California Scooter Accident Attorney

Expert California Scooter Accident Lawyers

California Scooter Accident Lawyers are necessary due to the increased popularity of Scooters in the golden state. 

E-Scooters such as Lime and Bird, can be found readily available on many street corners. These scooters have proved useful when it comes to maneuvering traffic and outsourcing transportation. While using them can be fun and exhilarating, electric scooters possess many forms of danger if one isn’t careful.

Riding a scooter down a busy street or between traffic can prove very useful until a scooter accident occurs. Call one of our expert California scooter accident attorneys today to claim compensation for your injuries.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our California scooter accident attorneys are readily available to offer legal assistance. We will review your case to determine what necessary courses of action to take in order to get you a fair settlement offer. 

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

California Scooter Regulations

In California, traffic laws are established to maintain a safe environment where motorists are required to provide a duty of care to one another. Scooter riders are obligated to do the same, as well. The intention of creating such laws is to ensure that everyone in California has a safe traveling experience where little to no potential dangers are present.

Below is a list of California scooter laws that all scooter riders are required to follow.

• Must wear a helmet if you are younger than 18 years old. (CVC 21235(c))
• Must maintain a speed of 15 mph or lower. (CVC 22411)
• Must use the bike lanes when traveling. (CVC 21229)
• Must have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. (CVC 21235 (d))
• Must not ride on sidewalks or crosswalks as it is considered a traffic violation. (CVC 21235 (g)).
• Must follow traffic laws like other motorists. (CVC 21221.5)

Those who violate any of these laws will face legal repercussions for their unlawful actions.

What to Do During a Scooter Crash

The first thing you should do after being involved in a scooter crash is to call for help immediately. 

If you have been seriously injured by a reckless scooter rider, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. You may also contact the police if the situation is beyond your control. 

To help you maximize your potential settlements, take record of the details of the accident. 

You can record evidence of the scooter accident by:

• Taking photos/videos of the accident
• Taking note of the location of the accident
• Taking pictures of any injuries sustained in the scooter crash
• Keeping a copy of your medical records, if you saw a medical professional after the accident
• Collecting the information of both the scooter rider and the type of scooter they were on
• Collecting the information of any witnesses present
• Keeping a copy of the police report if you contacted them 
• Consulting with a scooter accident lawyer at West Coast Trial Lawyers

If you’ve been hurt in a scooter accident you didn’t cause, our knowledgeable scooter accident attorneys can help you recover the compensations you deserve. 

What are California’s Electric Scooter Laws?

Electric scooters are very popular in California and even more common in Los Angeles. This is because of the advantages these scooters have over traffic.

The popularity of these scooters require certain laws to be put in place. This is important in order to ensure the safety of other road users and pedestrians. 

The laws that control the use of electric scooter riding vary from state to state. 

Here is California’s set of requirements for riding an e-scooter:

• Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
• Riders should maintain a speed of 15 mph and 25 mph when on the highway.
• Riders must have a valid driver’s license.
• The scooter must have a fully functioning brake.
• No passengers should be on the scooter in addition to the rider.
• Riders must not carry anything that prevents them from having both hands on the handlebars.
• Scooters should not be ridden on sidewalks.
• Scooters should not be left laying on the sidewalk or in any way that blocks pedestrian traffic. 
• Scooters must not be attached alongside the rider, to any other vehicle on the road.
• Handlebars must not be raised higher than shoulder level when riding on the highway. 
• Riders must use designated bike lanes.

When it comes to using the designated bike lanes, California only has four exceptions to why a rider may not use them:

1. If they are trying to pass another vehicle or pedestrian.
2. If they are completing a left-hand turn.
3. If they are trying to turn right.
4. If they are trying to avoid hazards such as debris.

Following the California scooter laws are the best way to minimize accidents and injuries for riders, pedestrians, and other motorists. If an unlawful scooter rider has caused you harm, please speak with a California scooter accident attorney today to ensure they are held responsible. 

Common Types of Injuries From Scooter Accidents

Scooters can be dangerous mainly because they don’t offer much protection during crashes or accidents. Many riders also break the law by choosing not to wear helmets or adhere to Scooter speed limits. 

The University of California San Francisco released a study in 2020 on the alarming increase in e-scooter injuries. Research shows that there was a 222% spike in electric scooter injuries between 2014-2018. As well as a 365% increase in hospital admissions.

Scooter accident injuries may arise from individual negligence or product malfunctions. They can range from severe major injuries to minor cuts and bruises. Accidents may also arise due to road hazards such as potholes, hazardous litter, or poor road signs. 

Here are some common scooter accident injuries:

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Sprains
• Lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash 
• Contusions
• Abrasions
• Loss of consciousness
• Death (in extreme cases)

What Happens if You Get Injured By a Rental Scooter?

If you have been injured in a rental scooter accident, who takes responsibility will depend on the cause of the accident. 

If you have sustained serious injuries as a result of this accident, seek help or call 911 immediately. 

Make sure you gather all the necessary evidence such as the information of the rider and the type of scooter they were riding. Take pictures of the scene and collect testimonies from any witnesses that are present. Take pictures of any injuries or damages as well. 

Liability involving rental scooters can be a little tricky. Some scooter companies do not provide liability coverage in their user agreements. You will need to speak with an experienced California scooter accident attorney, to determine the validity of your case. 

What Happens if a Scooter Hits a Car?

The same general safety rules usually apply in a situation where a scooter has hit your car. First, is making sure everyone involved is okay. Some serious injuries aren’t visible, so it may be necessary to call 911 for a medical opinion.

Since a car can be at least four times the size of a scooter, it’s possible that a scooter rider may suffer more injuries than the driver. 

Make sure to document the scooter collision and contact the police to file an accident report. You may also take your car to the mechanic to make sure there is no damage. Keeping a record of everything such as the medical, police, and mechanic records, will be essential in calculating the necessary compensation you are entitled to. 

It is also important to speak to any witnesses who were present at the time of the collision and take down a note of any memories you have of the scene. 

California law allows victims of defective products to seek compensation from the product designers and manufacturers. If the collision was caused due to a malfunction of the scooter, it could be determined as a product liability issue.

Proving fault when an electric scooter hits a car can be complicated. It can be even more complicated if the scooter rider has sustained significant injuries. If your car has suffered body damages because of a reckless scooter rider, get in touch with a scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

When Scooters Hit a Pedestrian

Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users and can suffer some serious injuries if they are hit by an e-scooter being ridden faster than the speed limit. Pedestrians can also suffer injuries if they trip over a scooter that wasn’t parked properly.

According to a UCLA study, 33% of LA scooter victims require substantial therapeutic care beyond a single hospital visit. This implies the gravity of the impact of an e-scooter. 

It can be difficult to figure out what to do after any accident.  If a scooter rider has just crashed into you and caused you any kind of harm, you should call for medical help immediately.

California holds all motorists to the same legal driving standard. When a scooter rider hits a pedestrian, they are violating their duty of care. However, if the pedestrian was negligent by purposefully walking in their path or distracted by using a phone, they may also be held liable. 

In this case, comparative negligence will come into play as both parties are partially responsible for the accident. 

If you have been hurt by a reckless scooter rider while walking, you may be entitled to some compensation for your injuries.

How to Find Fault in a California Scooter Accident

Not only can a scooter accident attorney help you file a lawsuit, they will also be able to help you find who is at fault.

California is a fault-based state and uses evidence and comparative negligence in order to deduce who is liable for the accident. 

There are a number of factors to consider in order to find out who is at fault in a California scooter accident:

1. If the rider was following all scooter traffic guidelines and regulations
2. If the accident occurred as a result of negligence
3. If the injured party was also partially responsible
4. If there was a product malfunction
5. If there were no visible road signs therefore causing confusion between both parties 

Who is Involved in a Scooter Accident Lawsuit in California?

The people involved in a scooter accident lawsuit will depend on the nature of the accident and the defendants.

Only those who are relevant to the scooter accident case will be involved in the lawsuit and this can be anyone from;

• The injured party/parties,
• A scooter accident lawyer(s),
• Scooter manufacturers, 
• Or the negligent scooter rider(s)

The California scooter accident Lawyer will be responsible for filing the claim, gathering all the evidence and maximizing your compensation.

Who Pays for Electric Scooter Accident Injuries?

When it comes to the assumption of financial responsibility in an accident, the at fault part is usually the one to hold. However, figuring out who is responsible for the financial damages in an e-scooter accident can be complicated, as it will depend on the exact cause of the accident. 

For instance, if a scooter operator accidentally crashes into a pedestrian using a personally owned scooter, they would be responsible for the damages. They would also be responsible for the damages if the accident was caused by their own oversight or rider error. This also applies if the rider used their personally owned scooter to hit another motorist as well. 

Unlike with cars, motorcycles, or mopeds, motorized and electric scooter riders in California are not required to have insurance coverage. If the rider has renters or homeowner’s insurance, you may be able to claim compensation under their coverage. Otherwise, the only option is to file a lawsuit against the rider.  

If a scooter rider was injured by a reckless driver then the driver would be determined at fault. The driver's insurance will be responsible for the coverage of all damages and injuries.

If the accident was caused due to the malfunction of the scooter, then the scooter manufacturers may be held liable for damages. The distributors, retailers, advertisers and product designers may also be held liable. This type of situation will become a product liability case. 

Damaged roads can also cause a scooter accident as well as poorly maintained traffic signs, signals etc. In situations like these, the city or municipal agencies in charge of maintaining these facilities will be held responsible. 

The specific details related to the case will determine who is liable for injuries in the aftermath of an electric scooter accident. Sometimes insurance companies will try to cheat you out of what you deserve. Speak to one of our scooter accident lawyers today to ensure the insurance company takes full responsibility.

Types of Damages Involved in a Scooter Accident Claim

If you have been injured while riding a defective electric scooter, or by a negligent rider, it is important to secure the proper amount of damages for your injuries. 

The kind of damages you may be awarded will depend on the severity of the accident and your injuries. You can be awarded damages for things such as: 

• Medical bills
• Property damages
• Loss of earnings/earning capacity
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Scarring/Permanent disfigurement

If the scooter accident results in death, the family members of the victim will be within their legal rights to file a wrongful death lawsuit. You can recover damages from your scooter accident today by contacting one of our expert scooter accident attorneys. 

Is There a Time Limit for Scooter Accident Lawsuits in California?

Filing for a scooter accident lawsuit requires proper accumulation of evidence and an  in depth analysis of the facts of the case. This means time is not exactly of the essence when filing a lawsuit. 

California also has a statute of limitations regarding when personal injuries such as scooter accidents, can be filed. You have 2 years from the date of your injury or one year after the day the injury should have been discovered, to file a scooter accident lawsuit in california. 

If the lawsuit is not filed by then, you may no longer be permitted to file it afterwards. 

You do not want to miss out on your opportunity to be financially compensated for injuries you didn’t cause. A scooter accident lawyer will be able to help you file a scooter accident lawsuit within the 2-year timeframe. 

We Will Fight to Maximize Your Scooter Accident Settlement

If you have been hurt or injured in a scooter accident and would like to pursue justice, West Coast Trials scooter accident lawyers are here to help. We know how to handle scooter accident cases and we know how to negotiate fair settlement offers.

Having one of our California scooter accident attorneys on your side will greatly maximize your chances of securing a settlement you actually deserve. We stay up to date on all existing California scooter laws to ensure the full compensation is always given to our clients. 

With over $1.5 billion in settlement cases won, trust that our scooter accident attorneys can provide you with the legal assistance you need. 

We provide free consultations and case evaluations. Call us now at 888-769-0971 or fill out our contact form and let us protect your legal rights to compensation.

Contact Us Today

If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone’s negligence or deliberate acts of malice, you have the right to hold the guilty party responsible for your losses. Our California scooter accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.