Muhammad Ramadan | July 19, 2023 | Personal Injury
Motor scooters have gained in popularity, especially in large cities like Chicago. Scooters are appealing because of their ease of operation and efficiency. They are much less expensive to operate than an automobile or motorcycle.
However, motor scooter accidents can result in traumatic injuries. Riders have no protection from injuries in a crash. Therefore, riders can sustain life-threatening injuries and permanent impairments in an accident with another motor vehicle, like a car or truck.
Motor Scooter Safety Issues in Chicago, IL
Scooters are very small, which makes them easy to maneuver around Chicago streets. However, their size makes them very difficult to see. Therefore, drivers may not see a motor scooter until it is too late to prevent an accident.
Even when a rider wears a helmet, there is virtually no protection from the impact of a collision. A rider can be thrown from the motor scooter and/or crushed underneath another vehicle.
The small wheels on a motor scooter can increase the risk of accidents caused by potholes and road debris. The wheels do not provide the same stability and traction as other vehicles.
Finally, motor scooter riders do not need any training or experience. Therefore, they are not prepared for the safety issues and dangerous conditions they may face.
Common Injuries in Chicago Motor Scooter Accidents
The victims of motor scooter accidents can sustain several injuries. Common motor scooter accident injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Back injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Concussions
- Nerve damage
Some injuries could result in disabilities and impairments that change your life forever. Seek immediate medical treatment after a motor scooter accident in Chicago. Prompt medical care improves your chances of recovery and helps with your personal injury claim.
What Causes Motor Scooter Accidents in Chicago?
Negligence is a common factor in motor scooter accidents. However, defective parts, weather conditions, and road conditions can also be factors. Common reasons for motor scooter accidents include:
- Motorist negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failing to yield the right of way
- Malfunctioning and defective scooters
- Inattention by scooter drivers
- Hazards on roads, including potholes, cracks, and debris
- Inexperienced motor scooter operators
- Failing to check blind spots
- Splitting lanes with other motorists
One or more parties could be liable for a motor scooter accident. It is crucial to investigate the accident to determine the cause of the crash and identify all responsible parties. The injured victim has the burden of proving negligence and liability to recover compensation for their damages.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Motor Scooter Accident Claim?
The damages you receive depend on the facts of your case. However, most motor scooter accident victims can recover a settlement for their economic and non-economic damages. Examples of damages in a motor scooter accident case include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical bills and expenses
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Lost wage and benefits
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expense
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
- Diminished earning capacity
- Long-term skilled or nursing care
The value of your damages depends on your injuries and other factors. If you share liability for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by Illinois comparative fault laws. If a jury finds you are more than 51% to blame for causing the motor scooter crash, you cannot receive any money for your claim.
What Should I Do After a Motor Scooter Accident in Chicago?
Remain at the accident scene and call 911. Police and EMS respond to provide help and investigate the accident. Tell the officers what you remember about the accident without accepting any fault for causing the crash.
If possible, take photographs and make a video of the accident scene. Get the contact information and names of witnesses and bystanders. Their testimony could prove very valuable in proving fault.
Do not refuse medical treatment or say you are fine. That gives the impression you are not injured. If you do not go to the hospital, see your doctor as soon as possible. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan or get a second opinion so the insurance provider cannot accuse you of failing to mitigate damages.
When you can, contact a Chicago motor scooter accident lawyer for advice. Insurance companies often blame the scooter rider for causing the accident, regardless of fault. Insurance adjusters paint riders as reckless.
Hiring a lawyer to handle your insurance claim and personal injury case lets you focus on your recovery. It also means that you have someone on your side with the skills and resources to fight for a fair settlement.
Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 929-2884