Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Over the past decade or so, car-shares and bike-shares have greatly increased in popularity. A car-share or bike-share allows for customers to rent a vehicle for a short period of time, typically for a commute to work, to the grocery store, or anywhere else someone may need to go. These vehicle-shares provide a good alternative to those who do not need to use a vehicle every day.
According to a recent news article, motorized scooter-shares are now also becoming more popular. However, some are concerned that as scooter-shares increase in popularity, there will be a corresponding increase in the number of scooter accidents.
Evidently, Dallas, Texas passed a series of laws allowing for scooter-share businesses to operate within city limits. The electric scooters that will be available to rent will be able to travel up to 15 miles after the user pays a small fee. Additionally, the scooters will be only able to travel up to 35 miles per hours. The scooters will also be routinely inspected to ensure that they are safe for users.
Despite the steps taken to ensure a scooter’s safety, there are some who are concerned about the safety of scooter-share users. The concerns arise from problems that users in other cities are experiencing with the scooters themselves. For example, some users have reported that the scooters will randomly and unexpectedly begin to accelerate. Others have claimed that the brakes on the scooter failed, preventing users from coming to a complete stop. It has also been reported that some accidents have been caused due to improperly maintained roadways.
Another issue that users may face is an unavailability of insurance for those who have been involved in an accident. According to the article, some accident victims have had claims filed against their own insurance company denied based on the fact that the vehicle is a rented scooter.
Liability in Vehicle-Share Accidents
As the above discussion indicates, vehicle-shares present a number of legal issues. In the event of an accident involving a vehicle that is part of a vehicle-share program, there may be several liable parties, including the company operating the scooter-share. These cases often present issues of first-impression for courts, and anyone considering a case should consult with a dedicated Maryland bicycle accident attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle or Scooter Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Maryland scooter accident, contact the dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we represent injury victims and their families in a wide range of personal injury cases, including Maryland bicycle accidents. To learn more, and to speak with an attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve for the injuries you have sustained.
More Blog Posts:
George Clooney Injured in a Serious Scooter Accident, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 19, 2018.
Bike Accidents Involving Children Are Frighteningly Common, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published July 5, 2018.