In the past, scooters were more of a traditional device with a flat platform to stand on with two wheels underneath. The rider would kick off the ground to gain forward momentum and travel around for enjoyment. Several years ago, e-scooters gained popularity as they were powered by an electric motor and could often reach speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour.
At such speeds, riders have been prone to accidents. Nevertheless, e-scooter usage has expanded across cities globally as users could pay to rent them, for increments of time, using various smartphone apps. Cities had little regulation in place and users were left without proper safety tips or training, but were riding them along busy city streets.
Canadian riders who rent e-scooters from popular companies, such as Bird or Lime, are required to agree to the company’s waiver agreement before riding their devices. Using a finger on their smartphone app, the user can accept the agreement very quickly.
These agreements are long and complex and are largely misunderstood. What the agreement does suggest is that choosing to rent and ride an e-scooter, with these companies, is very much a “ride at your own risk” situation. However, even with this agreement accepted, you may still have a claim.
E-scooter lawsuits are successful personal injury claims that stem from two common scenarios:
Injuries from e-scooters have surged as their popularity has grown across Canada. Riders have sustained injuries including serious bone fractures, chronic pain from soft-tissue injuries, and head injuries.
If this is you, you may be entitled to damages including out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages and other professional setbacks, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future care costs.
An experienced personal injury lawyer at Diamond and Diamond will give a chance of obtaining a fair settlement for your losses.
A Waiver Agreement may not protect an E-scooter company from every scenario. Whether you have a claim will depend on the facts of your specific case. It is best that you connect with an E-scooter accident lawyer to fully evaluate your case and communicate possible legal remedies you can explore.
Yes, you would likely have a claim in this scenario. However, whether you have a claim will depend on the facts of your specific case. It is best that you connect with an E-scooter accident lawyer to discuss the type of compensation you may be able to received.
This is a difficult scenario. To have a successful claim, you will likely need to be able to place blame for the accident on another party. Please contact the team at Diamond and Diamond for a free consultation. We will be able to communicate the full extent of your legal options.
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