Who Pays For Injuries On Dockless Bikes And Scooters?
If you've been involved in an accident while riding a dockless bike or scooter, then you may wonder how if you can be financially compensated for any injuries. While these devices are a great way to promote a healthy, car-free lifestyle, the companies that run them offer few protections for both pedestrians and riders. Here are some things you should know about renting a dockless vehicle as well as when and how you can get paid back for any financial losses from injuries.
Insurance and Dockless Scooters and Bikes
One of the problems with getting compensated for injuries related to dockless vehicles is that many riders don't know that they should have their own insurance. When you rent, you agree to a waiver that exonerates the company of any injuries that occurs while you are renting the scooter or bike. That means that all insurance responsibility falls on you and you'll have to find and purchase a policy on your own. Otherwise, you will have to pay for any injuries or damages out of your own pocket.
Following Rules and Regulations
Both the rental company and the city or state you ride in has rules and laws regarding where and how you can ride. For example, some states have laws saying that motorized scooters cannot be ridden on streets over a certain speed. Laws against riding on the sidewalk are also widespread, not to mention that the rental company likely has the same rules. If you have an accident or you hit someone while you are breaking the rules and laws, then you are likely to be proven to be at fault.
Liability for Injuries
There are conditions where you may not be considered at fault for injuries while renting a dockless vehicle. If the bikes or scooters are poorly maintained or break under no fault of your own, then the company could be responsible for injuries for failing to maintain their equipment. However, at the same time, you may also have to prove that you weren't doing anything reckless that could cause the equipment to fail and that you were following all rules at the time of the accident.
It can be difficult to sue if you are injured in an accident while riding a dockless scooter or bicycle. You have to prove that the company is purely liable and that you did everything you could to avoid your injury. Because personal injury cases are complicated, if you've been injured in an accident with a dockless scooter or bicycle, then contact a personal injury lawyer to see if you have a case.