You might have noticed that there is a rapidly increasing number of electric scooters in Tennessee. Bird, Lime and Lyft are all currently operating in downtown Nashville. While these devices offer everyone from children to adults an enjoyable, affordable and easily accessible way to zip around the city, electric scooters are also known to cause very serious accidents. Tennessee Electric Scooter Accident Laws are developing now as e scooter accidents are becoming particularly common across the country.
To make matters worse, laws in Tennessee do not yet fully address all of the ways in which accidents are known to occur. In a 2018 article, the Washington Post documented just how damaging the complications of scooter accidents can be. If you or a loved one is injured in a scooter accident, you should not hesitate to obtain the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Increasing Rate of E Scooter Accidents in the Country
Many scooters are marketed to families, young children, and individuals who live in cities. Unfortunately, scooters have the potential to be particularly hazardous for all kinds of riders. Falling off of a speeding scooter can cause a person to end up facing broken bones, lacerations, contusions, and even a traumatic brain injury.
While the Washington Post article primarily focused on accidents that occurred in Santa Monica, California, there are a number of cities throughout the country that have seen an increased number of accidents, including Nashville.
Rising Rate of Scooter Accidents in Nashville
At the end of 2018, a pair of scooter accidents in downtown Nashville even prompted the director of the Vanderbilt Medical Center Trauma to warn about the deadly nature of scooter accidents. Even though no one in Tennessee has died from a scooter accident, injuries associated with scooter accidents can leave people facing life-changing physical injuries.
As part of his statement, the medical director argued that even though scooter companies recommend that riders use helmets while riding, many of these companies fail to do so and, as a result, greatly endanger their lives by riding scooters.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has also issued a warning that injuries associated with scooter accidents typically must be covered by the rider’s own health insurance policy.
Furthermore, even though regulations in Nashville can be viewed as requiring helmets for scooters, this law is not aggressively enforced by law enforcement. Tennessee Electric Scooter Accident Laws will continue to develop. Right now following the rules of the road (like a bicyclist), wearing a helmet, being courteous and defensive and following all e scooter operating procedures is recommended.
Speak with an Experienced Electric Scooter Accident Attorney
As time passes, it is likely that Tennessee, as well as different states throughout the country, will pass a number of more restrictive laws that help to control the damages that are known to be caused by scooter accidents. Regulation of who, where and how scooters can operate are needed. Until then, scooter accidents pose a unique and very serious threat.
As a result, if you or a loved one were injured in a Bird, Lyme or Lyft electric scooter accident, you can end up facing very serious situation. It is often a wise idea to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer like George Angelopoulos, who is experienced at taking the measures necessary to make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable for damages resulting from scooter accidents. Contact George Angelopoulos to discuss your case at 615-422-7171 today to schedule a free consultation.
