Glendora Scooter Accident Lawyer

Scooter use has surged in Glendora and throughout Southern California over the past few years. With popular scooter-friendly areas like the Glendora Village and family friendly Finkbiner Park, residents and visitors alike are turning to electric scooters for convenience and sustainability. However, this increased usage has brought with it a significant rise in serious accidents. If you’ve been injured while riding a scooter due to someone else’s negligence, a skilled Glendora scooter accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped scooter accident victims recover compensation for everything from medical bills and lost wages, to pain and suffering and more. To schedule your FREE consultation, call us at (213) 927-3700 or complete this easy online contact form. We are available 24/7 to answer your phone calls and form submissions.

Understanding Scooter Accidents in Glendora

Scooter accidents in Glendora may involve privately-owned scooters, rental scooters (like Bird or Lime), motorized scooters, or even motorized personal transporters. An e-scooter is a motorized micromobility device powered by an electric motor, which distinguishes it from traditional kick scooters that require manual propulsion. These accidents can affect not only the rider but also pedestrians and motorists. 

E-scooter riders must follow specific safety rules and are subject to California law. In California, e-scooter riders are required to have at least a valid driver’s license to operate these vehicles legally. Because these vehicles offer little protection, injuries are often severe, and liability can be complex—sometimes involving the rider, a negligent driver, a scooter company, or a municipality.

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents

Accidents involving scooters, pedestrians, and other vehicles are have gone up over 20% year over year since 2021 due to several factors:

• Driver Error: Motorists often fail to notice scooter riders, especially when changing lanes or turning. Distracted or aggressive drivers pose a major threat to scooter users.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris are especially dangerous for scooters, which have small wheels and limited stability.
• Scooter Malfunctions: Brake failures, battery issues, or sudden power loss can lead to serious crashes. Poor maintenance by rental companies is often a factor.
• Reckless Riding: Some riders may travel at unsafe speeds or operate scooters under the influence, endangering themselves and others.
• Employment Law Violations: Delivery workers using scooters to transport lunch orders on a busy workday may be overworked or improperly trained when faced with a high volume of deliveries.

Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident

If you’re involved in a scooter accident, the actions you take immediately afterward are crucial to your personal injury claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine or your injuries appear minor, some conditions—such as internal injuries—may not be immediately apparent. Prompt evaluation by a medical professional ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early, reducing the risk of long-term complications. Additionally, thorough medical documentation is essential for supporting your personal injury claim.
2. Report the Accident: File a report with local authorities and request a copy for your records. The police report may be the single most important document you have to support your claim.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicles involved. Collect witness statements and document everything.
4. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced scooter accident lawyer will help determine liability and explore your legal options. If your claim is denied or you face challenges with liability, your attorney can advise you on taking legal action to hold the responsible party accountable.

Legal matters following a scooter accident can be complex and benefit from professional legal support.

Types of Injuries Sustained in a Scooter Accident

Due to their vulnerability on the road, riders should practice recommended safety procedures. But even then scooter accidents can happen, resulting in a wide range of personal injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, head injuries are common.
• Broken Bones: Arms, wrists, legs, and ribs are often fractured during impact.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or full paralysis.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: High friction with pavement causes painful skin injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can go unnoticed at first.
• Emotional Trauma: Many victims suffer anxiety or PTSD following the incident.

Medical expenses can quickly escalate, and these injuries often lead to time off work or permanent disability.

Your Legal Rights and Compensation

As a scooter accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries when another party’s careless or reckless actions result in harm, forming the basis for a valid legal claim.

Medical Bills and Future Care 

This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any long-term or lifelong medical needs. If your injuries require ongoing care, you can also recover costs for future treatments and assistive devices.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can claim the income you lost during your recovery period. If your ability to work has been permanently affected, compensation may also include the loss of future earnings or the need for vocational retraining.

Pain and Suffering

This covers the physical pain you endured as a result of your injuries. It accounts for both the immediate discomfort and any chronic pain that impacts your daily life.

Emotional Distress 

Mental and emotional injuries such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD are common after serious accidents. These psychological effects are just as valid as physical injuries and can be compensated accordingly.

Property Damage

If your personal scooter was damaged or destroyed in the crash, or if any personal belongings like your phone or backpack were lost, you can seek reimbursement for repairs or replacements.

The Process of Filing a Claim

Filing personal injury claims after a scooter accident can be complicated due to the amount of research and paperwork involved. Let’s review the multiple steps involved, starting why it’s best to have legal counsel before filing a claim:

1. Free Consultation: Meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your case. This initial meeting helps determine whether you have a viable claim and what compensation you might be entitled to.
2. Investigation: Your legal team will collect and analyze evidence, such as accident scene photos, security footage, medical records, and witness statements. They have experience handling complex liability cases, and may work with accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals as needed.
3. Identify Liable Parties: Establishing fault is crucial. Liable parties may include negligent drivers, scooter rental companies, product manufacturers, or even city agencies responsible for maintaining safe roadways.
4. File the Claim: Once liability is determined and evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a formal claim. This includes notifying insurance companies and submitting required legal documents, such as a complaint or demand letter.
5. Negotiate or Litigate: The majority of personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement. If an acceptable resolution isn’t reached, your case may proceed to trial where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

The Role of a Glendora Scooter Accident Personal Injury Attorney

A Glendora scooter accident attorney with extensive experience is best equipped to handle scooter accident cases in several ways:

• Legal Representation: A skilled attorney will manage all communications with insurance companies, defense attorneys, and other parties, shielding you from tactics aimed at minimizing your compensation.
• Determine Liability: Dealing with insurance companies after an electric scooter accident can be a daunting process. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny valid claims, making it difficult for accident victims to obtain fair compensation. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who is legally responsible—whether it’s a driver, scooter company, municipality, or a combination of parties. This is key to building a strong claim.
• Guide You Through Legal Procedures: Legal deadlines, insurance paperwork, and court filings can be overwhelming. Your lawyer ensures all steps are completed correctly and on time.
• Maximize Compensation: Through skilled negotiation, your lawyer will work to secure full and fair compensation for your injuries, avoiding lowball settlement offers from insurance adjusters.
• Trial Advocacy: If your case goes to court, your attorney will present a compelling argument before a judge or jury, using evidence and expert testimony to advocate on your behalf.

Having a scooter accident attorney on your side provides peace of mind and significantly increases your chances of achieving a positive outcome.

Choosing the Right Scooter Accident Law Firm

To ensure the best legal outcome, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first one is to look for a law firm with specialized experience. In other words, choose a California accident injury lawyer who has a successful track record in handling scooter accident cases and understands the nuances of this evolving area of personal injury law. 

It’s also important to select a firm with in-depth knowledge of the local legal system, as this expertise allows them to navigate local courts and laws effectively. The stronger their reputation, the better. Look for testimonials, online reviews, and case results. A reputable firm will have positive feedback and be respected in the local legal community.

It’s good to find a law firm with ample resources too. A firm with access to investigators, expert witnesses, and medical consultants can build a more persuasive case and handle complex or high-stakes claims efficiently. They also often operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless your case is won. This ensures that legal representation is accessible to you regardless of your financial situation.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

Scooter accidents are on the rise, and the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. Whether you’ve suffered serious injuries due to another driver’s negligence or a defective scooter, legal help is available. A dedicated Glendora scooter accident lawyer can help you file your personal injury claim, determine liability, and recover the compensation you deserve.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys are readily available to assist you with your scooter accident. We will evaluate the information presented, identify the at-fault party, negotiate with the insurance company and, if necessary, pursue legal action to get you a fair settlement.

To schedule your FREE consultation, call us at (213) 927-3700 or complete this easy online contact form. We are available 24/7 to answer your phone calls and form submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glendora Scooter Accidents

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Scooter Accident?

Negligent drivers, scooter manufacturers, rental companies, and even city governments can be held responsible.

What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet? 

You may still be eligible for compensation, but your damages could be reduced due to California’s comparative negligence law.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? 

Under California law, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.

What if the Scooter Malfunctioned? 

You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or rental provider.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident, and How Can a Lawyer Help? 

After a car accident, seek medical attention, document the scene, and report the incident to authorities. Contacting a lawyer immediately is crucial, as legal assistance can help you navigate insurance claims, protect your rights, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.