Electric scooters have been growing in popularity the last several years, and there are many variables that need to be considered when it comes to their safe use. One of these is determining what to do after getting into an accident while riding an electric scooter. No matter how safe or well-intentioned any driver might be getting onto the road, accidents are always a possibility. It’s important to know what steps to take immediately after an accident both for legal reasons and for your own safety. Follow along to find out each item we would include in your “accident checklist” that you should go through after the crash.
Assess The Situation
First things first, you need to make sure that you and anyone else involved, whether that be pedestrians or other drivers, are safe. Call 911 immediately if someone appears injured. After this, if possible, move to a safe location on the side of the road away from traffic in order to avoid further possible danger.
Document the Scene
Next, you’ll want to document the scene as best you can. Take pictures of the scooter and any other vehicles involved, as well as the nearby area if there are any vehicle parts lying around. If possible, take a second to jot down when and where the accident happened. You’ll certainly be a little frazzled from the incident, but try your best to stay calm while gathering all of this pertinent information.
Should The Cops Get Involved?
The police should be called if there are injuries, significant damages to property, if the accident involved collision with another vehicle, or if there is a dispute between the parties. If you are confident you weren’t at fault, then definitely get the police involved as they well help to smooth things over with the other driver. In certain areas the law might require you to report the accident regardless of how severe it was.
The police will investigate the scene, help make sure everyone is okay, smooth out the exchange of information, and file a report of what happened that could be used later. We wouldn’t recommend calling the cops if it’s a minor incident with no injuries or significant damages. If both parties agree on what happened and are okay to be on their way then feel free to just move on.
Scooter Damages and Medical Bills
At this point you’re probably still wondering, “Does car insurance cover scooter damages?” Generally, a car insurance policy doesn’t cover electric scooters unless specifically included in the policy. If you’re renting an electric scooter as opposed to owning it, there’s a possibility there’s a built-in insurance policy with the company (such as Lime or Spin) to cover accidents. Even in these rare instances, it will be relatively limited in what it can cover.
If another driver is completely at fault, then their insurance might be responsible for covering some of your medical expenses. If you have your own personal injury protection then some of your expenses could be covered there as well. If you were at fault or caused damages to a car or another vehicle, you will most likely need to pay out of pocket. Even if you have your own car insurance, electric scooters are typically not included in these policies.
Check out StableCare for scooter insurance (theft coverage only, not accident coverage).
Conclusion
Always do everything you can to be preventative and ride defensively so that an accident is less likely to occur. This includes everything from wearing protective gear, following traffic laws, and generally being aware of your surroundings. If an accident does occur, make sure you gather the necessary information and understand your insurance coverage. If there is a dispute over who’s at fault, you always have the option to consult with an attorney. As long as you understand your legal and insurance rights, you’ll end up just fine most of the time. Stay safe out there!
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