Segway Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer

Have you or someone you care about experienced injuries in a Segway electric scooter accident in Miami? The aftermath of these accidents can be overwhelming, affecting your physical well-being, emotional state, and financial stability.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we recognize the impact these accidents can have on your life and are committed to helping you seek justice and compensation. Whether you were injured due to a negligent rider, defective scooter, or unsafe road conditions, our Miami segway scooter accident attorneys are here to support you every step of the way. 

Call us 24/7 at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation in both English and Spanish. During your consultation, we will listen to your story and assess your case with no obligations.

The Rise of Electric Scooters in South Florida

South Florida, with its warm climate and bustling streets, embraced the arrival of electric scooters as a solution to traffic congestion and limited parking. These sleek, eco-friendly vehicles quickly became a popular choice for residents and visitors looking for efficient ways to navigate the city’s sprawling landscape.

Micro-mobility platforms like Lime and Bird revolutionized transportation in Miami by introducing dockless scooter-sharing systems. With just a smartphone app, riders could easily locate and unlock scooters, embarking on their journey through the city streets with convenience and affordability.

However, the adoption of electric scooters in Miami also brought about significant challenges, particularly in terms of safety and regulatory compliance. The City of Miami took decisive action by revoking permits for several electric scooter operators, including Bird, Bolt, Lime, Lyft, and Wheels, following a trial run. The city cited concerns such as the failure to enforce safety measures like helmet use, underage riding, and allowing multiple riders on a single scooter.

Despite the permit revocations, the demand for electric scooters persisted among Miami residents. Many individuals opted to purchase their own electric scooters, viewing them as a practical mode of transportation in a city plagued with heavy traffic and limited public transportation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the complexities surrounding electric scooter accidents and the legal implications involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Segway electric scooter accident, whether due to negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe conditions, we are here to help. 

Electric Scooter Laws in Florida

Unlike motor vehicles, standing scooters are classified as consumer products under federal law and are not regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In Florida, the operation of standing scooters is governed by statute section 316.2068, which outlines specific guidelines for their use within the state:

• Standing scooters may be operated on roads or streets where the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less. As of April 2024, the City of Miami is considering a 15 mph speed limit. 
• They are permitted on marked bicycle paths and sidewalks, provided the operator yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and signals before passing them.
• Unlike motor vehicles, standing scooters do not need to be registered or insured.
• Individuals under the age of 16 must wear a bicycle helmet and other safety gear while operating a standing scooter.
• Local counties and cities have the authority to regulate or prohibit the use of standing scooters for safety reasons.

It’s important to note that Florida’s regulations concerning standing scooters are relatively minimal in terms of safety oversight. The state statute grants local jurisdictions the flexibility to implement additional regulations or even ban these devices based on the unique safety considerations of their respective communities.

The Evolution of Segway Scooters

Segway scooters have a fascinating history that reflects the evolution of personal transportation. Developed by inventor Dean Kamen in the early 2000s, the Segway Personal Transporter (PT) was hailed as a groundbreaking invention, offering a unique and efficient way to navigate urban environments. Over the years, Segway has expanded its product line to include a range of electric scooters tailored for different use cases. Segway’s diverse lineup now includes models like the Ninebot KickScooter series, offering portability, convenience, and eco-friendly mobility.

Despite their innovative features, Segway scooters have faced safety concerns related to brake defects. In recent years, reports have surfaced regarding issues with braking systems on certain Segway models, leading to accidents and injuries. Brake defects can compromise rider safety, especially when navigating busy city streets or crowded sidewalks.

Brake defects in electric scooters, including those manufactured by Segway, pose serious safety hazards. Malfunctioning brakes can prevent riders from stopping or slowing down effectively, especially in emergency situations or busy traffic environments. This critical issue underscores the importance of regular maintenance and thorough safety checks for electric scooters to ensure optimal performance and rider safety.

If you’ve been injured in a Segway electric scooter accident due to brake malfunctions, you may be eligible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible for the defective scooter. Product liability claims can be based on various legal theories, including:

• Design Defects: Allegations that the scooter’s design is inherently unsafe, leading to brake malfunctions and accidents.
• Manufacturing Defects: Claims that a specific scooter was improperly manufactured, resulting in brake defects that caused the accident.
• Failure to Warn: Allegations that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions regarding the risks associated with brake malfunctions.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a brake defect or any other scooter-related incident, seeking legal guidance is essential to understand your rights and explore options for compensation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we are committed to representing victims affected by electric scooter accidents in Miami. Our experienced attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.

Why Are Electric Scooter Accidents So Severe?

Here are some key factors contributing to the severity of electric scooter accidents:

• Lack of Protective Gear: Many riders fail to use essential safety equipment such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow guards. Without proper protection, riders are more vulnerable to head injuries, fractures, and road rash in the event of a fall or collision.
• Inexperienced Riders: A significant number of electric scooter users are inexperienced or unfamiliar with operating these vehicles. Lack of training and proficiency in scooter handling can contribute to accidents, especially in busy or complex traffic situations.
• Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, and debris pose significant hazards to electric scooter riders. These road conditions can cause sudden loss of balance or control, leading to accidents resulting in serious injuries.
• Collisions with Motor Vehicles: Electric scooter riders sharing the road with motor vehicles are at risk of collisions due to factors such as driver distraction, speeding, or failure to yield. Collisions between scooters and larger vehicles often result in severe injuries for the scooter rider.
• Mechanical Failures: Defective scooter components, including brakes and tires, can malfunction unexpectedly, causing riders to lose control and crash. Mechanical failures increase the risk of severe accidents and injuries.
• Pedestrian Collisions: Scooter riders traveling on sidewalks or pedestrian-heavy areas may collide with pedestrians due to limited space or inattentive riding, leading to injuries for both parties.

Common E-Scooter Accident Injuries

Electric scooter accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring medical attention. Here are some of the most common injuries reported in electric scooter accidents:

• Head Injuries: One of the most serious types of injuries associated with electric scooter accidents is head trauma. Riders who do not wear helmets are at increased risk of sustaining concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the event of a fall or collision.
• Fractures and Sprains: The impact of a scooter accident can lead to fractures or sprains in various parts of the body, including the wrists, arms, legs, and ankles. These injuries can result from attempting to break a fall or from the force of a collision.
• Road Rash: When a rider is thrown off an electric scooter, they may slide across the pavement, resulting in abrasions and lacerations commonly referred to as road rash. Road rash can be painful and may require medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Electric scooter accidents can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in strains or tears. Soft tissue injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility, requiring rest and rehabilitation to recover fully.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, electric scooter accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries require immediate medical attention and ongoing rehabilitation to maximize recovery and quality of life.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact in a scooter accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Free Consultation With a Florida Segway Scooter Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a Segway scooter accident in Miami, choosing the right legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our experienced Miami personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of electric scooter accidents seek justice and compensation for their injuries. 

Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring us as your trusted legal team:

• Unlike larger law firms that handle numerous cases simultaneously, Flanagan & Bodenheimer maintains a small caseload to ensure each client receives personalized attention and dedicated representation. We prioritize quality over quantity, allowing us to focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
• Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients through successful personal injury cases. We have a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s legal landscape and leverage our experience to effectively advocate for our clients’ rights and interests.
• We understand that legal fees can be a concern for accident victims already facing financial strain. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if we secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf. This approach ensures that our clients have access to high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.

Our personal injury attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate in court to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Segway scooter accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your legal options.