Electric Scooter Accidents in Maryland: Who Pays When You Are Injured?
Electric scooters are a common sight on Maryland streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes. They are convenient, affordable, and increasingly popular in Baltimore, Annapolis, and communities statewide. However, as ridership grows, accident risks increase as well.
When an e-scooter crash happens, it can cause serious injuries. Unfortunately, figuring out who is liable for losses you suffer as a result is complicated. Our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys explain how electric scooter accidents happen and what injured riders and pedestrians need to know about protecting their rights.
Maryland Electric Scooter Accidents Risks and Why They Happen
Electric scooters may look harmless, but they pose an increasing threat on Maryland roads and sidewalks. While they offer a convenient, cost-effective way to travel, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that e-scooter accidents have risen dramatically in recent years. When a crash occurs, concussions, broken bones, and road rash are among the most commonly reported injuries.
Among the most common causes of electric scooter accidents in Maryland are:
- Car crashes, often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or other aggressive behaviors.
- Riding on uneven pavement or damaged road surfaces, causing riders to lose control suddenly.
- E-scooter defects, such as brake failures, battery malfunctions, or structural defects, especially with rental companies.
- Collisions with pedestrians or bicyclists on sidewalks or shared paths.
- Dooring accidents where a parked car’s door opens into the path of a scooter rider without warning.
Maryland e-scooter crashes can cause serious harm to everyone involved, and injured victims have the right to hold those at fault liable.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Maryland Electric Scooter Accident
E-scooter accident cases are generally more complex than other claims, as multiple parties may share responsibility. This includes:
- A negligent driver whose failure to yield, distracted driving, or speeding caused a collision with a scooter rider.
- A scooter rental company if a defective or poorly maintained vehicle contributed to the crash.
- A property owner or municipality responsible for maintaining the road or path surface where the accident occurred.
- A pedestrian or bicyclist whose sudden or unexpected movement into a scooter’s path caused a collision resulting in injury to either party.
Maryland’s contributory negligence standard applies to e-scooter claims, which means that even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to get compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other costs.
To protect your rights, notify law enforcement after any crash, identify everyone involved, seek medical care immediately, and contact our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys.
To Get Compensation for an E-Scooter Crash, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys
Maryland electric scooter accidents can cause severe, potentially life-threatening injuries for riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, or even motorists involved. Unfortunately, uncovering who is responsible is rarely easy.
At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we investigate e-scooter crashes. Our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys gather evidence, determine liability, and help victims get compensation to cover their losses. Contact us today to request a consultation.
Sources:
cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/E-Scooter-and-E-Bike-Injuries-Soar-2022-Injuries-Increased-Nearly-21
courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/rules/reports/170thReport.pdf
