Segway Accidents

If you have been injured while riding a Segway and the accident was caused by somebody else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim for compensation, regardless of whether the incident took place in the UK or abroad.

Our road traffic accident solicitors are skilled in making claims for injuries caused while using all types of vehicles, including Segways.

To speak immediately to a solicitor about making a Segway accident compensation claim, contact JMW today by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.

How JMW Can Help

Segways are used for various activities both indoors and outdoors, including safaris and assault courses, and are popular both in the UK and abroad.

Our team will ensure that your injuries are properly assessed and all losses are accounted for in the compensation you receive as part of your claim. This might include medical costs, time taken off work, future loss of earnings, and any other incurred expenses.

We provide a comprehensive service that includes advising clients on the merits of their cases, providing regular updates on the progress of their claims and ensuring that the compensation they are receiving is appropriate for the pain and suffering caused.

Understanding Segway Accidents

Segways, with their unique design and ease of use, have become increasingly popular for both recreational and practical purposes across the UK. However, like any form of transportation, they are not without risks. Crashes and falls can leave Segway riders with injuries from minor bruises to fractures, head injuries or spinal damage. The risk of injury underscores the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and protective pads.

Segway accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Inexperience or lack of training, leading to loss of control
• Mechanical issues or maintenance failures
• Uneven terrain, slippery surfaces or obstacles
• Collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians

If your Segway accident happened due to factors such as equipment malfunction or negligence by another party, you might be eligible for compensation. Consulting with legal experts, like JMW, can provide clarity on how to proceed with a claim and what to expect throughout the process.

Do Segway Tours and Instructors Have a Duty of Care?

In the UK, there is no governing body or formal qualifications for Segway instructors. Training usually happens in-house, meaning skills, techniques and abilities will vary considerably.

Participants should be provided with safety equipment, including knee and elbow pads, a helmet, a back protector, and gloves. Based on the environment, recommendations should be made about the type of footwear; for example, on off-road or urban tours, sensible footwear might include walking boots or trainers.

 It is also, good practice for   Segway hirers to ensure the use of a head camera to record every session, as footage could be used as evidence in any subsequent litigation. 

These recommendations may not be followed by Segway centres in other countries.

The Legalities of Using Segways in the UK

Currently, the use of Segways on public roads and pavements in the UK is not permitted under the Highway Act 1835 and the Road Traffic Act 1988. They are categorised similarly to motor vehicles but don’t meet the required standards for road use. They can be used on private land, such as parks and estates, with the landowner's permission. This is where most recreational Segway activities take place.

Before using a Segway, for the first time, users are encouraged to undergo basic training, but this is not mandatory by law. Keep this in mind if you are riding a Segway for the first time.

What to Do If You're Involved in a Segway Accident

Being involved in a Segway accident can be a distressing experience, but knowing the right steps to take immediately afterwards can help:

1. Seek medical attention: prioritise your health and safety. Even if your Segway injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. The symptoms of a serious injury might not be noticeable straight away but can have serious repercussions later down the line.
2. Report the accident: if the accident occurred on private property, report it to the property owner or manager. If it involves another party, ensure that they are aware of the incident.
3. Gather information: collect contact details of any witnesses and the other parties involved. Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries, if possible.
4. Preserve evidence: keep any damaged clothing or equipment as it may be relevant to your claim.

Make a detailed account of what happened as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind. Once you are safe and ready, contact our specialist team at JMW. We can provide guidance on your rights and whether you can make a compensation claim for Segway injuries.

Claiming Compensation for Segway Accidents

If you have been involved in a Segway accident, it’s important to understand the process of claiming compensation. When pursuing compensation for a Segway accident, it's important to understand the two main types of damages. These categories encompass the various losses and impacts you may have experienced due to the accident:

• General damages: this category covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries sustained in the accident. It can also include long-term effects on your quality of life and mental wellbeing. If the injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed, this can sometimes be factored into general damages.
• Special damages: this category covers the financial losses you’ve experienced due to your injuries, including costs for immediate medical treatment, any income lost due to taking time off work and any additional expenses incurred as a result of the accident. Items such as  such as travel costs to medical appointments or the cost of home adaptations, will fall under special damages.

The Claims Process for Segway Accidents

While all personal injury claims are unique, you can expect the process to follow a general outline, which may look like this:

1. Initial consultation: the first step in starting a claim is to contact a solicitor who specialises in road traffic accident claims, including those that involve Segways - such as the experts at JMW. We will discuss your situation and help you to understand whether you can make a claim and what the subsequent steps will be.
2. Gathering evidence: collecting medical records, witness statements and any other relevant documentation is an essential part of making a personal injury claim. Your solicitor will identify and collect sources of evidence to build a strong argument as to why you deserve compensation.
3. Negotiations: when the evidence is complete your solicitor will negotiate with the responsible party and their insurer to reach an agreement about how much compensation you will be paid.
4. Court proceedings (where necessary): in the vast majority of personal injury cases, court proceedings aren’t necessary. However, if an agreement can't be made in the negotiations phase, your solicitor may choose to escalate the case to court to  pursue your compensation. 

If your claim is successful, we will make sure that your compensation is paid promptly. In the event your claim is unsuccessful, as set out in our no win, no fee agreement you will not have to pay our costs. 

How Much Compensation Could I Receive from a Segway Accident Claim?

The amount of compensation you'll receive in a Segway accident claim will vary depending on the circumstances around your accident and any injuries that you sustained. The final amount should also account for any financial losses you experienced, like payments for private medical care or other expenses.

The figures below provide a rough idea of how much you could receive for the pain and suffering caused by your Segway accident, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to, based on your circumstances, get in touch with JMW today.

Why Choose JMW?

At JMW, we pride ourselves on our ability to combine expertise and empathy to create a client-focused service. Our solicitors specialise in personal injury claims, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to your case. With decades of experience under our belt, JMW has demonstrated its ability to effectively handle complex personal injury cases and has been recognised by prestigious bodies such as The Legal 500 and the Chambers & Partners guides.

Understanding that each case is unique, JMW provides tailored legal advice and support to ensure that your specific needs and circumstances are addressed. We recognise the emotional and physical impact that accidents and injuries can have and have dealt with cases involving everything from cuts and grazes to traumatic brain injuries. No matter what your situation, we'll listen to you and give you the best chance of making a successful claim.

From the initial consultation to the final settlement, your solicitor will guide you through every step, making sure you’re clear on the details of the process.

We believe everyone should have the option of legal support, regardless of financial standing. We approach all of our personal injury cases on a no win, no fee basis, offering you peace of mind and minimal financial risk.

To learn more about how our personal injury experts have helped people like you, take a look at our case studies page.