Injured While Delivering Food on a Scooter in Baltimore: Can I Sue?

E-scooters are on the rise in Baltimore – providing not only recreational fun but also genuine work opportunities. Today, many delivery workers rely on their scooters to zip across town, earn a solid income, and contribute to our economy without increasing emissions. It sounds like a perfect job for a teen or a university student – until you are struck and injured by a negligent driver. What can you do in this situation? Is it possible to pursue compensation?

Can I File an Insurance Claim After a Scooter Delivery Accident? 

You might be wondering if you can file an insurance claim after a delivery accident while operating a scooter. The short answer is that there is no mainstream insurance company that offers insurance for scooter operators in the same way as the auto insurance industry.

That said, some delivery companies provide their gig workers with a certain degree of insurance coverage – including those who carry out their deliveries on e-scooters. However, the details of these insurance policies vary from company to company. Coverage may be much more limited than it seems, and companies may attempt to deny coverage by claiming that you were not engaged in work-related activities before the crash.

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver? 

If you were struck by a negligent driver in Maryland while delivering food on your e-scooter, a much more straightforward option would be to file a claim against this at-fault driver. Car insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Maryland, and their policy may cover the cost of your injuries. Work with a personal injury attorney in Baltimore to hold these negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation you need for your damages – including medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress.

Were You Operating Your E-Scooter Legally? 

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that Maryland is one of the few “contributory fault” states in the nation. This means that even if you were 1% responsible for your own crash, you cannot pursue any compensation whatsoever. Before you move ahead with an injury lawsuit, you may want to consider whether you were operating your e-scooter responsibly and legally. Remember, it is illegal to ride an e-scooter on the sidewalk in Baltimore, and you must operate your scooter like any other driver on the road. For more guidance on contributory fault and the possibility of a lawsuit, reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney in Baltimore.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Baltimore 

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney, look no further than Furman Honick Law. During an initial consultation, we can discuss your unique situation and determine the most appropriate route forward. In many cases, injured e-scooter delivery workers in Baltimore have every right to sue. Call Furman Honick Law today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.

Sources: 

cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-awards-permits-to-3-providers-of-e-scooters-and-e-bikes/

msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/004000/004611/unrestricted/20071522e.pdf