Two people were injured when the motor scooter they were riding crashed into a median on Sunrise Boulevard in Citrus Heights, according to recent reports.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. when the scooter crossed Antelope Road. It then began travelling northbound in the southbound lanes, before it crashed into the median. According to reports, the scooter slid 250 feet before coming to a stop.
Both the driver and the passenger were injured, and one was listed in critical condition at a local hospital. The other rider was described as having minor injuries. Neither of the riders were wearing helmets.
Scooters Are Not As Safe As You May Think
Citing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, Tom Lutzenberger shares some important insight about motor scooters and accidents. Riding a motor scooter is just as dangerous as riding a motorcycle; both vehicles are far more dangerous than riding in a car. Scooter drivers and passengers are 35 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than a person travelling by car.
While scooter repairs and maintenance are notably lower in cost than those related to motorcycles and cars, people often failure to consider financial aspect of injuries sustained while on one of these vehicles. Scooter drivers and passengers are fully exposed when colliding with another vehicle or stationary object. Injuries can be severe when a rider strikes another object while riding at 20 mph; scooters reach speeds of more than 40mph. Not surprisingly, injuries are frequently exacerbated when drivers and passengers fail to wear protective gear, as with the two riders in Citrus Heights.
A scooter injury may cost over $31,000 for the immediate hospital care alone. Wearing a helmet that includes a facemask may reduce that hospital bill by more than $15,000. Helmets without a facemask leave a scooter driver susceptible to serious injuries to the jaw, nose, eyes and teeth.
What To Do If You Are Injured In A Scooter Crash
Whether you are a driver or passenger, if you are injured in a scooter crash you may be entitled to payment of damages including medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages. At Ashley Injury Lawyers in Roseville, we firmly believe that you deserve to understand your full legal rights. Moreover, we will fight for the maximum financial compensation if your injuries were caused by the negligence of another party. Call us today for a free case consultation.
