Rental scooters offer Cincinnati residents and visitors alike a convenient way to navigate the city’s bustling streets and neighborhoods. However, this surge in e-scooter usage has brought an unfortunate consequence: an increase in scooter-related accidents and injuries.
When you’re injured in a scooter accident, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Monge & Associates, we’re committed to helping scooter accident victims navigate the complex legal process. Our Cincinnati, Ohio accident attorneys will not rest until we secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries—schedule a free case review today and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
No Win No Fee
Helping Cincinnati Rental Scooter Accident Victims
Over $1B+ Recovered For Our Clients
How Monge & Associates Can Help
- Our attorneys have extensive experience handling scooter accident cases throughout Cincinnati, giving us deep insight into the local laws, insurance practices, and strategies that work best for our clients.
- We provide comprehensive legal representation from the initial investigation through potential litigation, handling every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
- You pay no upfront fees when we take your case, and you will not be charged for our services unless we secure a settlement or jury verdict. Our payment depends entirely on successfully recovering compensation for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident
The moments following a scooter accident can be confusing and frightening, but taking the right steps can help you get through it. First and most importantly, seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some serious conditions, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
While you are still at the scene, document everything you can by taking photos of the accident location, your injuries, the scooter, and any vehicles involved. Get contact information from witnesses and exchange details with other parties involved. Be very careful when talking about the accident; any statements you make could be used against you.
Report the incident to local authorities and file a police report. This creates an official record of the accident and may include information you might have missed. Finally, consult with a Cincinnati rental scooter accident attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and begin building a strong case for compensation.
Compensation Available for Victims
When you are injured in a scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, Ohio law allows you to seek compensation for various damages. The compensation available depends on the circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries, but you can generally recover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages from time away from work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries
- Punitive damages in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious
The Rise of Rental Scooters in Cincinnati
Cincinnati joined the e-scooter revolution in 2018, when companies like Bird and Lime introduced their services to the city. These scooters quickly became a popular choice for short trips, last-mile transportation, and recreational rides. However, the integration of scooters with existing traffic patterns has created new safety challenges, especially in high-traffic areas like the Central Business District, Over-the-Rhine, and around the University of Cincinnati campus.
Common Causes of Rental Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents can happen in many ways, but some causes are more common than others. Some of the most frequent contributors to these incidents include:
- Reckless or distracted drivers who fail to notice scooter riders or give them adequate space on the road
- Poorly maintained roads with potholes, debris, or inadequate lighting that create hazardous conditions
- Defective scooter equipment, including faulty brakes, steering problems, or battery malfunctions
- Negligence by scooter companies in maintaining their fleets or implementing proper safety protocols
Injuries Resulting from Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Even seemingly minor crashes can lead to cuts, bruises, and road rash that can be extremely painful and result in permanent scarring. Head injuries and brain trauma are also common, especially when riders do not wear helmets. Fractures and broken bones frequently occur when riders are thrown from their scooters or struck by vehicles.
Liability in Scooter Accidents
Determining who’s responsible for a scooter accident requires careful investigation. Liability might rest with a negligent driver who failed to yield or share the road safely, a scooter company that didn’t properly maintain its equipment, or even the city if poor road conditions contributed to the accident.
Ohio follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, and you cannot recover compensation if you share 50% or more of the fault.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scooter Accident Claims
Can I sue the scooter company for my injuries?
Yes, you may have grounds to sue a scooter company if defective equipment, poor maintenance, or inadequate safety measures contributed to your accident and injuries.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Ohio’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
How long do I have to file a claim in Ohio?
Ohio’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What if the at-fault party is uninsured?
If you were injured by an uninsured driver, you may still have options for recovery through your own insurance coverage or by pursuing other liable parties, such as the scooter company or a government agency.
Contact Monge & Associates Today
Were you involved in a rental scooter accident in Cincinnati? You are not alone, and you deserve justice. Monge & Associates will fight for your right to fair and full compensation. Contact us today at (513) 224-5591 for your free consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.