Electric scooters like Bird and Lime are popping up everywhere around metropolitan cities across the country. These scooters aim to help America’s growing affordable transportation needs.
Unfortunately, not all drivers and scooter riders take the care needed to avoid collisions. Of course, scooter riders are much more vulnerable to injuries than car drivers are, which makes it particularly important for riders to do what is necessary to stay safe.
However, it’s not always possible to avoid accidents, even when you do everything right. Here are eight things you should do if you’re injured in a Bird or Lime scooter accident:
#1 - Assess your injuries.
The first step to take after being involved in a scooter accident is to check for injuries. Adrenaline is pumping through your veins, which can make it more difficult to identify your injuries. Be gentle with yourself to avoid exacerbating any damage that you’re unaware you’ve sustained in the crash.
#2 - Seek prompt medical care.
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s in your best interest to get checked out by a doctor. Just because you don’t feel severely hurt doesn’t mean you are completely uninjured. Sometimes, injuries can take hours or even days to materialize, which means you won’t necessarily feel the pain of your injuries right away.
#3 - Contact the authorities.
It’s critical that you contact the police if you’re involved in an electric scooter accident. Having a police report that describes the events as they occurred can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. This document is very valuable proof that you did not cause the accident that led to your injuries.
#4 - Get the contact information from the person who hit you.
Whether it was a car driver, another scooter rider, bicyclist, motorcycle rider, or anyone else that struck and hurt you, make sure to obtain the following information from them:
- Name
- Contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Auto insurance information
#5 - Take photographs and videos of the accident scene.
Be sure to take several photos of the following from many different angles, if possible:
- The accident scene
- If a vehicle was involved, a photo of their license plate
- Any visible injuries (if applicable)
- The property damages of anyone else involved
- The face of the person who caused the crash
- The roadway where the accident occurred
It may also be useful to take a video or two of the crash scene to help prove details about the incident that you may not think to take photos of while you’re in shock.
#6 - Get the contact information of any witnesses present.
Having a witness who saw the accident as it occurred can be very valuable to your case. Be sure to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw what happened.
#7 - Save all relevant documents.
It’s in your best interest to retain and make copies of all documentation related to the accident, including:
- Doctor’s office visit records
- Medications or medical equipment receipts
- Physical therapy bills
- Invoices and receipts for all other expenses associated with your injury or the accident
- All other documents related to your injury or the accident
- Documentation proving lost income from the number of workdays you missed during your recovery
#8 - Contact a skilled personal injury attorney.
Having experienced legal representation on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you’ve been hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should be compensated for your losses. Let our team see if we can help you recover what’s rightfully yours.
Call our experienced Nashville team at Witherington Injury Law today at (615) 697-6503 for a free consultation.