Who Can You Sue if You’re Injured on a Segway Tour?
Segway tours near Fox Cities in Wisconsin offer a fun way to explore the area’s rich history and natural beauty, including the scenic Fox River and High Cliff State Park. They provide an eco-friendly mode of transportation and a unique perspective on the region’s charm.
However, accidents can happen during these outings, resulting in serious injuries. If you’re hurt during a Segway tour, you may be able to hold multiple parties liable for your damage, including the tour company, property owner, or the Segway manufacturer.
Learn who you can hold responsible after a Segway tour accident and how an Appleton personal injury lawyer can help investigate the case and negotiate compensation.
Common Segway Accidents and Injuries
Segways are electric-powered devices that use gyroscopic sensors to stay balanced based on the rider’s movement. They can move at speeds up to 12 mph, and colliding with another object can lead to serious injuries for riders. Accidents often result from equipment malfunction, lack of proper training, or unsafe riding practices:
- Collisions with Objects: Hitting a curb or stationary object can lead to head injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.
- Falls from the Segway: Losing balance or being thrown off during a ride often results in abrasions, lacerations, and broken bones.
- Rider-to-Rider Accidents: When Segways bump into each other, it can cause sprains, strains, and sometimes concussions.
- Uneven Surfaces: Riding on dangerous paths or poorly maintained surfaces can lead to falls that result in twisted ankles, knee injuries, and wrist fractures.
- Car Collisions: Collisions with vehicles can result in severe or even fatal injuries for Segway riders, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and bone fractures.
- Poor Maintenance or Defective Parts: Injuries can happen if Segways aren’t kept in good shape or have defective parts, causing problems like sudden stops or issues with staying balanced.
Who Could Be at Fault for Your Accident?
When Segway tour accidents happen, figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the different parties that might be responsible, under what circumstances they could be liable, and the kinds of legal actions you could pursue with your lawyer’s assistance:
| Party | When They Might Be at Fault | Type of Claim |
| Tour Company | Failing to inspect and maintain Segways, leading to malfunctions Providing insufficient training or safety instructions to participants Selecting routes with known hazards or heavy traffic | Negligence claim addressing the lack of safety measures, improper maintenance of equipment, or poor route planning that endangers participants. |
| Property Owner | Ignoring hazards like uneven paths or slippery surfaces that risk rider safety Lacking clear warning signs for potential dangers on the property Poor maintenance of pathways, leading to risky conditions for Segway use | Premises liability claim focusing on the owner’s failure to ensure a safe environment. Must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to rectify it. |
| Tour Participants | Engaging in reckless behavior, such as racing, ignoring safety instructions Intentionally bumping into others causing accidents involving fellow participants or bystanders | Personal injury claim against the participant for intentional or reckless conduct that resulted in harm. |
| Motorists | Failing to yield the right of way Driving distractedly or under the influence Not following traffic laws, leading to collisions with Segway riders | Auto liability insurance or negligence claim based on the driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care on the road. |
| Segway Manufacturer | Producing Segways with known defects, like battery issues or steering problems Inadequate safety testing, missing potential risks in design Failing to provide clear usage and safety instructions | Product liability claim to hold the company liable for defective manufacture, design, or failure to warn about potential risks. Must demonstrate that the defect was present at the time of the unit’s manufacture and that it led directly led to the accident. |
Steps to Take After a Segway Collision
Following a Segway accident, taking specific actions to document the event and protect your rights is essential. The following advice can assist in preserving your health and gathering necessary evidence for any possible legal action:
- Seek immediate medical attention to treat and document your condition, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the tour operator or property owner as soon as possible and get a copy of the report.
- Gather contact information from witnesses and other parties involved in the collision.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged property.
- Avoid discussing fault or making detailed statements about the accident to insurance companies.
- Save all medical records and receipts related to your injury and treatment.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal options and rights.
Protect Your Rights After a Segway Accident in Appleton
Segway tours should be a time to explore a city and see the natural beauty and charm of the Appleton area. If someone else’s negligence causes you harm, our experienced attorneys at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help you get fair compensation.
We can help you gather evidence, consult experts, and review your medical bills to understand the extent of your injuries and file a winning claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.