Segway Accidents In DC

Residents and tourists of Washington D.C. often see groups of Segway riders touring the nation’s capital. Most Segway riders in the D.C. area sign up with a Segway tour company to get around the city on the novel form of personal transportation that first came out in 2001. While these may seem like a fun way to travel, Segway accidents can result in serious injuries for riders.

Despite being around for more than a decade, the Segway is still a relatively rare form of transportation. With the exception of a few government agencies using Segways, most Segway riders are tourists who have joined one or two hour tours of cities such as Washington D.C. They are generally given a brief introduction on how to operate the Segway before taking it out on the road but most riders never get more than a few minutes on these transportation devices they’ve never used before.

Even if new Segway riders feel comfortable testing the device in an enclosed environment, they may not ride the same way when they are surrounded by groups of tourists, runners, cyclists, vehicles, tour buses, and other distractions common in a big city. Segway riders may also be distracted by the very sights they joined the tour to see. While viewing the Washington Monument, National Mall, or bright cherry blossoms, the rider may not be paying attention to what is happening around them.

Cause of Segway Accidents

With so many inexperienced Segway riders out around busy parts of the city, it is not surprising that Segway accident can result in serious injury for riders and bystanders. The owner of the Segway company even fell to his death after riding his Segway off a cliff. However, because Segways are still a relatively uncommon transportation device, there is not a lot of information about how common Segway accidents are.

A professor of emergency medicine and public health at George Washington University wants better monitoring of Segway accidents nationwide. In a small study of individuals who came into the emergency room after accidents on a Segway, 24% were admitted to the hospital for their injuries and 10% were taken to intensive care. Almost 70% of those injured were tourists who were part of a guided Segway tour.

The causes of these injuries generally involved the rider simply falling off the Segway. Falls from the Segway can be caused by going off a curb, hitting a bench or pole, running into a pedestrian, or crashing into another Segway. Common Segway injuries include facial trauma, brain injury, broken bones, and spinal injury. This can result in a minor injury or require emergency medical treatment. Segway riders who wore helmets were much less likely to suffer a serious injury, and helmet use is recommended for anyone riding a Segway, no matter their level of experience.

Segway Accident Claims

Most people do not know what to do after they are involved in a Segway accident. If the victim suffers any type of injury they should seek immediate medical treatment. Falling accidents often lead to neck or back injury, which can be difficult to diagnose. Some riders who suffer a neck or back injury may simply try and walk it off. However, days later, they may suddenly find they are experiencing severe pain or limited motion. Early treatment can reduce the likelihood that neck or back trauma will result in a lifelong injury.

The Segway tour company may try and claim that by signing a waiver they are not responsible for your injuries. However, if the Segway company was responsible for your injury they cannot just disclaim any liability. The Segway company may have put the victim on a defective Segway device that caused the accident. The Segway company may also have failed to properly advise riders of the potential dangers or failed to properly train riders on how to operate the Segway.

A Segway accident can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You should not have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Talk to your attorney to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after a Segway accident.

Segway Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was injured in a Segway accident on a Washington D.C. Segway tour, you should talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about getting compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Do not hesitate to call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.