Accidents between mobility scooters and cars are becoming common in Abilene. When they happen, people often end up badly hurt and left wondering what their rights are or who they can turn to for help. If you or someone close to you has been in a similar accident, knowing your legal options could help you move forward.
Yes, Texas treats people on mobility scooters like pedestrians. These scooters are usually used by people with disabilities or limited mobility, so the law sees them more as walking aids than vehicles.
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That means if you’re riding a mobility scooter on a sidewalk or crossing the street, you generally have the same rights as someone walking. If a car hits you, it’s usually considered a pedestrian accident.
This matters because it affects who’s at fault, what kind of claim you can file, and what kind of compensation you might be able to get.
Every accident is different, but there are some common problems that come up again and again when mobility scooters and cars collide. Knowing what causes these crashes can help you understand what went wrong and who might be responsible.
Many people ride their scooters early in the morning or after dark, and they might not have lights or anything reflective on them. If they’re wearing dark clothes, that makes it even harder to be seen. In low-light areas, especially in neighborhoods without good street lighting, this can quickly lead to an accident.
Some parts of Abilene don’t have enough crosswalks, sidewalks, or safe places to ride a mobility scooter. This often forces people to use the road or cross in unsafe spots just to get where they need to go. When drivers aren’t expecting to see a scooter in the street or coming out from between parked cars, accidents can happen fast.
In many cases, the driver is simply not paying attention. Whether they’re texting, speeding, or just not looking for slower-moving people on scooters, one wrong move can lead to serious injuries. Drivers may also fail to yield at intersections or turns, especially if they don’t think a scooter user has the right of way.
Some crashes happen because of the environment. Poor lighting, faded road markings, cracked pavement, or uneven sidewalks can all increase the risk of an accident. These things make it harder for both scooter users and drivers to move safely.
The state uses comparative negligence, which means both people involved in the crash can share the blame. If you were partly responsible but not mostly at fault (less than 51%), you can still get compensation. However, the amount you receive might be reduced based on how much of the accident was your fault.
To figure out who’s at fault, investigators look at:
The sooner you gather this information, the better. It can make a big difference in proving what happened and making sure your side of the story is heard.
If you’re thinking about taking legal action after a mobility scooter accident, there’s something important to keep in mind: In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
That might seem like plenty of time, but it’s better not to wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather the right evidence and build a strong case.
Having a personal injury lawyer on your side can help. They know how the process works and can take a lot of pressure off you. A good Abilene motor vehicle crash lawyer can:
Not sure if you have a case? Most personal injury lawyers in Abilene offer free consultations. That way, you can understand your options without any pressure.
Getting hurt in a mobility scooter accident can turn your life upside down. It’s a tough situation, but you don’t have to deal with it all on your own. Knowing your rights, asking the right questions, and getting the right help can make the road ahead a little easier.
If you’re unsure about what to do next, talking to a local attorney can be a good first step.
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