Scooter Accident Attorney in Westchester County, NY

How Tomkiel & Tomkiel Provides Legal Support After a Scooter Accident

At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, our scooter accident lawyers in Westchester County offer comprehensive legal counsel tailored to the specific needs of scooter accident victims:

Meticulous Investigation

We will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, leaving no detail unexamined. Our team gathers all necessary evidence — including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions — to construct a compelling case that supports your claim.

Strategic Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often employ bad-faith tactics to minimize their payouts or even deny legitimate claims. Our attorneys will handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies, advocating for your best interests at every step and striving to secure a fair settlement.

Fierce Litigation in Court

When a fair settlement cannot be achieved through negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our skilled trial attorneys will aggressively litigate your claim, presenting a compelling argument before a judge and jury to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At every stage, we provide clear communication, personalized attention, and compassionate support. Our team understands the significant burdens a scooter accident can impose on your life, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and assisting you in making a full recovery.

We Handle All Types of Scooter Accidents in Westchester County

Tomkiel & Tomkiel represents clients injured in a wide range of scooter accidents, including:

• Collisions with motor vehicles: Accidents involving commercial vehicles and passenger cars are common and frequently result in serious injuries for scooter riders.
• Single-rider accidents: These accidents can be caused by various factors, including hazardous road conditions, defective scooters, or rider errors.
• Pedestrian accidents: We represent both pedestrians injured by scooters and scooter riders injured in collisions with pedestrians.
• Hit-and-run accidents: If you were the victim of a hit-and-run scooter accident, we will investigate to identify the responsible party and pursue compensation on your behalf.
• Rideshare accidents: We have experience handling cases involving accidents with Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles.

We possess the experience and knowledge to effectively represent you, regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding your scooter accident.

No Upfront Fees: Our Promise to You

Many people injured in scooter accidents are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer. That’s why we work on a contingency fee arrangement, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. Furthermore, our fee is only a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, so we are motivated to secure the maximum amount possible for your losses.

Don’t Delay in Pursuing Your Rights After a Scooter Accident!

Time is of the essence after a scooter accident in Westchester County. Contact Tomkiel & Tomkiel today for a free consultation — we’ll review your case, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you secure fair compensation.

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Factors Leading to Scooter Accidents

Various factors can contribute to scooter accidents, and they often combine to create particularly dangerous situations. Some of the most common contributing factors include:

• Rider negligence: This can include speeding, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, disregarding traffic laws, failing to yield, and distracted riding.
• Driver negligence: Drivers may fail to see scooters due to their smaller size. They may also engage in dangerous behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield.
• Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris in the roadway, and inadequate lighting can all contribute to scooter accidents.
• Defective scooters: Malfunctioning brakes, accelerators, or other components can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Lack of experience: Inexperienced riders may not be familiar with the rules of the road or how to properly handle a scooter, increasing their risk of accidents.
• Improper use of scooters: Riding with a passenger, carrying heavy objects, or riding in prohibited areas can increase the risk of accidents.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it more difficult to control a scooter and increasing the risk of accidents.

No matter how your accident was caused, our Westchester County scooter accident attorneys will work to identify the liable party and ensure you get maximum compensation for your losses.

Types of Scooter Accident Injuries We Deal with in Westchester

Even at relatively low speeds, the impact of a scooter accident can result in a wide range of injuries, including:

Brain Injuries

A sudden blow to the head can cause a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury. These injuries can potentially lead to cognitive difficulties, personality changes, persistent headaches, and even long-term neurological challenges.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Bone fractures are also common in scooter accidents, with arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and even facial bones being particularly vulnerable. These injuries can be incredibly painful and often require extensive medical intervention, including surgery, casting, and ongoing physical therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In more serious scooter accidents, the spinal cord can be damaged. This can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting sensation, movement, and bodily functions. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate lifelong medical care and have a profound impact on a person’s independence and quality of life.

Burn Injuries

Scooter riders can sustain serious burn injuries from road rash or contact with hot vehicle parts. These burns can be excruciatingly painful and require extensive medical treatment, including wound care, infection control, and skin grafting.

Knee Injuries

The knee joint is particularly susceptible to injury in scooter accidents. The impact and twisting forces involved can damage ligaments, tear cartilage, or fracture the kneecap. Dislocation of the knee joint is also possible.

Catastrophic Injuries

In the most severe scooter accidents, individuals may sustain catastrophic injuries. These encompass multiple fractures, amputations, severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, and significant disfigurement.

While this list covers common injuries, every accident is unique. If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident and don’t see your specific situation reflected here, contact our attorneys for a consultation. We have experience handling a wide variety of cases and are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Protecting Your Rights After a Scooter Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a scooter accident, taking the following steps is important to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Gather evidence: If possible, document the scene of the accident by taking photographs of your injuries, the surrounding area, and any contributing factors.
• Report the accident: File a police report to create an official record of the incident. This report can be valuable evidence in your case.
• Contact a scooter accident attorney: Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is crucial to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of the legal process.

Do not skip these steps — they are crucial for protecting your health and building a strong case.

Identifying Liable Parties in a Scooter Accident

Determining liability in a scooter accident requires a thorough investigation and careful consideration of all contributing factors. Potentially liable parties may include:

The Scooter Rider

If a rider’s negligence — such as riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, or disregarding traffic laws — led to the accident, they may be held partially or fully liable for the resulting losses.

A Driver

If a motor vehicle driver’s negligence — such as distracted driving, failing to yield the right of way to the scooter, speeding, or driving under the influence — led to the accident, the driver may be held liable for the rider’s injuries and other losses.

The Scooter Manufacturer

If a defect in the scooter’s design or manufacturing — such as faulty brakes, a malfunctioning throttle, or other mechanical failures — contributed to the accident, the scooter manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.

The Municipality or Property Owner

If hazardous road conditions — such as potholes, inadequate lighting, debris in the roadway, or poorly maintained sidewalks — contributed to the accident, the municipality or property owner responsible for maintaining these areas may be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment.

At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, we will thoroughly investigate all contributing factors and identify all liable parties to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your losses.

Compensation Can You Seek After a Westchester Scooter Accident

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes compensation for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income — both past and future.
• Pain and suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
• Property damage: You can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your scooter and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have diminished your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation.

We will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the full extent of your losses and fight aggressively to secure the fair compensation you deserve.

Who Can File a Claim After a Scooter Accident in Westchester?

Several individuals may be eligible to file a claim after a scooter accident, depending on the circumstances:

• Injured scooter riders: If you were injured while riding a scooter, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party.
• Injured passengers: If you were a passenger on a scooter involved in an accident, you may also be able to file a claim.
• Injured pedestrians: If you were a pedestrian struck by a scooter, you could file a claim against the negligent scooter rider or other responsible parties.
• Family members of deceased victims: In the tragic event of a fatal scooter accident, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Identifying these liable parties is not as easy as it sounds, so contact a scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible for aid in determining all possible sources of compensation.

The Statute of Limitations for Scooter Accidents in Westchester County

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against a municipality is generally 1 year and 90 days from the date of the accident. However, you must file a notice of claim before this deadline passes, you must file a lawsuit against the responsible party if you hope to recover compensation.