Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are a valuable resource in New Jersey. They can be a reliable way to get around short distances, and kids seem to love them. But when an accident happens, and you are suddenly facing serious injuries as a result, hiring an attorney becomes essential.
Choose a New Jersey electric scooter accident attorney capable of providing you with reliable, proven legal services and representation. There are numerous factors that go into that process to ensure your case outcome is what it should be. Here is how to find the best New Jersey electric scooter accident attorney.
Knowledge of New Jersey E-Scooter Laws
Not just any personal injury attorney has the highest level of qualifications for e-scooter lawsuits. These laws can be somewhat confusing, but the attorney you choose should have specific knowledge of cases like your own. Here are several reasons why.
E-scooters are treated like bikes in most cases under New Jersey law, meaning that they have a maximum speed of 19 miles per hour. They operate in bike lanes but are prohibited on sidewalks.
Riders do not need a license or to register their e-scooter under New Jersey law. The state does not require insurance either.
All riders under the age of 17 must wear a helmet.
Some cities have specialized programs that require drivers to be older or may have specific ordinances on how and where a rider can use the bike. Failing to operate within these laws puts your case at risk. For that reason, you need an attorney capable of helping you navigate the current laws and use them to your fullest advantage.
Previous Case Results Matter
Another critical factor in choosing a New Jersey electric scooter accident lawyer is their experience with cases like this.
E-scooter accidents can have devastating results. Victims need an attorney who can create a solid case on their behalf and then fight for their rights. When considering previous cases the attorney handled, look at:
- What caused the accident, and what steps did the attorney take to build the case evidence to prove the cause
- What injuries did the person suffer, and how similar are those injuries to what you face now
- What did the attorney recover in damages, and did the case need to go to court
Your case will be vastly different from any other. You cannot base the value of their claim on your recovery. However, this information provides clarity on whether the attorney can help you and what steps they have taken for others in the past.
Experience with Multi-Party Fault Situations
Another important conversation to have with your e-scooter accident attorney is what experience they have with victims who were partially at fault, especially if this applies to your situation. Under New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still file a claim for compensation if you are at fault, but only if your damages are under 50%. If the insurance company, police, or court determines you are 51% at fault or higher, you cannot recover any damages.
It is very common for other parties and their insurance companies to try to work to shift some or all of the blame to you. Insurance companies know that this can result in you recovering less, and that is good for them.
Choose an attorney with experience helping others who were partially at fault. Find out what steps they took to build the case and reduce the application of fault. This can significantly reduce risks heading into a complicated accident.
Set Up a Free Consultation with an Attorney to Ask Questions
You can research much of the information online so far. However, there is no step more important in this conversation than speaking with an attorney directly to learn what your case results are and what legal steps you can take. Your attorney should:
Provide you with clarity on your rights based on the specifics of your case, including determining fault by obtaining valuable evidence.
Outline the type and amount of compensation owed to you, including your current and future medical needs and long-term suffering
Communicate whether they will take your case to trial if it is necessary to do so
You want an easy and fast claim, and most attorneys will tell you that you can expect to settle out of court. Still, you want to know the person fighting for you has the right and ability to fight for you in a court of law if it becomes necessary to do so.
During your consultation, you should also learn what the attorney expects to do to build your case, what challenges you will face, and what specific steps they will take to win your case. In communicating these details, you should feel like you can trust them and that you are in good hands.
Choose an Attorney That Brings Peace of Mind to Your Fight
Choosing the right New Jersey electric scooter accident attorney requires careful consideration of your options.
Experience matters, but so does having someone you trust. At Kwartler Manus, our legal team is ready to fight for you and build a claim that actually represents all you are facing. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Blog Disclaimer – Kwartler Manus, LLC
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Reading or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Kwartler Manus, LLC. Every legal matter is unique, and past results, settlements, verdicts, or case outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising under the rules of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in this blog without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Kwartler Manus, LLC is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and this blog is intended for residents of those jurisdictions.