Indianapolis Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer

Lime scooters parked near the street

The downtown area of Indianapolis is filled with electric scooters (e scooters) that allow anyone to reach their destinations sooner than if they were walking. However, there’s a serious issue arising out of the use of electric scooters in Indianapolis. Things such as regulations, electric scooter accident victims, rider responsibilities, and the like.

What Are The Two Biggest Electric Scooter Companies in Indianapolis?

Two electric scooter companies, Lime and Bird, have brought their product to the streets of downtown Indianapolis without permission, although it’s not exactly clear if they needed permission. Their combined fleets of electric scooters number in excess of 500.

The city of Indianapolis asked both companies to stop renting their electric scooters until city officials could figure out how to handle the problems arising out of the use of the e scooters. Both companies agreed but only stopped renting their electric scooters for about 6 weeks. However, now there are rules in place whether you’re a rider or the victim of being hit by an electric scooter.

Were You Hit by a Car While Riding a Bird or Lime Scooter in Indianapolis?

In Indianapolis, electric scooters are considered to be a motor vehicle. As a result, electric scooters are prohibited from being on the sidewalks and pedestrian lanes. While the city code doesn’t require that Indianapolis electric scooter riders wear helmets, it’s recommended that you do.

If you are hit by a car while riding an electric scooter in Indianapolis, and the driver of the car was negligent, you are entitled to collect monetary compensation for your injuries in this car accident.

Indiana is a contributory negligence state. Contributory negligence means that a percentage of fault for the Indianapolis electric scooter vs car accident will be assigned to each driver. If you are less than 51% at fault, the compensation for your damages will be reduced by the percentage you were found to be at fault.  However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you will be barred from any recovery, and the other person involved in the accident could ask for reimbursement of their legal fees.

a Bird scooter parked downtown

Are you an Indianapolis Pedestrian who was hit by a Bird or Lime Scooter?

In Indianapolis, electric scooters can obtain speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, which is fast enough to cause serious injury to you as a pedestrian.

If you or a loved one is a pedestrian who is hit by an electric scooter in Indianapolis by a person who is negligently operating the scooter, you will be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries.

However, what constitutes the negligent operating of an electric scooter in Indianapolis isn’t clear, the basic principles of negligence will apply. Such things as failing to yield the right of way and distracted driving, such as using a cell phone while operating an electric scooter could be considered negligence.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to being hit by an electric scooter in Indianapolis, you should talk with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer such as the ones at Truitt Law Offices in Indianapolis.

Were You Injured by a Lime Scooter or Bird Scooter in Indianapolis?

In Indianapolis, Bird, and Lime, the electric scooter companies may be liable for any damages if you are injured by a defective scooter. Indiana product liability law states, that companies are responsible for any defects in the manufacturing or design of their products. In addition, Bird and Lime can be held accountable for failing to provide you with proper safety warnings and/or instructions.

It’s unfortunate that much of Indianapolis’ regulation development is focused on making money off of the popularity of electric scooters and taking care of concerns like where to park the electric scooters. There is still much to be done to protect you and your family in Indianapolis as it pertains to electric scooters.

If you or your loved one has been the victim of an electric scooter accident in Indianapolis, Truitt Law Offices are there to protect your rights and work hard to ensure you receive all the financial compensation for your injuries that you and your family deserve.