E-Bike and E-Scooter Accident Attorneys
Columbus lawyers ready to fight for you
It’s fairly common now to see electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) on the streets of Columbus. They’re easy to rent through services such as the CoGo Bike Share System, Lime, and Bird. But while e-bikes and e-scooters are fun to use, they can put operators at risk. It only takes one negligent driver to cause a serious car accident.
The e-bike and e-scooter accident lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC have been fighting for the injured since our firm’s founding in 2007. We understand the impact an injury can have on victims. But insurance companies typically try to limit your recovery. We help our clients fight back to get the financial compensation they deserve.
Motorists need to share the road with e-bikes and e-scooters
In Columbus, both e-bikes and e-scooters are allowed on city streets, with some restrictions. For example, e-scooters are prohibited from streets where the speed limit is above 35 mph.
But even the most responsible operator is vulnerable on the road. Too many drivers think of e-bikes and e-scooters as a nuisance. That’s if they even notice them at all. A driver may have been:
- Speeding
- Texting behind the wheel
- Operating dashboard controls
- Passing aggressively
- Turning at an intersection without checking carefully
- Opening a door of a car into the patch of a bike or scooter
Experienced electric bike and electric scooter accident attorneys
What happens next? An operator is hit by a car – or a bus or truck – while on a scooter or bike. Because operators of bikes and scooters have no protection, they can suffer serious injuries in a crash. These include injuries to the head, neck or back. Riders may suffer broken bones, multiple lacerations, or internal injuries.
Victims of these crashes need medical attention. They may be transported to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Ohio State East Hospital, or another local medical center. They may need surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and multiple follow-up appointments with doctors.
The costs of medical treatment can add up quickly and become overwhelming. This can lead to financial stress as victims wonder how they will be able to pay these bills. If a negligent driver caused the crash that left them injured, then the negligent driver, not the victim, should have to pay.
Getting compensation for your injuries can be a difficult process
But that’s when things get complicated. Negligent drivers often refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. If you were hurt in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, the other driver may even try to blame you for causing the crash.
Then there are the insurance companies, whose main goal is to pay you as little as possible. There are different tactics they use to justify paying you less. These include:
- Questioning your injuries – The insurance company may request an independent medical exam (IME) to verify the extent of your injuries.
- Arguing your injuries were pre-existing – Another tactic used by insurance companies is to seek access to your medical history. They are hoping to find something that can help them argue the accident had nothing to do with your current injuries.
- Asking you leading or loaded questions – An adjuster from the driver’s insurance company may want to ask you some questions about what happened. But the real goal is to try to trick you into saying something that can be used against you.
- Requesting a recorded statement – The insurance company is hoping you’ll phrase something in a way that makes it sound like you were responsible for the accident.
- Offering you a settlement – This doesn’t sound bad. The adjuster may offer you a lump sum settlement and promise quick payment. The problem is it will be a lowball offer that leaves you shortchanged.
Insurance companies have lawyers to help them find ways to limit your compensation. You need an experienced attorney who can help you fight back.
Hit by a car on an e-bike or e-scooter? Contact us today
Our firm knows how insurance companies operate. That’s why we conduct our own investigation of your accident to get the facts. Our legal team gathers evidence, including any video from nearby traffic cameras. We carefully review accident reports and medical records and interview witnesses. If needed, we also consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
Our attorneys build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. Then we demand the compensation you deserve. That includes compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you couldn’t work and other damages such as pain and suffering.
Our Central Ohio law firm has a record of getting results for our clients through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts. When we represent you, our goal is maximum compensation. We can guide you through the process every step of the way and answer any questions you have.
Learn more about how one of our e-bike and e-scooter accident lawyers can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our Columbus office. Or we can meet you at a location that works better for you, such as your home or hospital room.
