Man on E-Scooter Killed After Being Hit by Semi-Truck
Posted Friday, June 18, 2021 by Chris Thayer
Authorities continue to investigate a tragic incident that occurred earlier this week, in which a man riding an e-scooter was hit and killed by a semi-truck. The man, who was in his 50s, was reportedly weaving in and out of traffic when he was hit by a semi-truck making a right-hand turn. It is believed that he did not see the semi-truck (and vice versa). The man initially survived the accident but then died of his injuries.
*E-Scooter Fatalities on the Rise * E-scooters have become increasingly popular in cities and college towns nationwide over the past couple of years. However, as their popularity has increased, so too have the dangers associated with riding them. In most cases, cities and areas that allow e-scooter rentals have no infrastructure to actually support the safe use of them. Additionally, many cities have ordinances and rules that make it illegal to ride e-scooters on sidewalks. This means that e-scooters must drive along with traffic. This is dangerous for a number of reasons. One being that scooter-riders, most of whom rented scooters on the go, are not wearing helmets or protective equipment. Scooters also provide no protection to riders as compared to other cars and vehicles on the road. Further, drivers are not accustomed to having to share the ride with e-scooter riders. It can be hard to distinguish them from pedestrians, which means it is easy to misjudge their speed. Finally, all that is required for most e-scooter rentals is downloading an app and paying a small fee. That means there is nothing stopping inexperienced and intoxicated individuals from operating e-scooters, as well as tourists who are not at all familiar with the area. All of these factors increase the risk for everyone on the road.
*Legal Options for E-Scooter Accidents * If you are involved in an e-scooter accident, chances are you will be facing major injuries, high medical bills, and a long recovery period. With no protection against a vehicle up to a hundred times your weight, the physical and financial harm can be catastrophic. A personal injury lawsuit cannot keep the accident from happening, but it aims to put you back in the position you would have been in had the accident never occurred. A successful personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover all costs related to the injury. This includes all past and future medical expenses as well as any lost wages due to time off of work. If you are unable to return to the same job because of your injuries, you can also pursue compensation for lost earning potential. Additionally, you can be compensated for pain and suffering and other noneconomic damages. In some cases, where the harmful conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages, intended to punish the offender and deter similar conduct, may also be available.
*Talk to a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer * Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, Issaquah, and the greater Washington State area, Pivotal Law Group is ready to fight to get you the compensation that you deserve. If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident or vehicle accident, call today to schedule a free consultation.