With Taylor Swift and her legions of Swifties set to descend upon Indianapolis for her highly anticipated concert series, the city will be buzzing with activity. Downtown will be filled with eager concert-goers, and electric scooters, like Bird and Lime, will be a popular way to travel around the busy streets. But before you hop on a scooter to “Shake It Off” on the way to Lucas Oil Stadium, it’s important to ask: are you covered if you crash on an electric scooter?
Scooter Accidents in Indiana: What You Need to Know
Electric scooters have become a convenient way to get around Indianapolis, but with convenience comes risk. Accidents involving scooters have been on the rise, and the aftermath of such crashes can be complicated, especially when it comes to liability and insurance.
In Indiana, electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles, meaning they must follow similar rules as cars. Riders are not allowed to operate scooters on sidewalks unless they are propelled solely by human power. Despite these regulations, accidents still occur, often resulting in injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and road rash. Whether you’re cruising to a Taylor Swift concert or simply commuting, you need to be aware of your risks.
Indiana Law: Understanding Shared Negligence and Liability
Indiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning that fault in an accident is shared between the parties involved. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault in a scooter accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages. This means that whether you were obeying traffic laws or zipping too quickly to the concert, the details of the incident will significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
In cases where the scooter itself is defective, such as brake failure or mechanical issues, the scooter company (such as Lime) may be held liable under Indiana’s product liability laws. If you believe a defect contributed to your accident, seeking legal advice from a personal injury attorney can be invaluable.
What to Do If You’re Injured on a Scooter
If you’ve been injured while riding a scooter, here’s what you should do:
• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority.
• Document the Incident: Take pictures, note the location, and gather witness information.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Find out whether any of your current insurance policies offer any coverage for scooter-related accidents.
• Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer: If you or a loved one have been injured in an electric scooter accident in Indiana, contact Hurst Limontes to discuss your legal options. We have over 116 years of combined experience fighting for our clients in any number of personal injury claims. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808 or complete the form below for a FREE and confidential consultation.
