Long Beach Scooter Accident Lawyer

Long Beach, California, is well known for its expansive pedestrian/bike path along the beach, connecting the scenic marina at Shoreline Village and the bustling restaurant scene along Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street. This, along with the city’s scooter-friendly infrastructure has attracted thousands of riders who enjoy cruising on electric scooters through its bike lanes and coastal paths. Unfortunately, with the rise in scooter popularity, there also comes a greater risk of electric scooter accidents.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped personal injury victims recover over $1.7 billion for everything from medical bills and lost wages, to pain and suffering and more. With over 20 years of experience fighting for our clients rights, our Long Beach scooter accident attorneys have an established track record of winning cases and securing just compensation for our clients. As scooter accident claims can be confusing, having an experienced attorney by your side will make the process easier and you can focus on recovering. 

Speak to one of our lawyers on your very first call for a FREE case review by calling (213) 927-3700 or complete this easy online contact form.

Understanding Scooter Accidents Laws

Let’s begin by understanding what exactly makes an e-scooter. California Vehicle Code §21235 defines an electric scooter as a device with an electric motor, handlebars, and a floorboard, requiring riders under 18 to wear helmets. It further mandates a maximum speed of 15 mph, prohibits riding on sidewalks, limits operation to bicycle lanes or roads, bans passengers, and states that a valid driver’s license (any class) is required.

Electric scooters have become a staple of urban transportation due to their convenience and fun factor. Regrettably, whether privately owned or rented from companies like Bird or Lime, e-scooter accidents involving bicyclists, motorized vehicles, pedestrians and skaters have increased by 21% in recent years and can only go up as their affordability improves.

A 2018 UCLA study showed that monthly shared e‑scooter injuries spiked to 595 cases from a previous max of 13 following scooter-sharing launch. More recently, a JAMA Network Open report found that U.S. e‑scooter injuries jumped from 8,500 in 2017 to 56,800 by 2022, with e‑bike injuries soaring as well; head trauma and sober operation were frequent factors.

From a legal standpoint, when accidents occur, liability hinges on negligence—whether a rider, driver, or infrastructure maintenance failed to act responsibly. Insurance coverage remains inconsistent: many standard auto or homeowners policies exclude scooter incidents, and legislative efforts (like California’s limited Lime coverage) aim to fill gaps.

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents

Understanding what causes these accidents can help riders stay safer and highlight who may be held liable in a personal injury case.

Negligent Drivers and Road Conditions

Scooter accidents in Long Beach can stem from a range of factors. In many personal injury cases, negligent drivers of motorized vehicles fail to notice scooter riders in bike lanes or at intersections. Road hazards such as potholes or uneven pavement pose threats to scooter stability as well.

Rider Inexperience and Equipment Failures

Inexperienced riders unfamiliar with traffic laws or lacking proper safety gear are also frequently involved in accidents. Additionally, malfunctioning scooters or defects caused by a negligent scooter manufacturer or scooter company may also contribute to crashes.

Types of Injuries Sustained in a Scooter Accident

Scooter accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may require long-term care or result in permanent disability.

Head Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Scooter riders often travel without helmets, making them vulnerable to severe head injuries in a crash. A traumatic brain injury can range from a concussion to a life-altering condition that affects memory, motor skills, and emotional well-being.

Spinal Cord Injuries

E-scooters can cruise anywhere from 30-50 miles per hour. At such high speeds, falls or collisions can cause serious damage to the spinal cord. These injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis and often require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Riders frequently suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones due to the lack of protection scooters offer. While some fractures heal with time, others may need surgery or cause long-term mobility issues.

Internal Injuries

Scooter accidents can result in internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately visible and often require emergency medical intervention.

Road Rash and Lacerations

When a rider is thrown from a scooter, their body may slide across pavement or asphalt, causing painful abrasions known as road rash. Deep lacerations can also lead to infection, scarring, or the need for reconstructive surgery.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Impacts to the face can break the jaw, damage teeth, or cause orbital fractures. These types of injuries often require cosmetic or dental surgery and can affect both appearance and function.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains are also possible in scooter accidents. Though not always visible, soft tissue injuries can cause long-term pain and require physical therapy for full recovery.

Psychological Trauma

In addition to physical harm, scooter accident victims may experience anxiety, PTSD, or depression. The emotional toll can interfere with daily life and often requires therapy or counseling.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Scooter Accident?

Liability in a scooter accident depends on the specific facts of the case and who acted negligently. In many instances, the person operating a motor vehicle that hits a scooter rider is at fault. For example, if a driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light, or drives while distracted and hits a scooter rider, that driver may be held liable for the resulting injuries. 

However, scooter riders can also share some responsibility if they violate traffic laws or ride recklessly. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning each party can be assigned a percentage of fault, and the compensation is reduced accordingly. Liability may also extend beyond the drivers involved. Cities or municipalities can be held accountable if poor road conditions, such as unmarked potholes or obstructed signage, contribute to the accident. 

Additionally, scooter-sharing companies like Bird or Lime might bear responsibility if a defect in the scooter—such as faulty brakes, a malfunctioning throttle, or battery issues—played a role in the incident. In those cases, a product liability or negligent maintenance claim might apply. Identifying all liable parties often requires a detailed investigation of the scene, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and eyewitness accounts.

How Much Can Scooter Accident Victims Can Recover

The amount a scooter accident victim can recover varies based on the severity of the injuries, the degree of fault, and the specific losses incurred. Compensation typically includes economic damages, such as medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation), lost wages, and property damage. If the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, victims may also recover for future medical care and reduced earning capacity. 

Non-economic damages—like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life—are also considered and can significantly increase the value of a claim. If a scooter company, scooter manufacturer, or negligent driver is found to be the at-fault party, they can be held liable for medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other financial losses.

In rare but extreme cases involving egregious negligence—like a hit-and-run or a DUI—punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. In California, there’s no hard cap on personal injury damages, except in medical malpractice cases, allowing severely injured scooter riders to pursue full compensation.

 However, shared liability can reduce the final amount awarded. For instance, if the victim is found to be 20% at fault, their total compensation will be reduced by that same percentage. Each case is unique, and consulting with a personal injury attorney can help victims understand their legal rights and the full value of their potential recovery.

The Process for Filing a Scooter Accident Injury Claim

Filing a claim after a scooter crash involves more than paperwork—it requires building a strong legal foundation and meeting specific legal standards.

Building the Case & Investigating 

Your scooter accident lawyer will build a case showing how the at-fault party violated California traffic laws and how that violation led to your injuries by taking the following steps, if applicable. They will start by analyzing the accident location to understand how the crash occurred. This may include visiting the scene, examining skid marks, lighting, traffic signs, road design, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.

Reviewing Police Reports and Citations

Police reports are crucial because they often document the officer’s observations, any citations issued, and who they believe was at fault. If the driver violated California Vehicle Code — such as failing to yield, speeding, or distracted driving — this will support your case.

Identifying Violations of California Traffic Laws

Your lawyer will identify specific violations under California law that contributed to the crash. Examples include:

• Failure to yield to a pedestrian or scooter (CVC §21950)
• Illegal or unsafe turns (CVC §22100)
• Following too closely or unsafe lane changes (CVC §21703 and §22107)
• Distracted or impaired driving (CVC §23123 or §23152)

These violations help establish negligence per se — meaning the driver is presumed negligent because they broke the law designed to protect others.

Gathering Witness Statements & Medical Records to Prove Causation

Eyewitnesses who saw the collision can help confirm how the crash happened. Your lawyer may also seek expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to provide a technical analysis of the impact, vehicle speeds, and angles of collision. However in some cases, it’s not enough to show that a law was broken — your lawyer must also prove that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused your injuries. Medical documentation, EMT reports, and doctors’ evaluations help draw a clear connection between the crash and your physical harm.

Compiling Photographic and Video Evidence

Photos and videos can demonstrate property damage, road conditions, visibility issues, and injuries. Helmet cam footage or footage from bystanders or nearby businesses can serve as compelling evidence of fault and impact.

Once liability is established, your lawyer will document all the ways your life has been affected — from ER visits and rehab to missed work and emotional distress. This quantifies your claim and strengthens your demand for compensation.

Negotiating from a Position of Strength

With a clear link between the law violation, the accident, and your injuries, your attorney can negotiate confidently with insurance adjusters. If necessary, they can present the evidence in court to seek a favorable jury verdict.

How Much Does a Scooter Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a scooter accident lawyer can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the geographic location. However, most personal injury lawyers — including those who handle scooter accidents — work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients don’t pay any upfront legal fees. 

Instead, the attorney collects a percentage of the settlement or court award, usually between 33% and 40%, only if they win the case. If there is no recovery, the client typically owes nothing for legal services. While contingency fees make legal representation more accessible for injured victims, it’s still important to understand what’s included in the agreement. 

Some lawyers may charge separately for out-of-pocket costs such as filing fees, medical records retrieval, or expert witness testimony. Reputable lawyers will clearly explain these terms in a written fee agreement before beginning representation. For many accident victims, hiring a lawyer on contingency provides peace of mind, knowing they can pursue compensation without worrying about upfront legal bills.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

Not all law firms are the same. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and you pay no upfront fees. Our attorneys have fought and won against the world’s largest corporations and are trusted by major news organizations worldwide for our legal expertise. 

With over 20 years of experience, our Long Beach scooter accident lawyers will make sure your voice is heard and you are on the right path of recovery. Should you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our team is readily available to put your mind at ease. 

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident, call us at (213) 927-3700 or complete this easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Beach Scooter Accidents 

What if I Was Riding a Rental Scooter?

You can still file a claim, especially if the scooter company or another party was negligent.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the serious accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Scooter Accident Claim?

California laws set a statute of limitations, generally two years from the date of the accident, but consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Is a Police Report Necessary for a Scooter Accident Claim?

Yes, a police report serves as crucial evidence in proving fault and damages.