary preparations to ensure that such individuals receive medical or surgical treatment from a physician, surgeon, or hospital.
Laws that protect scooter users:
In Colorado, electric scooters are treated like bicycles, allowed on roads and bike lanes. Scooter users must follow the same traffic laws as cyclists, ensuring their safe integration into traffic.
Colorado doesn’t mandate statewide helmet use for adult scooter users, but some cities require helmets for all riders, especially minors, to increase safety and reduce head injury risks.
Colorado sets speed limits for electric scooters according to the power of the scooter and the location of the rider to reduce accident risks. Restrictions on scooter usage during high traffic times and in certain areas also enhance safety.
Colorado law allows scooter accident victims to seek compensation for negligence-induced accidents. This includes recovery for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. An experienced scooter accident lawyer can help make this process smoother and more effective.
Colorado mandates that scooter rental companies carry liability insurance to cover injuries and damages from accidents. This ensures compensation for victims and protects both riders and the public.
Common causes of scooter accidents
Scooter accidents in Colorado are a growing concern, reflecting the broader national trend as electric scooters become a popular mode of urban transportation. These compact and agile vehicles offer an appealing alternative for short commutes, avoiding parking concerns, and navigating congested city centers. Yet their integration into the traffic system has faced several issues.
Excessive speed
Failure to yield
Navigating high-traffic areas
Who is at fault for a scooter accident?
Determining fault in scooter and bicycle accidents in Colorado requires a thorough understanding of state traffic laws and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Fault determination follows similar principles but accounts for nuances specific to each type of vehicle.
Understanding Colorado's law on negligence
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a party can recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. The amount of compensation awarded will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if a cyclist is found to be 30% at fault in an accident with a car, and the damages amount to $10,000, the cyclist could recover 70% of the amount, or $7,000.
Understanding and proving fault is critical not only for recovering damages but also for implementing preventive measures to reduce future accidents. As such, whether you’re a scooter rider or a cyclist in Colorado, knowing your rights and responsibilities can be pivotal in the event of an accident.
Accidents involving rental scooters
Accidents involving electric scooters from rental companies such as Bird, Lime, Lyft, Razor, and Spin may present challenges in establishing liability. Because these rental companies typically have customers sign a liability waiver, it may be difficult to establish liability.
In certain cases, it may be possible to establish fault if a rented scooter accident involved a negligent driver and resulted in injuries or hospital bills. While the rental company is typically not at fault due to carefully crafted liability waivers, it’s possible the driver may owe compensation of medical bills to the rider. This depends on a number of factors, so it is best to contact one of our experienced bicycle and scooter accident attorneys as soon as possible following such an incident.
Help in Colorado doesn’t want to add additional financial burden following your scooter accident, which is why you won’t owe us a dime unless your case wins!
Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Dedicated.
We are your personal injury team.
Available 24/7 to take your call: (720) 743-3682