Nevada Scooter Accident Lawyer

Electric scooters are rapidly growing as a choice of transportation for cities that have high traffic congestion. Riding an electric scooter is an economical, environmentally safe, and enjoyable alternative for getting around your city. With companies like Bird, Lime, and Uber and Lyft providing rentable scooters throughout the city, getting around has never gotten easier than before. However, with the rise of micromobility vehicles, there has also been a rise of accidents and if you are not careful then you can potentially become a victim.

According to a micromobility hazard report conducted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries associated with micromobility devices have been increasing 23% annually from 2017 to 2022. In the same report, electric scooter accidents have been gradually increasing by rates of almost 20% per year. With that in mind, the chances of getting into a scooter accident becomes more likely than one would think and should you have ever been involved in such an accident it is important to seek legal representation in order to recover damages.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are a personal injury law firm that specializes in handling cases such as electric scooter accidents. Whether you have been involved in an accident as a scooter rider or as a pedestrian, our experienced personal injury attorneys have seen them all and are confident that they can help you recover compensation for your sustained injuries. We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation to our clients who have suffered serious injuries and we are ready to fight for you. Our scooter accident lawyers are well versed in Nevada state law and they are ready to help guide you throughout the legal process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE case evaluation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Understanding Nevada’s Scooter Laws

When it comes to understanding Nevada’s rentable electric scooter laws, there are several general rules in place that allow micromobility companies to make them as accessible as possible. According to AB 485, Nevada has declared that electric scooters can only go up to 20 miles per hour and must be designed under 100 pounds.

In addition, the minimum age requirement to operate an electric scooter is 16 years old and as such, doesn’t require a driver’s license to operate one. However, it is important to note that Nevada doesn’t require all e scooter riders to wear a helmet, but they expect all operators to abide by Nevada traffic laws and be attentive to nearby motor vehicles and pedestrians.

The Most Common Injuries in Scooter Accidents

An electric scooter accident can involve a number of potential injuries and like most accidents, the severity will vary on a case-by-case basis. According to an electric scooter injury report conducted by the National Library of Medicine, lacerations and fractures were some of the most commonly found injuries in a scooter accident, making up around 76% of all accounted scooter accidents. However, if you have been involved in a more serious accident and have sustained any of the following injuries, it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention, because if left untreated your condition may worsen and may lead to long-term complications.

• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spine injuries
• Sprains
• Lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash 

Common Causes and Types of Electric Scooter Accidents

As electric scooters are getting into more accidents every year, it is important to understand what are the leading causes in order to avoid it. From what is typically seen in Nevada and the micromobility hazard report, pedestrian based accidents and traffic accidents are some of the most common causes of accidents. While the severity of potential injuries are drastically different between the two, it is important to understand what each case entails if you need to file a suit.

Traffic Accident

A traffic accident with an electric scooter is when a car or any other motor vehicles hit a scooter driver. Similarly to bicycle accidents, the type of injury that can occur in a scooter accident of this scale can be catastrophic. Accidents such as these typically occur when the car driver was negligent in following traffic laws and was conducting improper driving errors such as drunk driving or distracted driving.

As such, the liability in these cases would fall onto the motor vehicle driver. However, the only exception to this rule is unless the scooter has suffered mechanical failures and the scooter driver could not adapt in time to take account of the mechanical failure. In which case, electric scooter companies would be held liable for all damages.

Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian based accidents are when scooter drivers hit unknowingly pedestrians due to their negligence and reckless driving. While it is not as severe when compared to getting struck by a car, getting hit by an electric scooter at maximum speed can still cause plenty of fatal injuries and conditions, such as head and brain injuries.

Much like car accidents, the leading cause of electric scooter accidents is correlated to distracted driving. Common acts such as carrying a package while driving, talking on the phone, and being distracted by the things around you are what causes inexperienced riders to get into these accidents. In cases such as these, the liability would fall onto the scooter riders, because they have a responsibility to follow the same traffic laws and rules when driving an electric scooter.

What Is Your Scooter Accident Case Worth?

The value of a scooter accident is going to be dependent on a number of factors such as the accident scale and the severity of the sustained injuries. For example, if you have sustained a traumatic injury that has left you with long-term physical complications and medical expenses, then you may be eligible anywhere within the six figure range. However, for more minor to moderate injuries, those can range anywhere from the five figure range to cover basic medical bills and any potential property damage.

How Is Liability Determined in An Electric Scooter Accident

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule as per NRS 41.1395, which means liability is determined by whoever is at more fault, and this can be discovered by learning who was more negligent in the moments leading up to the accident. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, then the scooter rental company would be held liable for damages.

However, if the victim is 50% responsible for the accident in question, then they are not eligible for any compensation for their damages and injuries. If the victim is less than 50% responsible for the accident, then they can be compensated a reduced amount depending on the percentage of their fault. So if you are unsure or need help determining liability in an electric scooter accident then it is recommended to discuss your case with an experienced scooter accident lawyer.

Need a Scooter Accident Lawyer in Nevada?

If you were involved in a serious scooter accident due to someone’s negligence then you may be eligible for financial compensation. Accidents involving electric scooters can be a straight-forward case if there is a liable party, however, if you are struggling or need help filing a personal injury claim to those responsible then it is imperative that you hire an accident lawyer with extensive experience.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are a personal injury law firm that specializes in handling these types of claims and our team of scooter accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. With over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys are well versed in Nevada law and are confident in their ability to get you the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.

With over $1.6 billion recovered for our clients, we are devoted to serving justice to electric scooter accident victims. Whether you have been in a Reno, Henderson, or Las Vegas scooter accident, our team of attorneys are confident that they will deliver satisfactory results.

To schedule a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accidents In Nevada

What Happens if You Fall off a Scooter?

If you simply fall off a scooter due to your own volition, then you are not eligible to file any personal injury claims because there is no responsible party. However, if you fell off a scooter due to the actions/negligence of another party or due to mechanical failures of the rentable scooter, then depending on the severity of the injury and the nature of the accident, you may sue to recover damages.

How Much Does A Scooter Accident Attorney Cost?

Generally speaking, most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency basis, which means that you won’t have to pay any legal fees until you either win your lawsuit or accept a settlement offer from opposing counsel. Should either scenario occur, then a personal injury lawyer can charge anywhere between 25%-40%, but they tend to average around a competitive rate of 33%. However, it is important to ask your lawyer about their rates before hiring them for a case.

What Damages Can a Person Recover If They’re Involved in an Electric Scooter Accident?

From what is typically seen in an electric scooter accident, economic and non-economic damages can be recovered. Damages such as property damage, physical injuries, hospital bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, and emotional distress can be recovered, however, some of these damages are dependent on the scale of the accident.