What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Scooter Accidents?

Bill Allen | January 8, 2024 | Scooter Accidents

IAA Mobility documents that electric or e-scooters have risen dramatically in popularity within the past few years. In 2018, there were an estimated 10 million e-scooter users worldwide. By 2022, that number increased to approximately 77 million. The use of these mobility options is expected to increase further in the coming years.

E-scooters present several advantages over traditional mobility options such as cars, buses, and motorcycles. However, these advantages come at a cost. Those who choose to use e-scooters place themselves at risk of serious or fatal injuries. It is no coincidence that an increase in e-scooter injury reports has accompanied the rise in the use of scooters.

Using recent data, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified several trends in the types and frequency of injuries related to e-scooters. Between 2017 and 2022, the CPSC identified 360,800 emergency room visits in the United States relating to electric scooters and other micromobility devices.

Many of the accidents relating to e-scooters happened between May and October, and over one-third of injury victims were children aged 14 years and younger. The most common areas of the body that suffered harm in a scooter accident were the arms, legs, head, and neck. Approximately 230 people died in 2022 as a result of scooter accidents.

The most commonly encountered injuries after falling off a scooter include:

Fractures

Riders who fall off scooters may try to brace themselves by extending their arms or legs. This action may keep you from experiencing injuries to your head and face, but it could cause a fracture to your arm or leg. Fractures are serious medical incidents and should be addressed promptly, no matter the severity.

Most fractures will heal with time so long as a doctor quickly and properly sets the bones in place. Some fractures, such as those in the wrist or ankle, could take longer to heal, given the greater complexity of the joints.

Bruises and Abrasions

The CPSC also identifies bruises and abrasions as common injuries after falling off scooters. Bruises and cuts are hard to avoid in an e-scooter accident on concrete or asphalt. Abrasions are immediately apparent and can be extensive, especially if you slide or skid off your scooter in the wreck. Any bruising that comes from striking a solid object may take a few hours to a few days to show.

Both bruises and skin abrasions are rarely life-threatening injuries. However, they can be painful and limit your ability to move the affected body parts without experiencing pain. Extensive abrasions can also become infected if road debris or other foreign materials get into the cuts and the cuts are not properly cleaned and dressed.

Head and Brain Injuries

Falls of any type are consistently identified as one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. This includes falls from a scooter in an accident or collision. If you are knocked off of your scooter by a negligent driver or malfunctioning scooter, you could be thrown off balance and hit your head on the pavement or road. An impact like this can leave you with a concussion and whiplash, leading to brain trauma and damage to your spinal cord.

Wearing a helmet can help reduce the risk of concussions and head injuries in a wreck. If you do hit your head after falling off a scooter, visit an emergency room as soon as possible. This is especially important if you lose consciousness, develop a headache, or become dizzy.

Scooters Are Not a Risk-Free Mobility Option

Although electric scooters are convenient and inexpensive, choosing to use one to get around town can lead to injuries in an accident. Even minor injuries can become serious if they are not addressed properly.

Therefore, you should seek medical treatment as soon as you can after an accident. You should also seek legal advice regarding your options for getting compensation.

Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
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Ocala, FL 34471
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Gainesville, FL 32608
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