St. Petersburg, FL — E-Scooter Driver Hit, Killed by PTSA Bus

St. Petersburg, FL (October 15th, 2024) – The driver of an e-scooter was killed after getting struck by a Pinellas Sunset Transit Authority bus. 

The e-scooter driver was transported to a local hospital, but did not survive his injuries. None of the 10 passengers on the bus, nor the driver, were injured. The accident occurred at the intersection of 22nd Avenue and the Pinellas Trail, but it was not reported whether speed, running a stop light or sign, or some other factor contributed to causing the fatal accident.

Today’s collision involving a city bus and e-scooter has brought a spotlight to the growing risks associated with the increasing popularity of these modes of transportation. It further draws attention to the dangers of them sharing the road with larger vehicles, such as buses. 

Causes of E-Scooter Accidents with City Buses

Collisions involving e-scooters and city buses may result due to numerous factors. Some of these issues are the result of driver behaviors, while others are due to vehicle dynamics and infrastructure issues.

Driver Behaviors

Negligence on the part of both e-scooter and bus drivers commonly contributes to electric scooter-bus accident cases. Driver behaviors that may play a role in causing such crashes include distracted driving, speeding or reckless driving, or failing to yield the right-of-way.

Vehicle Dynamics

Issues involving these two types of vehicles also regularly play a role in causing serious and fatal accidents. In particular, as compared to buses, e-scooters are very small and have a much lower profile. For bus drivers, this can create issues spotting e-scooter drivers, which may add to the risk of crashes. Due to their size, buses often have blind spots around the front corners and sides. If in these areas, it can be difficult for bus drivers to see e-scooters, increasing the chance of a collision. 

Infrastructure Issues

In many areas, e-scooter riders have to share the roads with cars, buses, and other vehicles. Lacking dedicated lanes can make it difficult for them to navigate safely, and may increase the danger of accidents. Further, e-scooter riders may not be aware of specific rules or regulations, and may misinterpret traffic signals or road markings.

Confusing intersections are common sites of e-scooter and Pinellas bus accidents. Complex and poorly designed intersections can be difficult for e-scooter drivers to navigate safely. 

Why Are Electric Scooter-Bus Accidents So Serious?

Crashes involving e-scooters and city buses can have devastating consequences, resulting in serious injuries or death. Injuries resulting from micromobility device accidents have seen an average 23% increase each year between 2017 and 2022. 

Part of the seriousness of e-scooter accidents involving city buses is due to the high-speed impact of these crashes. The difference in size and weight between buses and e-scooters can result in impacts with more force. 

Without any exterior shell, and often not wearing any protective gear, there is nothing to protect e-scooter drivers in the event of a collision. As such, they may be more vulnerable to serious or catastrophic injuries. 

Types of Injuries Resulting from E-Scooter Accidents

If e-scooters collide with city buses, it can result in injuries ranging from minor to serious or fatal. Some of the most common injuries resulting from these types of accidents include:

Head Injuries

Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are common in e-scooter and bus accident cases. Concussions may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Traumatic brain injuries may lead to severe and long-lasting consequences, including cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and emotional disturbances.

Broken Bones

The impact of collisions can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as the limbs, pelvis, or spine. Due to broken bones, people may experience pain, a loss of mobility, and possible long-term disabilities. 

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries also commonly result from the impact when e-scooters and buses collide. Damage to organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, may affect their function and cause internal bleeding.

Paralysis

Some e-scooter accidents cause spinal cord injuries or other trauma that results in paralysis. Often permanent, paralysis can be partial or complete, and involves the loss of movement and sensation.

Death

Accidents involving e-scooters and buses also commonly cause fatal injuries. Such severe trauma occurs due to the combination of factors, including high-speed impacts and the lack of protective gear.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If an e-scooter rider is killed in an accident with a city bus, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. While legal action cannot bring back the lost loved one, it can seek to hold the at-fault party liable for the loss of life, and the resulting damages suffered by the family members.

What Are the Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim?

For families to successfully recover in wrongful death cases, they must establish the elements of negligence. These include proving the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, the duty was breached, a direct connection between the breach and the death, and damages were suffered. 

Duty of Care Owed to the Deceased

The defendant in a wrongful death action resulting from an e-scooter and bus accident owe their passengers and those with whom the buses share the road a duty of care. To this end, they must exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm. Who is liable in a bus accident lawsuit is usually the bus driver or the city entity that operates the buses.

Breach of the Duty of Care

A successful wrongful death lawsuit must also prove that the defendant breached their duty of care by failing to act reasonably or by acting negligently. For example, this may involve such actions as speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way, and distracted driving.

Causation Between the Breach and the Death

Families of decedents’, with the help of a Clearwater wrongful death lawyer, must prove that the negligence of the breach directly caused the death of the e-scooter rider.

Damages Suffered By Surviving Family Members

The surviving family members will also need to demonstrate the damages they have suffered because of the wrongful death. Losses for which they may pursue compensation include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, emotional distress, medical expenses, and funeral costs.

Board-certified in injury law, our wrongful death attorney at Magazine & Light Law Group, Jim Magazine, has more than 30 years of experience pursuing the maximum compensation for Florida injury victims and families. To discuss your options, contact us today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association