On Thursday, August 8, 2019, a fire broke out on a Bird electric scooter in Nashville, Tennessee. The scooter was being charged at a local charging station when the scooter fire started. The Nashville Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
No one was injured in the fire, but this incident highlights the dangers of electric scooters. In recent months, there have been several fires involving electric scooters. In some cases, these fires have resulted in serious injuries and even death.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an electric scooter fire, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced personal injury lawyers at our firm can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Scooter Fire Accidents
What Causes Electric Scooter Fires?
There are a few things that can contribute to an electric scooter catching on fire. But what are those things? Let’s take a closer look:
Batteries
One of the most common causes of electric scooter fires is faulty batteries. When battery cells are damaged or defective, it can cause them to overheat and catch fire. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your scooter’s battery is properly maintained and replaced as needed.
Charging
Another common cause of electric scooter fires is improper charging. If you don’t charge your scooter correctly—or if you use an incompatible charger—it can damage the battery and lead to a fire. This is why it’s always best to use the charger that came with your scooter and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Riding
Believe it or not, how you ride your scooter can also affect its risk of catching on fire. If you ride too fast or too hard, it puts stress on the battery and other components, which can lead to a fire. Similarly, if you crash your scooter, it could damage the battery and cause a fire. So always ride safely and within the speed limit!
Common Scooter Fire Accident Injuries
Scooters are a great way to get around. They’re easy to operate and can be a fun way to travel short distances. However, scooter fires are a real problem. In the past year, there have been over 1,000 reports of scooter fires in the United States alone. Let’s look at the top 5 injuries caused by scooter fires.
Burns
The most common injury caused by scooter fires is burns. When a scooter catches on fire, the flames can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature can cause first-, second-, and third-degree burns. The severity of the burn depends on how long the skin was exposed to the flames and how deep the burn goes.
Smoke Inhalation
Smoke inhalation is another common injury caused by scooter fires. When inhaling smoke from a fire, you can damage your lungs and airways. This damage can lead to difficulty breathing, lung infections, and even death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a gas that’s formed when certain materials burn. When inhaling carbon monoxide, it replaces the oxygen in your blood and prevents your body from getting the oxygen it needs. This lack of oxygen can damage your brain and other organs and even lead to death.
Eye Injuries
The smoke and flames from a scooter fire can also cause eye injuries. These injuries can range from minor irritation to blindness. To protect your eyes from smoke and flames, be sure to wear goggles or sunglasses when riding a scooter.
Emotional Trauma
Scooter fires can also cause emotional trauma. Witnessing a fire can be traumatizing, especially if someone is injured or killed in the fire. If you or someone you know has witnessed a scooter fire, it’s important to seek professional help to process what happened.
About Scooter Fire Accident Claims
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a scooter fire accident in Tennessee, you may be wondering how to file a claim. The process can be confusing and overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to file a successful scooter fire accident claim in Tennessee.
1. Gather evidence.
The first step is to gather any evidence you have of the accident. This can include things like photos of the damage, witness statements, and any medical documentation.
2. Hire an attorney.
The next step is to hire an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the claims process. An attorney will be able to help you determine what type of compensation you’re entitled to and will fight for your rights in court if necessary.
3. File your claim or lawsuit
Once you have gathered all of the necessary evidence and hired an attorney, you’re ready to file your claim. You will need to fill out some paperwork and submit it to the court.
4. Wait for a decision.
Once your claim has been filed, the court will review it and decide whether or not you are entitled to compensation. This process can take several months, so be patient, as it could ultimately result in a jury trial.
5. Appeal if necessary.
If you disagree with the court’s decision, you have the right to appeal. You will need to contact an attorney for assistance with this process as it can be complicated.
Who is Responsible for My Scooter Fire Accident Injuries?
Scooter share companies like Bird and Lime are rapidly becoming a common sight in cities across the country. But as scooters have become more popular, so too have scooter accidents.
There has been a recent spate of scooter fires in Tennessee, resulting in injuries to both riders and bystanders. So who is responsible when a scooter fire accident occurs? Let’s take a look.
The first thing to consider is whether the scooter was being operated by the terms of use set forth by the scooter company. Most scooter companies prohibit riding on sidewalks, riding double, or riding without a helmet. If the rider was not following these guidelines, then the scooter company may not be held liable for any injuries that occurred.
The second thing to consider is whether the accident was caused by a malfunctioning scooter. If the scooter was defective in some way, then the company may be held liable. For example, if the battery overheated and caused the fire, then the company may be held liable for any injuries that resulted.
Finally, it’s important to consider whether any third parties may be held liable for the accident. For example, if the fire was caused by a faulty charger that was not provided by the scooter company, then that third party may be held liable instead.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Scooter Fire Accidents?
Scooter fires are a serious problem in the state of Tennessee. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a scooter fire accident, it is important to know what the law says about these types of accidents.
In short, Tennessee law says that scooter companies are responsible for the safety of their products. If a company knowingly sells a defective product that causes injury or death, they can be held liable under the state’s product liability laws.
There have been several high-profile scooter fires in Tennessee in recent years, and as a result, many scooter companies have been hit with lawsuits. In one notable case, a woman sued Bird Rides Inc. after she was injured when her Bird electric scooter burst into flames while she was riding it. The woman alleged that Bird was aware of the dangers of its defective scooters but failed to warn consumers about the risks.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a scooter fire accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the scooter company. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate your claim and determine if you have a case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Scooter Fire Accident Lawsuit?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident. This means that if you were injured in a scooter fire accident on January 1, 2020, you would have until January 1, 2021, to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your claim will likely be dismissed by the court.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is also one year in Tennessee. However, some exceptions may extend the deadline. For example, if the decedent was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled (i.e., extended) until the child turns 18 years old.
It’s important to note that these deadlines can be complicated, so it’s always best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess your case and determine the applicable statute of limitations.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
One of the worst things that can happen to an accident victim is speaking with an insurance adjuster before they have had a chance to speak with an attorney. Why? Because insurance companies are for-profit businesses. And, unfortunately, their profit motive almost always trumps their moral compass.
From our experience as a practicing personal injury lawyers, here are three (3) specific dangers of talking to the other side before consulting with your personal injury attorney:
Danger #1 – You could be inadvertently recorded without even knowing it.
In most States – including Tennessee – it is legal for an insurance adjuster to secretly record a conversation with you without your knowledge or consent. So, even if the adjuster tells you that “this conversation is just between you and me,” he or she could be recording it and later using your own words against you. For this reason alone, it is always best to consult with your lawyer before talking to an insurance adjuster from the other side.
Danger #2 – The Insurance Adjuster will likely try to trick you into giving a recorded statement.
After an accident, an insurance adjuster from the other side will often call accident victims and try to trick them into giving a “recorded statement” about how the accident happened and the extent of their injuries.
The problem is that these recorded statements can (and almost always do) come back to bite the victim later on in their case . . . especially if the victim’s memory about how the accident happened changes over time (which is almost inevitable). That’s why it is always best to wait until after you have consulted with your personal injury attorney before giving any type of recorded statement about how the accident happened or the extent of your injuries.
Danger #3 – The Insurance Adjuster will likely use what you say against you later on in your case by trying to twist your words or take them out of context.
Oftentimes, these seemingly innocuous conversations can come back to haunt accident victims later on down the road in their cases when they least expect it – especially if there are significant delays between when the conversation took place and when the case goes to trial (which is often the case). That’s why it is always best to leave all conversations about your case until after you have had a chance to speak with your lawyer first – so that way your lawyer can be there with you every step of the way and help ensure that nothing gets twisted around or taken out of context later on down the road in your case.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
When you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a scooter fire accident, you need a law firm that is solely dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. That’s what we do at our firm. We are focused exclusively on scooter fire accident cases, and we have the resources and knowledge to get you the best possible outcome.
Our team of experienced investigators will leave no stone unturned in their search for evidence. We know that insurance companies will try to lowball our clients, so we make sure to thoroughly document the extent of our client’s injuries and damages. This attention to detail has led to us winning millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Scooter Fire Accident Case?
There are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer after being involved in a scooter fire accident. The first is the severity of your injuries. If you were injured so severely that you had to be hospitalized or are now dealing with long-term effects, then it’s worth considering hiring a lawyer.
The second factor is who was at fault for the accident. If the accident was caused by another person’s negligence (for example, if the battery was defective or there was an issue with the charging system), then you may have a case for compensation.
The third and final factor is whether or not you live in Tennessee. Why does this matter? Tennessee is one of a handful of states with what’s called a “contingency fee agreement.” This means that if you hire a lawyer on contingency, you won’t have to pay any upfront fees – your lawyer will only get paid if they win your case. So, if you do decide to hire a lawyer, be sure to find one who practices in Tennessee and is willing to work on contingency.
How Much Do We Charge?
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Attorney?
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. This type of fee arrangement allows people to hire an experienced lawyer without having to pay any upfront fees. With a contingency fee, our firm advances all case costs and we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you. If we are unsuccessful in winning your case, you will not owe us any attorneys’ fees or reimburse us for any out-of-pocket expenses that we incurred on your behalf.
How is the Contingency Fee Calculated?
The percentage of the recovery that goes to the lawyer varies depending on when the case settles or if there is a verdict. If the case settles before filing a lawsuit, the attorney’s fee is usually one-third of the total settlement amount. If the case settles after filing suit, the attorney’s fee increases to 40%. However, these percentages may be higher or lower depending on the specifics of your case.
Will I Owe Anything Out-Of-Pocket?
No. You will not owe anything out-of-pocket to hire our firm. We advance all costs associated with litigating your claim and we only get reimbursed if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
Conclusion:
Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular, but they also come with inherent risks. One of the most serious risks is the risk of fire. If you or someone you know has been injured in an electric scooter fire, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.