The difference between driving on a clear, sunny day compared to a rainy, snowy, cold day is striking. Inclement weather conditions can cause all sorts of problems on Illinois roadways. Any precipitation can make it difficult to see clearly when behind the wheel. In addition, wind only adds to the visibility problems. When the temperature drops below a certain level, water turns to ice. Black ice is a transparent coating of ice, found on a road or other paved surface. It can form after precipitation develops and then temperatures fall below freezing. This condition can be extremely dangerous for drivers because it often is not detected until it is too late. Car accidents involving black ice can be catastrophic. Drivers should take extra precautions during winter weather to avoid causing or being involved in a crash with severe injuries.

The Hidden Dangers of Black Ice

What makes black ice so hazardous is the fact that it is nearly impossible to see. Because it is transparent, motorists have a hard time detecting black ice at any time, but particularly at dusk or nighttime. In addition, it is more likely to develop on bridges and overpasses.

Below are a few key facts about how black ice forms and why it can be so treacherous:

Certain occupations may involve more risk than others. For example, police officers and firefighters can face dangers on a daily basis due to the nature of their work, whether it be a combative criminal suspect or a three-alarm blaze in a high-rise building. However, employees in other jobs can also be exposed to hazardous substances or explosions that can directly impact their health and safety. Exposure to toxic chemicals or electrical currents can cause a worker to be burned. In some cases, a burn injury can be life-threatening depending on the severity of it. Besides the physical effects, these types of injuries can also cause emotional scars. The majority of Illinois employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in the event employees are injured at work. It is important to understand your legal options for pursuing damages if you are hurt in a work accident.

Damage Can Go Beyond Skin Deep

Significant burns can affect a person’s quality of life if they are not properly treated. Any burn victim should seek medical assistance immediately to avoid the risk of infection. Burnt areas may be removed through surgery and replaced with skin grafts from other areas of the body to aid in the healing process until new skin can grow or regenerate. Burn victims typically face a long and difficult recovery period, particularly with third- and fourth-degree burns (partial and full thickness). They may have to spend weeks or months in the hospital depending on the degree of the burn, the percentage of the body that is burned, and whether the lungs were damaged from inhaling smoke or harmful chemicals.

A few of the long-term effects of a burn injury can include but are not limited to the following:

Often referred to as “man’s best friend,” dogs are a common family pet. They can be a person’s constant companions and provide a great sense of security. However, they are known to attack in certain circumstances or if provoked. In some cases, canines may attack when they are sick or trying to protect their pups. Unfortunately, a dog bite can result in serious and even life-threatening injuries. Research has shown that certain breeds of dogs are more prone to attack or inflict injuries on humans. If you or your loved one was hurt by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit brought against the dog’s owner. A skilled attorney can help you pursue damages for medical bills as well as pain and suffering.

Aggressive Dog Liability

Although Pitbulls and Rottweilers have a reputation for being aggressive, there are other dogs that can attack and cause harm. Some other breeds associated with attacks are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Bull Mastiffs, and Doberman Pinschers. According to Illinois liability law, if a pet owner knows of previous aggressive behavior by his or her dog and fails to take action, this can be considered negligence. As long as the individual who was harmed in the attack was not trespassing, the dog’s owner may be found liable in a personal injury claim for punitive damages.

Injuries Sustained

When a dog lunges at an adult or a child, it can be a frightening and traumatic experience. Because it occurs suddenly, it can be difficult to escape from the attack unscathed. Bigger dogs can overpower a child or smaller adult, often knocking them to the ground. A canine’s teeth are extremely sharp and can easily tear through skin. In addition, dogs can scratch with their nails and use their bodies as blunt force. Many dog bites can result in significant blood loss and other debilitating injuries.

There are many factors that can cause a car accident, such as drunk or distracted driving, weather or road conditions, and speeding. In some cases, a vehicle crash could be caused by a combination of those things, which can lead to confusion when recognizing the at-fault party. However, determining liability is important if anyone got hurt. Victims of automobile collisions can suffer injuries that impact them for days, months, or even years. That is why it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible about the accident, including how it happened as well as how it has impacted you. The more proof there is to support a claim for injuries or damages/losses, the better chance you have of receiving a fair settlement.

Documentation Is Key to Proving Negligence

The immediate aftermath of a crash can be chaotic and disorienting, filled with adrenaline and emotions. Drivers and passengers alike may be frightened, angry, and in pain. The first thing to do is call 911 if paramedics are needed and then call the police so they can fill out an official report of the accident.

Although Illinois drivers are required to carry auto insurance policies in the event of an accident, insurance companies typically only pay for vehicle damage and rental car fees if a car is totaled. A civil lawsuit or claim can alleviate the financial burden caused by physical and emotional injuries. However, as a plaintiff, you are responsible for proving another party’s negligence caused the accident and your subsequent damages, including lost wages if you are unable to return to work. In some cases, the other party involved may be driving for work, so it is important to get the name of his or her employer.

The Midwest is known for having four seasons, winter, spring, summer, and winter. The winters can be especially harsh, with blizzard-like weather conditions and temperatures plummeting to single digits and even below freezing. For outdoor sports enthusiasts, heavy snowfall means skiing and snowboarding. Although Illinois does not have mountains like other states such as Colorado or Utah, they do have big hills that are still ideal for winter activities. After all the restrictions put in place this past in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may be clamoring to get outside, even in the cold. However, as with any sport, there is an element of risk involved in snow sports. If you or your family member was hurt in a skiing or snowboarding accident, it is important to understand your legal options for pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim. In some cases, a negligent party may be held accountable for any damages you incurred.

Common Injuries from Snow Skiing

Skiing can be a great form of exercise, whether downhill or cross-country. Snowboarding has gained popularity in recent years, especially among the younger generation. Still, skiers and snowboarders can range in age from 5 to 80 years old. In some cases, the participant’s age can play a role in the severity of his or her injury, as an older person’s bones might be more brittle than an adolescent. Regardless, injuries sustained in this kind of accident or mishap can range from minor to serious and even fatal, often due to the fast speeds at which an individual is traveling downhill with little protection if he or she loses control. Recreational downhill skiers may average a speed of 20-40 miles per hour. If a skier or snowboarder cannot stop, he or she could crash into a building, a tree, or even strike another person. The force of the impact can cause catastrophic and debilitating injuries.

Here are a few of the typical types of injuries that people can suffer while skiing or snowboarding in the winter:

Certain occupations are inherently more dangerous than other jobs. For example, an office worker who sits at a desk and performs the majority of his or her duties on the computer does not face the same risks as construction, warehouse, or assembly line workers. Each year, heavy equipment operators are injured or killed by heavy mobile equipment used in construction. Many of these accidents occur as a result of rollovers or by employees getting struck or crushed by equipment. Depending on the circumstances, victims may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim as a way of recovering damages, which can include lost wages, medical bills, and therapy.

Work-Related Injuries

Heavy equipment operators may control or drive equipment in the construction industry. These machines can include forklifts, tractors, bulldozers, dump trucks, hydraulic cranes, and more. They operate these types of vehicles when constructing roads or structures such as bridges and buildings. However, similar to car crashes, when an accident involves this heavy machinery, the injuries can be catastrophic. The sheer size and weight of them can crush anything in their paths. A few of the most common injuries a heavy equipment operator can sustain include:

• Severed limbs
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord damage/paralysis

Factors that Increase the Likelihood of an Accident

There can be many contributing factors to accidents involving heavy equipment operators. One of the main reasons is when a machine malfunctions, typically due to faulty or defective parts. In some cases, collisions can occur because of improper or inadequate maintenance by the employer. Still other causes could be inclement weather conditions or driver error. Even though operators must go through training to learn how these machines work, it can prove difficult to maneuver them in high winds, pounding rain, or snow. That is why construction companies should take steps to ensure everything is in proper working order.

Wintertime is an opportunity for engaging in snow sports, such as sledding, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowmobiling. The snowmobile was originally used to transport people and supplies when traditional vehicles could not get through heavy snow. Snowmobiling has evolved to become a popular winter sport enjoyed by millions of people of all different ages. For those who do not mind the cold, it is an ideal way to get outside and enjoy the winery landscape. It is important to note, however, that modern snowmobiles can weigh in excess of 600 pounds and travel at speeds of 90 miles per hour or higher. Studies show that snowmobile accidents cause approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries each year in the United States. Many factors can cause a snowmobile crash, including the negligent actions of other drivers or manufacturers of the vehicle.

Common Snowmobile Injuries

Many people take their snowmobiles out for rides in wooded areas due to the breathtaking landscape with snow-covered trees. However, this can also prove dangerous and put riders at great risk. The high speeds combined with the terrain can result in deadly consequences if a person crashes while snowmobiling. If an operator loses control of the snowmobile, he or she can strike a tree, rock, or snowbank.

In addition, a rider can collide head-on with another rider if one of them cannot turn out of the way in time. Helmets and other protective gear such as goggles, gloves, jackets, and snow pants can help protect a driver and any passengers by alleviating some of the injuries in a collision, but they cannot prevent them altogether. In some situations, a snowmobile may flip over and land on top of a rider and his or her passenger, crushing them. Not only can they suffer significant injury from the sheer weight of the vehicle landing on them, but if they lose consciousness, they could be exposed to the frigid temperatures for a period of time until help arrives. That is why it is always a good idea to travel in pairs or alert others when and where you are going.

Most Illinois companies are required to carry insurance in the event an employee is injured at work. Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim and collecting compensation related to a work injury while traveling can be a bit more complicated than if an employee suffered an injury on site or his or her normal workplace. Although many businesses have reduced employee travel this year due to COVID-19, some essential workers may still be required to travel in order to perform their job effectively. Regardless if you travel once a week or once a year for your job, if you are injured during a business trip, you may be able to file a claim to help cover expenses and lost wages related to the injury. Employers should have clear guidelines of what is expected of your time on the road, and it is also important to understand how workers’ compensation can benefit you in these types of situations.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws

Under Illinois employment law, workers’ compensation benefits cover medical care needed to cure or relieve the effects of a work injury. It can also provide employees with temporary or permanent disability benefits; partial or total disability benefits; vocational training or rehabilitation; and death benefits. In case of a dispute, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) can enforce the state’s laws related to workers’ comp and protect workers’ rights. It is also important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable.

Hazards Encountered While on the Road

For those workers who are in sales or manage a group of employees, travel is often part of the job. Depending on where the satellite offices or stores are located, a worker may have to travel a few miles or a thousand miles. In some situations, he or she may be able to drive a company car or may have to take an airplane to the destination. Getting to and from these off-site locations can present risks, including distracted, reckless, or drunk drivers. However, there may be dangers upon arriving, too. Property owners at hotels or office buildings have a duty to provide a safe environment for patrons and employees. This includes maintaining both the inside and outside of any facilities. For example, making sure uneven pavement or floorboards do not cause a tripping hazard. Likewise, replacing burnt-out lightbulbs in outdoor areas to ensure safe walkways or even hiring security guards to patrol the grounds.

Research shows that there are many reasons why a car accident may occur. Some of the factors that increase the likelihood of a collision include weather conditions and driver error, which can include operating a vehicle while distracted, drunk, or drowsy. In many cases, a motorist believes he or she is sober or awake enough to drive when in reality, he or she should not be behind the wheel. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately half of motorists in the United States admit to driving while feeling tired. Shockingly, more than 40 percent of American drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel at least once in their driving careers. Despite less traffic on Illinois roadways due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there has been an increase in vehicle fatalities, partly due to fatigued drivers. If you are suffering as a car accident victim, it is important to explore your legal options with a skilled personal injury attorney.

The Impact of Drowsy Driving

Micro-sleep refers to short, involuntary periods of inattention. Although these can last as little as four or five seconds, when a driver experiences micro-sleep while traveling at a high rate of speed, the vehicle can travel the distance of a football field. This translates to not being able to stop in time if the car ahead suddenly stops. A rear-end collision at fast speeds can cause life-altering and even fatal injuries. Simply losing control of a vehicle for a few seconds can be catastrophic, with significant head trauma, internal bleeding, and spinal cord damage.

Drowsy driving is similar to driving under influence (DUI) of alcohol in the following ways:

Illinois workers’ comp benefits include reasonable medical care required to cure or alleviate the consequences of an injury, temporary total or partial disability benefits, vocational training, permanent partial or total disability benefits, and death benefits. It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable. This type of insurance ensures that companies provide funds for workers’ compensation benefits for employee injury claims. In the event of a dispute, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) enforces these sate laws and protects workers’ rights.

Medical Expenses

A workplace accident can cause minor to serious and even fatal injuries depending on the circumstances. A catastrophic injury can lead to a person needing surgery such as an amputation if a limb is severed and cannot be repaired. After sustaining any type of injury, it is imperative to seek medical attention right away. Not only can this prove life-saving, but it can also help when filing a workers’ compensation claim since medical records are typically necessary to prove damages.

Workers’ compensation insurance provides financial relief to an employee, which can be used for medical expenses that are directly related to a work-related injury or illness. This can include:

The human back, also known as the dorsum, is the large posterior area of the human body, encompassing the top of the buttocks to the back of the neck. Back injuries can be debilitating, often causing a victim to become immobile. Damage to the back resulting from car accidents or slip and falls often require costly and extensive medical treatment. These types of injuries can also leave individuals with chronic pain and suffering. In some scenarios, an injury may be caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another party.

Damage to the Spine

Because the spine makes up such a large part of the body, any damage to it can affect a person’s ability to move and walk. In some cases, an individual could end up temporarily or permanently paralyzed. This condition can require the use of a wheelchair and other adaptive equipment. Depending on the severity of the injury and what a person does for a living, he or she may not be able to return to his or her job.

Several types of back injuries that commonly result from a vehicle collision or similar blunt force trauma include:

This year has been like no other due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. With many restrictions issued to prevent the spread of the contagious virus, people may be struggling financially and emotionally. Certain non-essential businesses have been temporarily closed, while many employees have been allowed to work from home the past eight months. Although the holidays are upon us, health officials are urging folks to stay home or practice social distancing if they do venture out. For those who are feeling cooped up, going for a walk has become a popular pastime.

In the winter months, daylight hours are shorter, so it gets dark much earlier in the day compared to summertime. Combined with motorists who may get behind the wheel after a few too many drinks while celebrating the holidays, the likelihood of cars hitting individuals who are out walking is increased. If you or your loved one was struck as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation if a negligent driver is at fault for your injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries

The sheer nature of a vehicle hitting a person while walking can be devastating. This is partly due to the force of the impact and the fact that a pedestrian does not have any protection compared to passengers in a car. In some cases, a person who is struck by an automobile can sustain life-altering injuries, including paralysis or brain damage, which can impact the rest of their life.

Today’s vehicles feature the latest advancements in safety, including blind spot detection, emergency braking, seat belt restraints, and airbags. All of these devices are made in an effort to avoid a car accident or reduce the severity of injuries in the event that one does occur. Considered a supplemental restraint system, airbags are designed to work alongside seat belts and should be used together. Studies show that when airbags are used correctly, they can reduce head-on collision fatalities by nearly 24 percent.

In many cases, a negligent driver may be at fault for causing an automobile crash. Another motorist may be intoxicated or drowsy, causing him or her to collide with another vehicle or pedestrian. However, in some collisions, a seat belt or airbag may not function properly, resulting in minor to serious injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help car accident victims determine who is liable if an airbag does not deploy in a crash.

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags work using several sensors and a mini explosion. The airbag includes an accelerometer that detects changes in speed. If deceleration occurs above a preset speed, more than normal braking speeds, the airbag circuit is triggered and the bags are deployed. The circuit passes an electrical current through a heating element, which then ignites a chemical explosive. A significant amount of innocuous gas rushes into a nylon bag that is usually placed behind the steering wheel or within the passenger side dash, and it causes the bag to inflate. When the driver or passenger’s head hits the bag, it starts to deflate while the gas escapes through holes at the edges of the bag. When the vehicle has come to a full stop, the bag should be completely deflated. If it did not inflate, your head would simply bounce off of it due to the sudden and forceful backward movement of the head and neck.

Considered an essential business, the construction industry is how our roads, buildings, and homes are built. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites throughout the nation on a daily basis. Studies show that the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all other industries. Common hazards for construction workers can include falls from scaffolding or ladders and burns from explosions or electric shocks. However, there are additional dangers faced by these types of workers, including occupational diseases. In some cases, these may go unnoticed for years and employees in the construction field may suffer irreparable damage. A workers’ compensation claim may alleviate the financial ramifications of this type of workplace injury.

On-the-Job Hazards

Many jobs can have their fair share of risks, including those faced by police officers or firefighters. Construction workers face somewhat unique dangers depending on what types of products with which they may be working. Chronic medical conditions have been linked to prolonged exposure to certain toxic vapors, gases, fumes, smoke, paint, or dust. A few of the most common types of occupational diseases or illnesses include:

• Asthma
• Mesothelioma and other cancers
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Dermatitis
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Occupational contact dermatitis may be caused by exposure to a variety of agents, including irritants or sensitizers, physical agents, and biologic agents. Musculoskeletal disorders include repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis (tennis elbow), common when construction workers use their hands and arms for painting, nailing, and sawing. Asbestos-related injuries are common in construction workers who are exposed to certain building materials such as insulation. Because asbestos is considered a carcinogen, it can cause cancer after repeated exposure.

Consumers use various outlets in order to get the products they need and want, such as visiting brick-and-mortar stores or going to a retailer’s or a third-party vendor’s website. With many people opting to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, more and more shopping is being done online. This means consumers are often buying items “sight unseen,” or without physically holding it or trying it in person first. Regardless of how shoppers purchase a product, in some cases, the product may have a defect or a faulty part, which can cause minor to serious injuries. As a consumer, you may be entitled to compensation if you suffered as a result of using a bad product. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine liability and explain your legal options.

Illinois Product Liability Laws

There are several ways that a product can be dangerous for users. In certain cases, the design itself can make the product unreasonably hazardous. A manufacturing defect is when the design of the product was reasonably safe, but there was a mistake made while actually making or producing the product. According to Illinois law, a product may be considered “defective” if a defect is found in any of the following:

• Design
• Manufacturing
• Warning labels

If an item does not have any posted warnings about its use or fails to provide sufficient information or instructions on an included warning label or accompanying pamphlet, that can be considered negligent. When proving negligence in a product liability case, a plaintiff must show that there was an alternative option, which could have made it safer.

You can never foresee if or when you will be involved in a car accident. For some, they may experience their lives flashing before their eyes during a crash, while others may be caught in a number of accidents throughout their life. Whether you are the at-fault party or not, being involved in a car accident can greatly impact your life. For those who were not responsible for the crash and have resulting injuries, their financial savings, ability to work, and quality of life can all be diminished depending on the severity of the accident. For those responsible, the cost of compensating the other party can be difficult to manage. This is especially true for those who are uninsured and are required to pay these fees out of pocket. Regardless of your level of insurance coverage, Illinois requires those who are found at-fault to provide financial assistance to the other party.

Determining Who Is At-Fault

Like most states in the U.S., Illinois is considered an “at-fault state.” Under these laws, the drivers involved in auto accidents within the state of Illinois will be assigned a level of fault, determining who is primarily responsible for the accident and how much they will owe the other party. Understandably, you may assume that one party’s actions are what cause the accident, making them solely responsible.

Most accidents, however, are a bit more complex. For instance, if two cars are turning into the same lane from different directions and one car had the right of way, but was also found to be texting while driving, a portion of the blame for the accident may be taken off of the other driver since they were not driving distracted. While you are filing your claim, both attorneys will work to discover who was more at-fault for the accident and fight on their client’s behalf to secure compensation for any injuries, car damage, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Any type of head injury can be serious, since it usually impacts the brain. A concussion occurs when there is trauma to the head, which affects the brain. This type of trauma can include a blow to the head or violent shaking, both of which may occur in a car accident. Individuals who suffer severe or multiple concussions can have negative long-term effects. Receiving prompt and proper medical care is key to recovering and mitigating permanent damage. In some cases, a negligent party may be at fault for causing a vehicle collision. If you or your loved one is suffering due to a concussion injury after a crash, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your rehabilitation.

Future Problems

When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact can be devastating. Drivers or occupants in the automobiles can strike the dashboard, windows, or doors. In some instances, they can become pinned between the seat in front of them or even be ejected from the car. In all these scenarios, hitting their heads on a hard surface within the vehicle or on pavement cause a concussion.

Although some symptoms of a concussion may not seem that serious, they can develop over time and greatly hinder a victim’s ability to perform everyday activities. A few of the long-lasting conditions may include:

Accidents occur on a frequent basis, whether they are vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, or workplace injuries. The injuries sustained can range from minor to serious and even fatal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 5,250 people died from a work-related injury in the United States in 2018, up 2 percent from the 2017 total number of deaths. Even if a work injury does not prove fatal, it may result in multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. All of this can significantly impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can alleviate some of the financial stress related to medical costs. An experienced attorney can assist you with the filing process to make sure you receive what you need and deserve to recover.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

In Illinois, most companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case their employees get hurt while on the job. Employers that knowingly and willfully fail to obtain insurance can face fines for noncompliance. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of benefits paid by employers to workers who experience work-related injuries or diseases. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission resolves disputes between employees and employers related to work-related injuries or illnesses.

Below are a few examples of typical mistakes that someone may make when filing a workers’ compensation claim:

When people venture out on a shopping trip or to eat at their favorite diner, they do not expect to be put in danger of suffering an injury. Public places can include restaurants, office, condominium, or apartment buildings, fitness centers, grocery or clothing stores, and more. These establishments must abide by standard building codes to ensure the safety and security of staff, patrons, and residents. Conditions can be unsafe due to uneven pavement, worn or broken wood, damaged siding, and more. This can cause someone to slip and fall, which can result in minor to serious injuries. In some cases, a victim may be entitled to compensation if a negligent property owner is found to be in violation of building codes.

Premises Liability

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, business and property owners have a duty to keep their properties reasonably safe in order to prevent harm to their visitors or guests. If owners fail to take reasonable care, the state of Illinois can hold them accountable for any damages that result in their negligent actions. An amendment to the Act holds property owners to the same standard of care for both individuals who visit a property and that benefits the property owner (invitee) as well as people who come for their own amusement (licensee).

This legislation means that the premises must be properly maintained and void of hazards. If that is not possible, guests must be notified of any known defects or hazards before they enter. If owners or managers do not post adequate signage alerting of potential dangers, this can be considered negligence. The Act applies to visitors who are on the premises legally and are not trespassing.

Electric or “e-scooters” have become a popular mode of transportation throughout the United States in the past few years. These scooters are an environmentally friendly way for individuals to sightsee or move around busy city streets instead of taking buses, cars, and other vehicles that rely on fossil fuels. The city of Chicago launched a pilot program last year to test the efficiency and usefulness of e-scooters within certain areas of the city. The second phase of the test program started in August of this year and is expected to run until December. E-scooters are a fast way for suburban commuters to get from the train to their office building. In addition, many people are enjoying the outdoors by taking e-scooter rides after being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. As with any motorized vehicle, though, riders run the risk of injury if they are involved in an e-scooter crash. In some cases, an accident may be caused by the negligence of another e-scooter rider, manufacturer, or vendor.

Typical Injuries

According to Safety + Health magazine, the majority of injuries sustained while operating an e-scooter occur from falling off of the device. In other scenarios, two riders can collide with each other, or they can lose control and strike a bicyclist or pedestrian on the sidewalk.

• A few of the most common types of injuries resulting from an e-scooter accident include:
• Head trauma (concussion or TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken or fractured bones (wrist, arm, leg, ribs)
• Punctured lung

Security Measures Increase Safety

This year’s program has shown improvement in securing the scooters after users complete their rides. Now, the e-scooters can be locked to bike racks, light poles, retired parking meters, or in designated corrals. Reports from the Chicago Sun-Times, scooter-related complaints to the city’s 311 non-emergency system have dropped by 60 percent compared to last year. When scooters are left on sidewalks, streets, or other walkways, other riders or pedestrians can hit or trip and fall over them, causing minor to severe injuries.