The Risks of Rented Scooters in Las Vegas

Sharable rented scooters are becoming an extremely popular mode of transportation in many cities around the country, and a 2019 Nevada law allows local governments to regulate them. While dock-less scooters, such as the ones offered by Lime and Bird, are not currently available in Las Vegas, those that can be rented from storefronts are currently allowed.

Locals and tourists alike can rent a scooter for a small fee, with additional costs based on the amount of time the scooter is used. These vehicles are typically able to travel at approximately 15 miles per hour. Although helmets are generally recommended for these vehicles, many riders choose not to wear one when they are operating the scooter.

While scooters offer a convenient mode of transportation, it’s essential to be aware of the various road safety concerns in Nevada. For instance, some roads in the state are known to be particularly dangerous. Additionally, unexpected hazards like truck tire debris can pose significant risks. Moreover, certain maneuvers, like left turns, have their own set of dangers. Being informed can help riders make safer decisions on the road.

Scooter sharing has certain dangers associated with it, and serious accidents can sometimes result. If you or someone you love has been injured in a scooter accident, the experienced Las Vegas scooter accident lawyers at  Gina Corena & Associates can help you determine if you have a valid personal injury claim, and, if so, against whom you may be able to take legal action. You can call us today at (702) 680-1111 or contact us online to learn more about how we can assist you with your personal injury case.

What Are Some Potential Benefits and Risks of Scooter Sharing?

Renting scooters does have some potential benefits associated with it, which can include the following:

• They provide an efficient and inexpensive way to travel faster than walking
• They reduce the need for short-term motor vehicle use, lessening emissions and pollutants
• They provide for a healthier and more active lifestyle for residents and tourists

Notwithstanding these potential benefits to scooter riding, there are also some serious detriments. Some potential detriments to scooters include the following:

• The risks associated with operating these vehicles in heavily trafficked areas and in pedestrian areas
• The risks associated with parking these scooters in streets, pedestrian routes, and sidewalks, creating the potential for collisions with other motor vehicles and tripping hazards for pedestrians
• The risks associated with operating a slow-moving scooter (that moves at a maximum speed of approximately 15 miles per hour) on the same street as faster-moving vehicles
• The fact that many of these scooters do not come equipped with helmets, and the reluctance of many scooter operators to even wear a helmet in the first place
• The risks associated with an impact from a larger motor vehicle, such as a car or truck, while the rider is on the scooter
• The fact that scooter operators sometimes violate traffic laws, such as by operating their scooters on public sidewalks, allowing passengers to ride the scooter, and/or by operating the scooter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Injuries in Scooter Accident Cases

Scooter accidents can lead to severe injuries, most especially when a larger and heavier vehicle collides with a scooter and throws a rider from the smaller vehicle. Potential injuries resulting from a scooter accident can include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain or head injuries (including concussions and brain bleeds), spinal cord injuries (including paralysis), and in the worst-case scenarios, death. 

Who can be Held Liable in a Scooter Accident Case?

Liability in a scooter accident case can sometimes be difficult to determine and depends on many different factors. For example, in some cases, when an individual first rents the scooter, he or she must consent to a rental agreement that effectively releases the rental provider from liability – both from injuries to others that are caused by the scooter rider and injuries that the scooter rider sustains. Furthermore, when an individual agrees to ride a scooter, there is typically no liability insurance requirement as with other motor vehicles, such as trucks and cars. 

Finally, some automobile insurance policies specifically exclude motor vehicle collisions that involve shared scooters, shared bicycles, and other recreational vehicles. Some uninsured and underinsured motorist policies also exclude these types of recreational vehicles from coverage. 

An experienced Las Vegas scooter accident lawyer can review all of the circumstances and facts surrounding your scooter accident and can determine if you might be able to bring a personal injury claim for damages. Your lawyer could also bring all potentially responsible parties into the case.

Call a Las Vegas Scooter Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Determining fault and damages in scooter accident cases can be a difficult task. The knowledgeable legal team at Gina Corena & Associates can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation under Nevada law. If you are eligible to make a personal injury claim, our legal team will do everything possible to ensure that you recover full and fair compensation for all of your physical injuries and damages. 

To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Las Vegas scooter accident lawyer, please call us at (702) 680-1111 or contact us online to learn more about how we could help you today.