The electric scooter craze is sweeping the nation. Electric scooter companies like Bird and Lime are popping up across the U.S. The dockless scooters can be picked up on the street and dropped off wherever. And, apps make them easy to spontaneously find and use. While these scooters are environmentally friendly as they are battery powered with zero emissions, they also act as a low-cost mode of transportation. Unfortunately, however, these electric scooters have proven extremely dangerous and have been at the heart of accidents resulting in serious and even fatal injuries.
Most Common Electric Scooter Accident Injuries
The prevalence of accidents resulting in injuries that involve electric scooters has skyrocketed. The rapid increase in these kinds of accidents has drawn so much attention that it has even been studied. A new study by Rutgers University shows that the number of face and head injuries from riding electric scooters has tripled over the past ten years. The study also states that head injuries, concussions, and lacerations are among the most common injuries from scooter accidents. When broken bones were among injuries sustained, the most common bones to be broken were the skull and nose, closely followed by neck and facial fractures. The study goes on to predict that there will be an increase in craniofacial injuries in scooter accidents including:
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Fractures to the skull, face, and cervical spine.
It is no wonder why there are so many head and face injuries associated with electric scooter accidents. While scooters may be spontaneously picked up on the street, they do not come with helmets and it appears to be a rare case where a rider brings his or her own helmet to use. The Rutgers study showed that the vast majority of those who completed the study reported not wearing a helmet while using the electric scooter. An increase in helmet use could be one of the keys to reducing many of the injuries resulting in electric scooter accidents.
Head Injuries
Head injuries sustained in these kinds of accidents range from mild to severe. Some injury victims sustained traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures while others sustained concussions and scalp wounds. It is critical to seek treatment immediately following an accident. Failure to treat a head injury in a timely manner can have devastating consequences. Remember, however, that head injury symptoms may not present themselves immediately. Be mindful if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, even if they do not arise directly following the accident:
- Recurring headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Problems balancing
- Vision issues
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
In addition to head injuries, some of the other common kinds of electric scooter accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Shin fractures
- Ankle fractures
- Jaw fractures
Nashville Electric Scooter Accident Injury Attorney
Electric scooters can be a fun mode of transportation. However, if someone’s negligence results in an electric scooter accident resulting in injury, things can get complicated very quickly. If you have been injured in this kind of accident, Cummings Law is here to help. We will handle the legal case while you work on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today.
Posted in: Motor-Scooter Accidents