Derrick Cristobal, 31, suffered head injuries in an e-scooter accident in Brooklyn, New York, which proved fatal.
According to a report in The Daily Mail, Cristobal was riding an e-scooter to pick up his 2-year-old daughter when he crashed. He lost control and was thrown from the scooter, suffering serious injuries as he hit the pavement.
Cristobal was conscious and awake immediately after the crash. However, his brother told the Daily News that when family members got to the hospital, he did not recognize them. After nine days at a local hospital, doctors told Cristobal’s family that he needed surgery to take out half of his skull to release pressure. He died 11 days after the accident.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
Cristobal was riding a VSett 9+ e-scooter when he lost control and crashed. The Daily Mail reports that he had the scooter for two years and has been riding it legally in New York. The state legalized e-bikes and e-scooters in 2020.
There have been other crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters in New York and here in California. Recently “Gone Girl” actress Lisa Banes died 10 days after she was struck in a hit-and-run collision by an electric scooter in New York. When a rider who ran a red light struck the Los Angeles actress as she was making her way to meet her wife for dinner on New York’s Upper West Side.
In New York alone, more than 7,200 people were injured in 2023 in an e-bike or scooter accident. Of these crashes, 494 injuries involved pedestrians, which increased from last year.
In Carlsbad, California, one tragic incident saw a crash involving Christine Hawk Embree, who was riding an e-bike with her 16-month-old daughter, Delilah, on the back. Embree passed away from her injuries after a car hit their bike, but her daughter miraculously survived. The driver, Lindsay Turmelle, remained at the scene and admitted to accidentally hitting and killing the victim. She was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Prosecutors said Turmelle was distracted while she was driving and had run through a stop sign. This accident sparked a change in Carlsbad as many, including Bob Embree, the victim’s husband, pushed for safer roadways at city council meetings.
E-Scooter Accident: Common Types of Injuries
E-scooters and e-bikes, have become increasingly popular as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of urban transportation. However, this rise in usage has also led to a surge in e-scooter accident and injury cases. The most common injuries related to e-scooter use include fractures, sprains, contusions, and head injuries.
Fractures often occur due to falls or collisions, with the arms, wrists, and ankles being particularly vulnerable. Sprains, especially of the wrists and ankles, are prevalent as riders attempt to brace themselves during accidents. Contusions, or bruises, are common due to direct impact with the scooter or the road surface. Head injuries are a significant concern, highlighting the importance of helmet use.
Factors contributing to these injuries include inexperienced riders, lack of proper safety gear, uneven road surfaces, and collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. Moreover, the absence of standardized safety regulations and varying speed limits across different regions can contribute to accidents.
To mitigate the risk of injuries, riders should prioritize safety measures such as wearing helmets, adhering to speed limits, and familiarizing themselves with local traffic rules. Additionally, city planners and policymakers play a crucial role in implementing regulations that promote safe e-scooter usage and infrastructure improvements to enhance rider safety.
A Growing Concern
E-bike accidents have been a growing concern, particularly in urban areas around the country where e-bike usage has increased. Factors contributing to accidents may include collisions with motor vehicles, pedestrians, or other cyclists. Helmets and safe riding practices are crucial for reducing the risk of injuries.
E-scooter accident cases have also been reported in various cities nationwide. There is already plenty of evidence to show that an e-scooter accident can be deadly. Common causes of crashes include rider inexperience, collisions with vehicles or pedestrians, and issues related to scooter maintenance. Many jurisdictions have implemented safety regulations for e-scooter use, including helmet requirements and speed restrictions.
The use of these electric vehicles is rising all the time. More people are purchasing their own e-bikes and scooters, while many cities operate micromobility sharing services. This is when the city is filled with electric bikes and scooters that can be rented for short trips.
E-Scooter Accident Lawsuits
The law is slowly catching up to e-bike and e-scooter accident cases. It can be a little murky, particularly when the vehicle used was part of a scooter-sharing system. A victim’s ability to take legal action might depend on the terms and conditions signed in these cases. However, you can sometimes take action over an e-bike or e-scooter accident, depending on the circumstances.
For example, if the surface was poorly maintained, causing an accident, struck by another vehicle, or defective scooter, you may have a case.
Product liability in the context of e-scooter defects refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers or distributors for any flaws in the design, manufacturing, or labeling of electric scooters that result in harm to users or others. E-scooter defects can encompass a range of issues, including faulty brakes, electrical malfunctions, structural weaknesses, or issues with software systems.
Manufacturers are obligated to ensure that their e-scooters meet safety standards and are free from defects that could pose risks to users. If a defect leads to an accident, injuries, or property damage, the manufacturer or other parties in the distribution chain may be held liable for resulting damages.
Product liability claims in e-scooter cases often involve proving that the defect directly caused the harm, and the injured party may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Suppose you have been injured in an accident due to a suspected defect. In that case, you contact an experienced e-scooter accident lawyer to explore potential avenues for compensation.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12932475/woman-jailed-striking-killing-mother-riding-e-bike.html
