What to do after an e-scooter collision?

Over the last few years, e-scooter collisions across the UK have been on the rise. In 2021 alone, there was reportedly 1,280 collisions involving e-scooters, compared to 460 in 2020. This exponential increase in collisions and injuries illustrates the dangers that e-scooter riders face on the roads, as well as the dangers they can pose to other road users. As serious injury solicitors, we have experienced the devastating effects that road accidents can have on individuals and their loved ones.

In this article, we highlight the steps to take if you’ve been injured either by an e-scooter, or whilst riding your e-scooter. You will also find:

• The rise in e-scooter accidents in the UK and the risks to riders and other road users
• The most common causes of e-scooter collisions, including driver negligence and unsafe road conditions
• The immediate steps to take after an e-scooter accident, including stopping safely and seeking medical attention
• Your legal responsibilities under the Road Traffic Act following a collision
• The importance of gathering evidence and reporting the incident
• How to start an e-scooter accident claim and what it involves
• The types of support and compensation available after an injury
• How specialist solicitors can help you secure compensation and support your recovery

What are the common causes of e-scooter accidents?

E-scooter accidents can occur from a variety of different scenarios. Though an underlying cause is often due to the negligence of other road users, or e-scooter riders themselves. Some of the most common e-scooter accident causes include:

• E-scooters colliding with pedestrians when crossing the road;
• E-scooters illegally riding on pavements;
• Vehicles failing to give way to e-scooters when emerging from junctions;
• Dangerous road surfaces;
• Vehicles colliding with e-scooters when overtaking.

What to do after an e-scooter accident

Stop at the scene

After being involved in any collision on the road, the most important thing to do is to stop as soon as possible and as soon as it is safe to do so.

Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act state that it is the duty of the driver and the parties involved to stop after a collision that results in personal injury or damage.

Following this, the parties involved should exchange their name and address, as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle, and the registration of the vehicle if there is reasonable grounds for this.

Seek help and medical attention

As soon as you (or another individual on your behalf) can, call the emergency services to report the accident and to seek medical attention.

In the meantime, if you find yourself in a position which puts you at risk of any further danger, try and locate yourself to a safer area, if possible. If there’s anyone else around you, then you may wish to ask for their assistance in moving away from danger.

Exchange details & report the accident

As mentioned above, it may not be possible to obtain the details of the person at fault or other witnesses at the time of the accident, especially if you are seriously injured.

If you don’t have the details, once we are instructed by you, we can gather this information from the emergency services. However, when you feel ready after the accident, note down all of the details you remember about the accident as this will help you when making a claim.

Making a claim after an e-scooter accident

After being involved in an e-scooter accident, you should make a claim in order to get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to move forward and rebuild your life.

Seek expert legal advice

Firstly, after you’ve been involved in an accident, you should contact a specialist solicitor to seek legal advice. This way, you will be able to find out your rights and know your options moving forward.

If you require expert legal advice, please do not hesitate to book a free consultation with us today.

Start your claim

In the event that you’ve been seriously injured, your day to day life will have most likely been affected.

It is important to make a claim after you’ve been injured to help you deal with the challenges you might be facing. For example, you may be suffering a loss of earnings or you could require specialist care.

Our team provide an all-encompassing service, providing much more than just expert legal representation.

When making a claim with us, we take the time to listen to your circumstances, and help to put in place the right support to help you rebuild your life whilst we secure you the compensation you deserve.

To find out more about how we can help you, book a free consultation today with a member of our specialist team today.

As always, we wish everyone safe travels; however, if you or any of your family or friends are involved in an accident on the roads and require legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.