A Segway is a two-wheeled personal transportation machine which is both energy-efficient and convenient. While still relatively uncommon in Arlington and Fort Worth for personal use, there are many businesses in the area that utilize such vehicles for a variety of uses and the technology is enjoying a slow-growing popularity.
Unfortunately, Segway riders are sometimes involved in accidents either with pedestrians or other vehicles, and such collisions can result in injuries. If you have been hurt in an accident which was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
Injured in a Segway Crash
Were you injured in a collision with another vehicle? Whether it was a car, truck or motorcycle - if you were not at fault, you might be able to make a claim to recover damages against the negligent party's insurance company.
Just as a pedestrian or a cyclist would likely suffer extremely severe injuries if they were hit by a motor vehicle, so too can a Segway rider. Such injuries are often life-threatening because a Segway rider is afforded no protection other than a helmet, so they are at high risk of suffering multiple broken bones, a traumatic brain injury or even worse in the event of a collision.
Injured by a Defective or Dangerous Segway
Riding a Segway takes practice. It requires balancing yourself in an upright position and controlling your speed by gently leaning backwards. In some situations, an injury could occur simply as a result of a rider trying to learn how to properly ride the machine. Such a problem is by no means exclusive to novice Segway riders either; the owner of Segway Inc., James Heselden, died in a tragic Segway accident in September 2010.
There have already been two mass recalls of Segway riders since the vehicles were first introduced to the public in 2003. That same year, approximately 6,000 transporters were recalled. In 2006, approximately 23,5000 further Segways were recalled.
Commonly recurring problems experienced by Segway injury victims involve both the accelerometers and stabilization technology used on Segway devices. There have been reports of Segways suddenly braking without warning, as well as other instances of riders being thrown from the machines. Such accidents can cause whiplash injuries, neck and back sprains, fractured bones and concussions.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries while riding a Segway or other personal transportation vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Anderson Law Firm. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at either Fort Worth 817-294-1900 or Dallas 214-327-8000.
