E-scooters and e-bikes have become increasingly popular in downtown Boise, offering convenient, eco-friendly transportation for locals and visitors alike. However, with the rise of these transportation options, accidents have also become more common. Whether you’re riding a shared e-scooter, an e-bike, or your own, a crash can happen at any time, leaving you uncertain about what steps to take next.
In the aftermath of an accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights, who is responsible for paying for your injuries, and how to effectively document your injuries to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Accidents involving e-scooters or e-bikes can result in serious injuries, particularly if you’re involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to take after a crash, who is liable, and how to document your injuries properly.
Who Pays for Damages After an E-scooter or E-bike Crash? 
One of the most common questions after an e-scooter or e-bike crash is, “Who pays for the damages?” There are several potential parties who could be held responsible for your injuries, depending on the specifics of the crash. Understanding these possibilities is essential for taking the appropriate next steps and ensuring you don’t get stuck with the financial burden of medical bills or repairs.
1. The E-scooter or E-bike Rental Company
If you were riding a rented e-scooter or e-bike and the crash was caused by a malfunctioning vehicle, the rental company may be held liable for your injuries. These companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and in safe working condition. If the crash occurred because of a mechanical failure or poor maintenance, the rental company could be at fault.
- What to Do: After the crash, contact the rental company immediately to report the incident. Be sure to document the condition of the scooter or bike, including any issues that could have contributed to the accident. Many rental companies have insurance policies that may cover your medical bills if their equipment was at fault.
2. The Other Driver (If Involved in a Collision with a Vehicle)
If your crash involved another vehicle, determining who was at fault will be a critical factor in deciding who pays for your damages. If another driver was negligent, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving distracted, their insurance should cover the cost of your injuries and damage to the e-scooter or e-bike.
- What to Do: If possible, gather information from the other driver, including their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. If there are witnesses to the crash, ask for their contact information as well. The more information you have, the stronger your case will be when dealing with insurance companies or filing a claim.
3. Your Own Insurance (If the At-Fault Party Is Uninsured or Underinsured)
In some cases, the responsible party may be uninsured or underinsured, leaving you to deal with the costs of medical care and vehicle repairs. If you have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, your insurance may help cover these expenses.
- What to Do: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Inform them of the incident, and provide all relevant details, including the involved parties and the police report (if available). They will guide you on how to file a claim and what to expect throughout the process.
4. Your Medical Provider (In Some Cases)
In some instances, if you are unable to pay for your medical bills immediately, your healthcare provider may allow you to defer payment until after your personal injury claim is settled. This can be particularly helpful if you do not have health insurance or if the other party’s insurance is still being determined.
- What to Do: If you do not have sufficient coverage or insurance to pay for your medical care, talk to your healthcare provider about options for deferring payment. Some providers may agree to work with you on a payment plan or wait until your case is resolved before collecting payment.
How to Document Your Injuries and Protect Your Case
When involved in an e-scooter or e-bike crash, documenting your injuries properly is crucial for your case. Whether you plan to file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the evidence you gather will play a vital role in proving the extent of your injuries and securing compensation. The more thorough and detailed your documentation is, the stronger your case will be.
1. Photograph Your Injuries and the Scene of the Crash
Take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible after the accident. Document visible injuries like cuts, bruises, abrasions, and any other signs of trauma. These photos will serve as evidence of the severity of your injuries and can be used to strengthen your case later.
- What to Do: Use your phone or a camera to capture close-up images of your injuries. Also, take photos of the crash scene, including the e-scooter or e-bike, surrounding traffic, any damaged property, and the location of the accident. These photos will help establish the context of the accident and provide key evidence in determining fault.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel severe pain right after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately but can have long-term effects if left untreated.
- What to Do: Visit a doctor or go to the emergency room right after the crash, even if you feel fine. A medical professional will assess your injuries and provide a report that can be used as evidence. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider exactly how the accident happened and the symptoms you’re experiencing. This ensures that your medical records reflect the true nature of your injuries.
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3. Keep a Personal Injury Journal
In addition to physical documentation, it’s helpful to keep a personal injury journal. This journal should detail how your injuries affect your daily life, including any pain, missed workdays, or difficulty performing everyday tasks. This will help demonstrate the impact of the crash on your life, which is essential for determining compensation for pain and suffering.
- What to Do: Write down daily entries that describe your physical and emotional state, any medical treatments or appointments, and any disruptions to your life caused by the accident. Be sure to record any pain levels or new symptoms that arise, as this can be useful for your claim or lawsuit.
4. Preserve Evidence from the Accident Scene
If there was any damage to the e-scooter or e-bike, take detailed photos of it as well. The condition of the vehicle may be a critical factor in determining the cause of the crash and proving fault. Additionally, if the crash occurred due to a malfunctioning part of the e-scooter or e-bike, this evidence could be used to hold the rental company or manufacturer responsible.
- What to Do: If you rented the vehicle, contact the rental company immediately to report any damage or malfunction. If you own the e-scooter or e-bike, keep the damaged parts for inspection by an expert. If possible, get a professional evaluation of the vehicle to determine if mechanical failure played a role in the crash.
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5. Obtain Witness Statements
Witnesses to the crash can provide valuable testimony to help corroborate your version of events. Their statements can be crucial in establishing fault and supporting your claim.
- What to Do: If there were any bystanders or people nearby who witnessed the crash, ask for their contact information and request a statement about what they saw. If they are willing, have them provide a written account of the incident that you can submit with your insurance claim or in court.
Next Steps After the Crash: What to Do
After you’ve documented the accident and your injuries, it’s time to take the next steps in recovering from the incident and seeking compensation for your damages.
1. Contact an Attorney
Personal injury attorneys specializing in e-scooter or e-bike accidents can help you navigate the legal process. An experienced lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and will guide you through filing a claim with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
- What to Do: Reach out to a law firm with experience handling e-scooter or e-bike accident cases. Many personal injury attorneys, including those at Hepworth Holzer, offer free consultations, where you can discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
2. Contact the Police
If you haven’t already done so, contact the police to file a report. A police report is an official document that helps establish the facts of the accident. It can also help you get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company, as they will often request the report when processing your claim.
- What to Do: Call the non-emergency police line to file a report, especially if the crash involved another vehicle or if there were injuries. Be sure to provide a full and accurate account of the accident, including any relevant details about the e-scooter or e-bike, the weather, and traffic conditions at the time of the crash.
3. Notify Your Insurance Provider
If the other party is uninsured or if you need to file a claim with your own insurance, contact your insurance company immediately. They will assist you in submitting your claim and will explain the process of compensation.
- What to Do: Provide your insurance company with all relevant documentation, including photographs, medical records, witness statements, and the police report. Follow up regularly to ensure your claim is progressing.
E-scooter and e-bike accidents in downtown Boise are becoming more common, but that doesn’t mean you should handle the aftermath on your own. Knowing who is responsible for paying for damages and how to document your injuries effectively can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. Whether the rental company, another driver, or your own insurance is responsible, taking the right steps after the crash is essential for protecting your rights.
At Hepworth Holzer, LLP, we have extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, including those involving e-scooter and e-bike accidents. If you’ve been injured, reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in an e-scooter or e-bike crash in Boise, don’t wait. Contact Hepworth Holzer, LLP today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.