Electric Scooter Accidents in Texas Cities: Navigating New Legal Challenges

In the United States, many people use electric scooters for recreation, exercise, and transportation. Scooter riders must abide by the same traffic laws as motorists and other vehicles in most states when used on public roads. However, riders are significantly more likely to suffer injuries or even die in traffic accidents since they are often less visible than traditional cars, and drivers are often not paying attention.

In fact, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 720 people died nationwide in bicycle or scooter/motor vehicle collisions in 2012. What's more, analysts projected that 49,000 victims were hurt.

Typically, only scooter accidents resulting in fatalities are recorded nationwide, and the same is true for Texas. Given the rise in the number of scooters on the streets of big Texas cities, it's probable that deaths and injuries in the Lone Star State could continue to surge. For these reasons and more, it's important for Texas citizens to be aware of the legal landscape surrounding electric scooters, particularly if they plan on riding.

Scooter Accident Statistics in Texas

The majority of scooter accidents, particularly those involving serious injuries and fatalities, involve another vehicle.

The NHTSA conducted a national survey on bicyclist, pedestrian, and scooter incidents, and the results showed that 29% of victims were hurt when they were hit by a car, 17% were hurt when they fell, 13% attributed their injuries to defective sidewalks or roads, 7% were hurt when they collided or crashed with a stationary object, and 4% were hurt when a dog ran out in front of them.

According to the NHTSA, from 2008 through 2010, there were around seven fatalities annually in Harris County, Texas (in the greater Houston region), followed by 10 fatalities in 2013. Tragically, by 2015, nearly 15 victims had died in the greater Houston area.

Moreover, Texas saw a significant rise in pedestrian and scooter fatalities in 2020, despite a decrease in the overall number of collisions. And per a recent news statement from the Texas Department of Transportation, the approximate 730 pedestrian fatalities throughout the state in 2020 constituted a 9% year-over-year rise.

Scooter & Pedestrian Safety Measures in Texas

It's all too clear that scooters aren't as safe as drivers in the average passenger vehicle. Thankfully, there are several safety measures being conducted to stop the concerning trend of deadly scooter accidents, both throughout the United States and in Texas.

First and foremost, the Texas Department of Transportation advises motorists, scooter riders, and pedestrians to obey all traffic laws, including correct signaling and stopping for lights, to prevent accidents and fatalities. Furthermore, the TxDOT is starting a safety campaign in Texas to address this issue. Texas residents should anticipate seeing advertisements on television, billboards, petrol stations, buses, and social media.

What Causes Most Scooter Accidents?

So, what are the main causes of these Scooter accidents? Several distinct causes of these accidents on public roadways exist, but the lion's share is driver-related. Unsafe lane changes, making turns without checking blind spots for riders, following too closely to scooter riders or infringing on bike lanes and shoulders (which scooter riders often use), and using mobile phones while driving are a few of the most frequent causes.

Distracted Driving in Scooter Crashes

Unsurprisingly, distracted driving is a top contributor to pedestrian and scooter accidents. Drivers are substantially more likely to cause these hazardous crashes when they are concentrating on their phones or playing with the radio rather than paying attention to the road and their surroundings.

Reading and replying to text messages, making phone calls, chatting, and using social media are all common distractions contributing to serious accidents.

Failing to Provide a Buffer

Passing within three feet of a scooter or maintaining a close following distance are both exceedingly dangerous, yet these careless actions are another main contributor to wrecks.

These reckless motorists have a higher chance of hitting pedestrians and scooter riders. Plus, because they aren't giving riders enough room, they are typically left with significantly fewer options for avoiding other crashes or roadway hazards.

Speeding & Reckless Driving

Speeding reduces reaction time, or the amount of time that drivers have to make quick decisions or important safety judgments while driving, and lengthens the time it takes to stop.

Even accidents at relatively moderate speeds (for instance, if a car is driving in a residential area) may be quite dangerous for riders, even though high-speed collisions are more likely to cause serious, life-threatening injuries.

Scooter riders sharing the road are less likely to be seen by drivers who are speeding or weaving through traffic. Drivers that speed and weave often veer into bike lanes, shoulders, and lanes outside traffic.

Changing Lanes Near Scooter & Bicycle Paths

A single risky lane change, even when a driver is not weaving, can mean serious injury or death for a scooter rider on a roadside path. Drivers who make dangerous lane changes into these lanes often do so without first checking to see whether the lane is clear, which frequently results in serious accidents.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney at the Rasansky Law Firm

As one would anticipate, victims involved in scooter accidents may face significant financial hardship. These situations often result in lifelong medical bills and rehabilitation costs. Adding insult to injury, victims often are unable to return to their previous jobs (or cannot work in the same role).

Cyclists, pedestrians, and scooter riders have the right to share the road with other motorists. However, not everyone has the same attitude about sharing the road, and the victims are the ones to pay the price.

Thankfully, our Texas injury accident attorneys at the Rasansky Law Firm have more than three decades of experience helping people move on with their lives after being involved in accidents caused by negligent and reckless drivers. Our staff of qualified, reputable attorneys provides our clients with reliable legal advice.

We are available as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of your accident and evaluate your legal options. For a free case review, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call our attorneys at 214-617-1816. Our scooter accident lawyers in Dallas are here to help you and yours learn more about your legal rights at this stressful time.