Woman Killed in New Hampshire Motorized Scooter Accident
January 11, 2023
Motorized mobility scooters can help people who need them to get around. While this technology can lead to a greater ability to travel, it also carries several potential dangers. Scooter riders face the risk of an accident with drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Scooters also lack the same protections as other vehicles in the event of an accident, such as airbags or seatbelts. As a result, anyone who shares the road with a motorized scooter rider must stay vigilant to avoid a serious crash.
According to a recent news article, a woman in a motorized mobility scooter was struck by a vehicle in Rochester, New Hampshire. Sadly, she died from her injuries at the scene. Local police are still investigating the cause of the accident.
Riding a scooter can be especially dangerous because riders often lack clear parameters for where they should be riding their scooters. New Hampshire law forbids drivers to cross a barrier unless they must pass someone who is operating a mobility or foot-scooter. However, there are few established rules of the road for scooter riders themselves. As a result, scooter riders may be unsure whether to operate their scooters in driving lanes, bike lanes, or on sidewalks. When an area lacks bike lanes, scooter riders may see no other option but to ride in a vehicle lane. As a result, a scooter rider may collide with a car, bike, or pedestrian. Even if riders can operate their scooters in a bike lane, they may collide with a cyclist, or a careless driver could veer into the bike lane and clip their scooter. Unfortunately, these collisions may result in serious injury or death.
How Can You Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in New Hampshire?
If a scooter rider has died from a traffic accident, the deceased’s loved ones may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. Wrongful death suits can help ensure responsible parties do not escape liability just because the would-be plaintiff has died. New Hampshire law allows a party to bring a wrongful death claim if they can claim an interest in the deceased’s estate. Often, this group includes the deceased’s spouse and children. If a party wins a wrongful death lawsuit, they can receive a damages award that compensates for funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, the deceased’s lost compensation, and emotional pain and suffering. Additionally, a deceased victim’s surviving spouse can bring a claim for the loss of the deceased’s companionship and comfort, known as a loss of consortium claim.
Do You Need a New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorney?
If someone you love has been killed in a New Hampshire motorized scooter accident, you may be unsure what to do next. After these senseless accidents, the dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates can help you understand your options. Our experienced attorneys will support you through every stage of the legal process and will fight for the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out through our website.