E-Scooter Injuries in Edmonton Are Rising: What Injured Riders Need to Know About Their Legal Rights
Electric scooters have become a common sight throughout Edmonton. They provide a convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to travel, but they have also contributed to a significant increase in serious injuries across Alberta.
According to recently released Alberta Health Services data, 3,049 people visited emergency departments and urgent care centres across Alberta for e-scooter-related injuries during the most recent reporting year—a 33% increase over the previous year. Edmonton accounted for 1,198 emergency room visits, more than any other municipality in Alberta.
While many people think of e-scooter accidents as minor incidents involving little more than scrapes and bruises, emergency physicians continue to report broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, facial fractures, and other life-changing injuries that require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-scooter accident in Edmonton, understanding your legal rights can be just as important as receiving immediate medical treatment.
Why Are E-Scooter Injuries Increasing?
There is no single reason for the dramatic increase in injuries. Instead, healthcare professionals point to several contributing factors:
- Increasing popularity of rental and privately owned electric scooters
- Higher operating speeds
- Limited helmet use
- Alcohol and drug impairment
- Distracted riding
- Collisions with motor vehicles
- Road hazards such as potholes and uneven pavement
- Riders carrying passengers
Research conducted in Edmonton has revealed several concerning trends:
- Nearly one-third of injured riders suffered fractures.
- Approximately one in six sustained head injuries.
- One in five required ambulance transportation.
- Nearly one in ten required surgery.
- Only a small percentage of riders were wearing helmets.
- More than one-quarter of injured riders were impaired at the time of the collision.
These statistics demonstrate that e-scooter accidents are capable of causing injuries every bit as serious as those suffered in bicycle or motorcycle collisions.
Common Injuries Following an E-Scooter Accident
At Moustarah & Company, we understand that even what appears to be a relatively minor accident can have lasting physical and financial consequences.
Common injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken wrists
- Broken arms
- Broken ankles
- Leg fractures
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Facial fractures
- Dental injuries
- Road rash and permanent scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
Some injuries, particularly concussions and internal injuries, may not become immediately apparent. Anyone involved in an e-scooter accident should seek prompt medical attention even if they initially feel fine.
Who May Be Legally Responsible for an E-Scooter Accident?
Every accident is different, and liability depends upon the specific circumstances surrounding the collision.
Negligent Motor Vehicle Drivers
Many serious e-scooter accidents occur because of negligent drivers who:
- Fail to yield the right of way
- Turn in front of riders
- Open vehicle doors into traffic
- Drive while distracted
- Speed
- Drive while impaired
When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, the injured rider may be entitled to pursue compensation.
Another E-Scooter Rider
Collisions can also occur between riders when someone operates an e-scooter recklessly by:
- Travelling at excessive speeds
- Ignoring traffic controls
- Carrying passengers
- Failing to yield
- Passing unsafely
Poorly Maintained Roads or Pathways
Dangerous roadway conditions may contribute to an accident, including:
- Large potholes
- Broken sidewalks
- Construction hazards
- Poorly maintained bike lanes
- Unsafe roadway design
Depending on the circumstances, municipalities or property owners may bear legal responsibility.
Rental E-Scooter Companies
Rental companies have obligations regarding the maintenance and safety of their equipment.
Potential issues may include:
- Brake failures
- Steering defects
- Battery malfunctions
- Mechanical failures
- Poor maintenance practices
Although riders typically accept electronic waivers before using rental scooters, those agreements do not automatically eliminate every potential legal claim.
What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
One of the most common questions injured riders ask is whether they can still pursue compensation if they were not wearing a helmet.
The answer depends upon the circumstances.
While helmet use can significantly reduce the severity of head injuries, not wearing one does not automatically prevent an injured person from making a personal injury claim.
An experienced Edmonton personal injury lawyer can evaluate how Alberta law applies to your specific situation.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible?
Yes.
Alberta follows the legal principle of contributory negligence. This means responsibility for an accident can be shared between multiple parties.
Even if you contributed to the accident, you may still recover compensation, although your damages may be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Determining liability often requires reviewing:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Security camera footage
- Accident reconstruction evidence
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on your injuries and circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Physiotherapy
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Future care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Housekeeping assistance
The amount available depends upon the severity of the injuries and how they affect your daily life, employment, and future.
What Should You Do After an E-Scooter Accident?
If you have been injured, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Report the accident to police if required.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Preserve the scooter if possible.
- Keep copies of all medical records and receipts.
- Avoid discussing fault before obtaining legal advice.
- Contact an experienced Edmonton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Speaking With a Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
E-scooter accident claims can involve complex legal issues relating to insurance coverage, municipal liability, product defects, rental agreements, and shared fault. You need a personal injury lawyer after an electric scooter accident
An experienced lawyer can investigate every possible source of compensation, preserve important evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your legal rights throughout the claims process.
Contact Moustarah & Company for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-scooter accident in Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta, you may have legal options. Your personal injury lawyer is here to help.
The experienced personal injury lawyers at Moustarah & Company are committed to helping injured Albertans understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
We offer free consultations, and there are no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Moustarah & Company today to discuss your case with an experienced Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue after an e-scooter accident in Edmonton?
If another person or organization was negligent and caused your injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
Does auto insurance cover an e-scooter accident?
Insurance coverage depends on the circumstances of the collision, the vehicles involved, and the applicable insurance policies.
How long do I have to start a personal injury claim?
Most Alberta personal injury claims are subject to limitation periods. It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.
Should I speak to the insurance company before contacting a lawyer?
Before providing statements or accepting a settlement offer, it is often beneficial to understand your legal rights by speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Edmonton. Call Moustarah & Company before settling your injury claim.
