We have seen the debates over electric scooters rage in major cities across the US, particularly here in California. San Diego is no exception. The city has struggled to come up with a balance of regulations that will keep pedestrians safe while also welcoming new businesses.
There are dangers associated with these scooters, as evidenced by an incident that just happened. Last week, a woman riding an electric scooter was seriously injured when, for reasons unknown, she was unable to slow the scooter down.
She got scared, jumped off the scooter, and tumbled into the roadway. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital to treat her fractured thighbone, one of the hardest bones in the body to break.
While the cause of the accident is still unknown, we want to point out a few things.
- Inexperienced riders are allowed to use these scooters.
- This accident could have seriously hurt other pedestrians.
This is just one of many ways that pedestrians are at risk in the city. When you need an experienced San Diego pedestrian accident attorney, you can count on Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP to be by your side.
THE RISKS
Unfortunately, pedestrians face many risks around the city. Despite how safe a person tries to be, they cannot control the actions of others around them. For the latest reporting year in California, there were 14,215 pedestrian injuriesin the state. Closer to home, San Diego saw over 700 pedestrians injured or killed during the same year.
Pedestrians are vulnerable when it comes to collisions, whether it is with a vehicle or another moving object. They have no protections. Pedestrian accidents frequently cause major injuries, including spinal cord injuries, head and brain trauma, internal organ damage, and broken or dislocated bones. These injuries often require major medical procedures to repair followed by extensive rehabilitation.
The medical costs are only the beginning of accident-related expenses. If a person is injured and has to miss work, the lost income can put them and their family in financial jeopardy.
As seen in the story above, scooters are becoming more and more of a safety issue. As more and more inexperienced riders hit the streets, we will likely see more accidents.
Another constant concern is drivers ignoring pedestrian right-of-ways at intersections and crosswalks. This often happens when drivers are distracted by their phones or other devices.
Impaired drivers have always been a major source of concern for pedestrians. Individuals who make the choice to drink and drive should be held accountable if their actions cause harm.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Pedestrian accidents are scary, especially if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Your focus needs to be on healing, not how to pay for all of your accident-related expenses. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, our experienced and knowledgeable team will work with you to recover the compensation you deserve, from coverage for medical expenses and lost income to pain and suffering damages. When you need a competent San Diego pedestrian accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.