In the last decade, electric scooters have emerged as the newest mode of transportation within many cities across the United States. White Fox, an electric scooter company, is among them. White Fox caters its rental system to walkable cities while seeking to expand to cities without many transportation options. The emergence of scooters brought with it concerns and fears. Often, e-scooters pose a danger to pedestrians, scooter riders and vehicles.
How does White Fox work?
White Fox is a docked electric scooter sharing company founded in 2018. To rent a scooter, you have to download the White Fox app, which shows you the location of the nearest dock containing a scooter. The app allows you to scan the barcode on the scooter to begin the rental timer. When you reach your destination, you have an option to pause your scooter at a discounted rate. Your White Fox rental does not end until you return the e-scooter to its dock.
White Fox scooters and safety
White Fox wants riders to be safe on their electric scooters. Before you can unlock your scooter and ride, the app has safety instructions and traffic laws for you to review. The company wants its customers to be well informed and safe as they ride. The list the requirements you must meet and rules you must follow before your ride the e-scooter includes:
- You have to be at least 18 years old with a valid ID
- You have to wear a helmet
- You cannot ride while wearing earbuds or headphones
- Only one person can ride on the scooter
New Jersey laws on scooters
New Jersey has laws that specifically address riding low-speed electric scooters. By state law definition, low-speed electric scooters are scooters that reach speeds up to 19 miles per hour. State law permits such scooter riders to travel on the streets, highways and roadways with the potential to interact with higher speed vehicles and pedestrians.
Although state law permits e-scooter riders to ride on bicycle paths, it does not say whether you can or cannot ride on the sidewalks. Individual municipalities are in charge of determining the rules on sidewalk use by scooters. White Fox, however, states in its safety rules to stay off of sidewalks. Scooter riders must follow the laws of the location they are in, as well as the agreement they make with White Fox.
Following state and local laws is important when determining liability in case of an accident. For example, if someone causes an accident while you are illegally riding on the sidewalk, it may affect your liability and whether you receive compensation.
What to do after a scooter accident
If you are involved in a scooter accident, there are steps you should take right away.
- Immediately stop your vehicle
- Remain at the accident scene
- Call 911
- Exchange contact information
- Make an accident report with the police
- See a doctor
- Keep track of doctor visits and receipts
- Contact an attorney
Scooter accident injuries
The impact between a scooter and larger vehicles can result in severe injuries and damage. E-scooter accidents involving an automobile can be fatal even in low-speed crashes. The most common injuries from scooter accidents are:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Broken bones
- Spine injuries
- Concussions
- Head trauma
- Skull fractures
Recovering compensation
If you or someone you love has been involved in a scooter accident, then you may be able to recover compensation for the injuries and damages. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Medical bills
- Continuing and future medical treatment
- Emotional distress
You may have to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you need. Lawsuits are time-consuming and can be very complex, so it best to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney representing your rights.
If you were injured while riding a White Fox electric scooter, call 856.249.9295 today for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey attorney at Petrillo & Goldberg.
