Austin Distracted Electric Scooter Operators

Since their launch in fall 2017, dockless electric scooters have caused a tremendous amount of buzz—in Austin and elsewhere. The scooters, from companies like Bird and Lime, are designed to cover “the last mile” of a commute to areas that might be too far to walk to quickly and too small for public transportation to navigate or stop. Because the scooters fill this niche, advocates herald them as the perfect tool for urban areas, the solution to a specific and irksome transportation issue.

The idea behind dockless electric scooters is simple: when you come across one, you can unlock it with an app on your phone and leave it wherever you like when you are done with it—there’s no need to return it to a designated charging station. It costs $1 to unlock the scooter, plus 15 cents per minute to ride.

Though the idea behind electric scooters is attractive, the implementation has been anything but. Distracted electric scooter operators in Austin are helping people who were once clambering for scooters realize how dangerous they are to pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and even riders like themselves. The Austin personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw understand the safety concerns surrounding dockless electric scooters and are here to help if you have been injured by one.

Electric scooters are so popular in Austin because they are easy to use and, let’s face it, fun. Aided by an electric-assist throttle, the scooters allow riders to hit speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour. They are lightweight and, in a lot of ways, low responsibility. Commuters can pick up a scooter whenever they want, and they can abandon that scooter any place they see fit. Riders do not need to have special insurance to use a scooter, and, though both Bird and Lime recommend it, they do not even need a helmet.

But, in this case, ease does not correlate with safety, and it is precisely this perceived decrease in responsibility that makes electric scooters so dangerous. Accidents related to electric scooters have dominated news coverage in every major US city that hosts them. Bloomberg reports that it is also more common for people injured in scooter accidents to consult with an attorney about the best course of action after a crash. In Texas, inquiries about distracted scooter operators in Austin are also on the rise.

Tensions between pedestrians and scooter riders have escalated into what the editorial board at the Chicago Tribune deems “the next sidewalk clash.” In Austin, anecdotes about scooters hurdling across traffic, usurping designated bike lanes, and clipping pedestrians at maximum speed are often harrowing. In some cases, pedestrians are injured trying to avoid getting hit by a scooter. In others, motorists swerve to avoid hitting an errant scooter and instead crash into another car.

Many people who are hurt by poorly operated scooters feel there is no point in reaching out to a lawyer because they do not know what pursuing a case would look like. The Austin accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw appreciate this concern but would like you to know that you do not have to give up hope. If the scooter rider is liable for your injuries and has homeowners or renters insurance, filing a suit becomes a possibility, as his or her insurance company may cover your claim.

If a distracted electric scooter operator in Austin has injured you or a loved one, we urge you to contact an experienced lawyer with Carabin Shaw to discuss your case.

If you have been injured by an electric scooter and are wondering whether you can be compensated for your medical expenses, the lawyers at Carabin Shaw are waiting to hear from you.

At Carabin Shaw, we promise to represent you with sensitivity and respect. We promise that we will advocate for justice on your behalf. We also guarantee that your initial consultation is free, and we will not charge you anything unless we win your case.

To speak with a Carabin Shaw attorney in Austin, Texas, please call 512.832.1101 or toll-free at 1.800.862.1260.