A growing trend in ride sharing is E-Scooters. These are essentially scooters that are scattered around a city, which anyone can ride and only pay for the time they use it. Due to the non-traditional nature of these scooters, many people have many questions when it comes to legal accountability. Learn everything you need to know about the ins and outs of E-Scooter claims.
When Is the Best Time to File an E-Scooter Claim?
As with any kind of accident, the best practice is to file a claim as soon as possible. Your first priority should be ensuring everyone is safe and unharmed. Your second priority should be getting medical attention for anyone who needs it. After that, your mind should immediately turn to the legality of the situation. Gather as much evidence as you can while still at the scene of the accident. In most states, you have up to two years to file a claim. After that, the case is usually invalidated. However, this is not a universe time limit. Some states have unique jurisdiction that changes the amount of time you have. While two years is the most common, it is important to research the law in your specific location. Additionally, private insurance companies have varying length of time while insurance claims are valid. Most commonly, this time is 30 days, but it does vary from insurance company to insurance company.
Evidence Longevity
The biggest reason why it is best to file a claim as soon as you can is because some pieces of evidence do not last. For example, witness statements are best when they are fresh. It can be difficult for witnesses to recall the event if it has been two years or more. In some cases, you may not even be able to locate witnesses if too much time passes. Some other kinds of evidence that may be time sensitive include:
- Injuries healing
- Vehicle damage being repaired
- Road signs or lanes changing
It is always a good idea to take photographs of all pieces of evidence as soon as possible to preserve them. Another aspect to consider is what will happen to the scooter involved in the accident. If it is damaged, the E-Scooter company may dispose of it. The best case scenario is the police taking it as evidence. A Newark personal injury lawyer, like from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., who specializes in E-Scooter cases can offer advice specific to your unique situation. Contact one as soon as you can after an accident.