Scooters and bicycles, along with the electric versions of each, are very popular forms of transportation. Depending on the time of year, people might encounter dozens of scooters or bicycles on busy roads. Generally, such vehicles must share the road with larger vehicles rather than traveling on sidewalks.
Many locals, including young adults, use self-propelled and electric transportation to get around town or perform their jobs. There are also plenty of people, including tourists, who rent scooters and bicycles for a convenient and cheap form of transportation in New Jersey. Unfortunately, although traffic laws require that motorists share the road with those on bicycles and scooters, bicycle-car collisions are quite common.
What can someone expect after a crash while they are on a scooter or bicycle?
They will likely require medical care
Bicycles and scooters provide very little protection for the human body. Helmets can help reduce head injuries and may save someone’s life in a crash, but they won’t fully eliminate the chance of getting hurt. Those knocked down or noticeably injured after a car hits a scooter or bicycle will often need a professional medical evaluation to determine the extent of their injuries. Head injuries, for example, may not manifest major symptoms until a day or two after a crash, which is why medical evaluation becomes so important after a collision.
They may need to file an insurance claim
Most drivers have liability insurance as required by New Jersey state law that can cover the costs of a crash caused by a motor vehicle. However, given that severe injuries are often possible in such collisions, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to an insurance claim in some cases. A scooter rider or cyclist injured by the negligence or bad behavior of someone else in traffic should not have to simply accept the financial losses associated with their injury. They often have the right to seek compensation, although they may need support during that process.
Understanding the right steps to take after a collision on a scooter or bicycle may help those facing both injury and significant expenses. Seeking legal guidance can provide an important frame of reference.