Phoenix Scooter Accident Lawyer

Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular transportation option, especially when traveling short distances in urban areas. These micro mobility vehicles provide convenience, and are environmentally-friendly. Many scooter companies have also allowed it to be easily accessible through app-based rentals, contributing to widespread use. However, these particular services do not provide adequate safety for riders, putting them in a vulnerable position while on the road.

Scooter riders who are struck by a vehicle or other obstacles are highly likely to ensure serious injuries, similar to motorcycle accidents. This is particularly due to its size and inadequate protection. Affected victims may endure physical and emotional trauma, and could require short- or long-term medical care to recover, leading to financial burdens.

But, if the incident was caused by a negligent individual or entity, they can file a scooter accident lawsuit against them to secure damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Phoenix team is readily available to assist.

With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases and more than $1.7 billion in settlements and judgments recovered on behalf of our clients, we understand the challenges scooter accident victims may face, and are committed to guide you through each stage of the legal process to make sure you get maximum compensation.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you do not pay any upfront costs unless we win or settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation with an electric scooter accident lawyer, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Is It Dangerous to Ride an Electric Scooter?

It can be dangerous to ride an electric scooter, especially if rules and regulations are not followed. While it is useful and efficient, it does come with risks due to its small size and exposure to traffic.

For instance, electric scooters share the road with cars, meaning that riders will be vulnerable to collisions. Since they do not have sufficient protection against intense impact, they are expected to sustain severe injuries shortly after direct contact is made.

Based on studied data from the U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, more than 304,000 scooter injuries and 189,517 e-scooter injuries have been reported in the U.S. back in 2022. These cases commonly occurred in urban settings.

In addition, it was found that scooter riders were more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, like riding while under the influence or without a helmet. Median age group of affected riders was 30 compared to 11 for conventional scooter riders.

Arizona Scooter Laws

Arizona has established scooter laws to maintain safe road conditions. Let’s take a look at some of them below.

• ARS 28-819: (a) Electric standup scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as cyclists. This means that scooter riders will need to comply with the same traffic laws applied to bicycles unless otherwise regulated by local authorities. (b) Electric scooters do not have to follow through with the following motor vehicle requirements: certificates of title, registration, vehicle license tax, driver licenses, or vehicle insurance. (d) E-scooters can be ridden on bicycle and multi-use paths unless restricted by a local authority or state agency. (f) Electric standup scooters will need to have a unique identification that has to be visible from a minimum of five feet, cannot be hidden by branding or other markings, and must be used to identify the scooter within the state.
• ARS 28-627: (14) Local authorities can regulate the use of electric scooters within their jurisdictions. They can create rules, and consider the environmental and traffic benefits when doing so.
• ARS 28-704: Under Arizona law, both miniature and standup electric scooters are legally considered as vehicles, subjecting them to specific traffic laws and excluding them from others.

What Causes Electric Scooter Accidents?

Electric scooter accidents can be caused by various factors. Let’s discuss each one in the sections below.

Rider Behavior

In terms of rider behavior, speeding has been a common issue that has resulted in dangerous conditions. If speeds reach 15-20 mph or higher, it will make it difficult to promptly react to sudden obstacles that may appear on the road. Weaving through traffic and ignoring signals or lights are another problem that can affect a scooter rider’s safety.

Inexperience and riding while under the influence can cause riders to struggle with balancing and braking properly, as well.

Road Hazards

Poor street conditions, like potholes or debris, can trigger scooter riders to lose balance or skid. Low visibility, especially at night, is also another concern as it can increase the chances of not being seen by drivers or pedestrians, resulting in accidents.

Defective Scooter

Brake malfunctions will make it difficult to stop ahead of time to prevent an accident, while flat or damaged tires may lessen traction and control, specifically on slippery or uneven surfaces. In addition, battery issues, like loss of power or overheating, can cause a scooter to stop abruptly, causing the rider to fall off or get into a crash.

Other Road Users

Interactions with other road users, like pedestrians, drivers, or cyclists, can result in accidents. Riding in a crowded area, particularly sidewalks or congested roads, can put scooter riders at risk of a collision. Negligent drivers could fail to analyze their surroundings before making a turn or suddenly opening car doors, leading to potential crashes.

Conflicts with cyclists may also arise as both parties share bike lanes. Scooters could move at a different pace or weave through traffic, resulting in a higher likelihood of a collision.

Furthermore, improperly placed scooters left in the middle of the sidewalk or bike path can create obstacles, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to swerve or trip, increasing the risk of injury.

Common E-Scooter Accident Injuries

 

Electric scooter accidents can lead to minor or serious injuries depending on the intensity of the impact. Some common forms of bodily damage that may occur include the following:

• Broken bones
• Contusions/abrasions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Neck Injuries

Factors like traveling at high speeds, riding on uneven surfaces, or crashes with vehicles can lead to direct and indirect harm.

What Happens if You Hit Someone on a Scooter?

If you hit someone while riding a scooter in Phoenix, you may face legal repercussions depending on the extent of damages and injuries caused. Since Arizona treats electric scooters similarly to bikes, riders may be subject to the same traffic rules and responsibilities.

If the incident involves bodily harm or property damage, you will be required to stop at the accident scene and share your contact information, along with any other necessary details. Failing to do so could result in criminal charges, like a hit-and run penalty. If the injured party needs medical attention, you should contact 911 as soon as possible.

Liability for a motor scooter accident, in this case, will depend on fault. If you were using it in a reckless manner, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals, you will be held responsible for the victim’s losses.

If scooters are used from rental companies, like Bird or Lime, their terms of service may limit their liability, and will bear responsibility on you as the rider. This is particularly due to the fact that you signed a waiver acknowledging the risks involved with electric scooters, thus complicating the claims process to pursue compensation.

But, if the other person also contributed to the incident, like abruptly stepping onto the road without looking for oncoming traffic, they will share liability under the state’s comparative negligence law (ARS 12-2505). This means that compensation owed may be reduced based on you and the other party’s level of carelessness. So, if total damages are $40,000 and you are 40 percent at fault, you will be given an estimate of $24,000.

All in all, determining liability in an e-scooter accident can be difficult, especially if multiple parties are involved, like other drivers and rental companies. To understand how to move forward with your case, you can have our expert Phoenix e-scooter accident lawyers assess the situation and determine what would be the most effective approach to take to ensure you get the best outcome possible.

Recoverable Compensation in an E-Scooter Accident Case

All scooter accident cases involve distinct circumstances that can affect the outcome of a settlement. Some factors that are considered when calculating and distributing compensation include the following:

• The extent of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity

To learn what you could receive, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the losses you incurred due to the e-scooter accident.

Generally, economic and non-economic damages will be awarded in such a case.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to financial losses you endured as a direct result of the event, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are non-financial losses that are difficult to measure in monetary terms, like:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a FREE Consultation with Our Phoenix Scooter Accident Lawyers Today

Scooter accident victims are entitled to secure compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the liable party. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Phoenix electric scooter accident lawyers will guide you every step of the way to make sure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. With our knowledge and expertise, we are equipped to deliver quality services and will get you the justice you deserve.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can connect with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Scooter Accidents

Is it Worth it to Hire an Accident Attorney?

Hiring an accident attorney is often worth it, especially if you suffered injuries or property damage. They will help navigate you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation. Insurance companies usually try to settle for as low as possible, and without legal representation, you may lose your opportunity to acquire what you are actually entitled to.

An accident attorney understands the legal standards of determining liability and damages, which can be challenging to figure out on your own. Most of them also work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you will not have to pay for their services unless you win or settle the case.

What Are the Safety Tips for Riding a Scooter?

Riding a scooter can be fun and practical, but it comes with risks. Following the tips below can help reduce your chances of encountering dangerous conditions that can ultimately lead to an accident:

• Have on safety gear, like a helmet and knee and elbow pads
• Inspect the scooter before going out on a ride
• Comply with traffic laws
• Maintain a reasonable speed
• Avoid distractions
• Remain visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially at night
• Keep an eye out for road hazards

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

In Phoenix, you will be given two years from the date of the scooter accident to file a claim (ARS 12-542). Be sure to acquire as much evidence as you can. Hiring a Phoenix phoenix scooter accident lawyer can also raise your likelihood of acquiring fair compensation.

Failing to fulfill these duties will cause delays, increasing your risk of exceeding the statute of limitations. If that happens, you will no longer be eligible to recover compensation for the losses you sustained.