Scooters Are Out of Control in New York

Scooters are more popular than ever in New York. With this popularity in mind, the recent increase in Manhattan scooter accidents is perhaps unsurprising. However, we should not simply sit back and accept this safety crisis – especially when new victims suffer serious scooter injuries with each passing week. Two recent incidents in New York highlight how important it is to prioritize scooter safety.

Scooter Driver in Critical Condition After Collision in Manhattan 

In September of 2024, NY Daily News reported that a 64-year-old scooter driver had suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle in Manhattan. Police say the driver was attempting a left-hand turn at an intersection – implying that the scooter driver could have had the right of way. The scooter driver was rushed to a nearby hospital with what first responders called critical injuries.

It should be noted that this was a “traditional” gas-powered scooter rather than a newer electric scooter. While different New York traffic laws apply to these two vehicles, they both suffer from a severe lack of visibility. It is very difficult to see an approaching scooter when executing a left-hand turn – but drivers must keep a watchful eye out for these smaller vehicles.

Criminal Scooter Driver Escapes Hospital After Crash 

Also in September of 2024, a criminal managed to escape from a Bronx hospital after suffering injuries in a scooter crash. The accident occurred when he tried to flee from police on his scooter, but he ultimately crashed his gas-powered vehicle after riding it onto a sidewalk. The crash caused some kind of leg injury, but police also discovered that he was carrying various narcotics on the scooter.

The officers then took him into custody, and he was confined at a nearby hospital due to his leg injury. However, the scooter driver managed to escape from the hospital – and police are now searching for him once again. While most of these hospital escapees are eventually tracked down, this incident shows just how insane some scooter riders have become in New York.

The quasi-legal status of scooters makes them an obvious choice for anyone who cannot obtain a normal driver’s license. This of course includes criminals – and these individuals may be more likely to drive in a highly reckless manner.

Key Takeaways: 

• Scooters have few requirements, allowing virtually anyone to ride them
• Scooters pose threats to pedestrians, especially after reckless driving
• Cars also pose threats to scooters, especially during left-hand turns

Can an Auto Accident Lawyer Help After a Manhattan Scooter Accident? 

An experienced New York auto accident lawyer may be able to help after a serious scooter accident. Consider discussing your options further alongside Cohan Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs – and we know how vulnerable you can be when riding on two wheels. As long as you act relatively quickly, it may be possible to recover enough compensation to cover medical bills, missed wages, and more. Reach out today to get started.

Sources: 

nydailynews.com/2024/09/13/64-year-old-helmetless-manhattan-scooter-driver-in-critical-condition-after-crash/

gothamist.com/news/nypd-man-escapes-correction-officers-while-being-treated-at-bronx-hospital