Electric scooters are a very common source of transportation in cities across the United States, providing a convenient and efficient way to navigate short distances. As electric scooter riders share the road with motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, risks of an accident increase.
When a collision happens, even minor contact can lead to a serious scooter accident injury. Certain types of bodily harm may require ongoing care, leaving individuals with mounting medical bills and impacts to their daily lifestyle. In such cases, seeking legal guidance is beneficial. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers can look into the situation, identify who may be responsible, and negotiate with insurers to get you a fair settlement.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.
Why Clients Turn to Us for Scooter Accident Claims
Clients trust our law firm to handle all legal aspects of an e-scooter accident case with care and efficiency. We focus on making the process smooth and straightforward while protecting your best interests from beginning to end. Our team is here when you need us, ready to answer questions and give you updates at any time. We provide multilingual services and keep you informed about costs upfront so there are no surprises.
You will work directly with an experienced attorney who understands complications associated with personal injury lawsuits, like liability and insurance challenges. Our goal is to provide reliable guidance, effective representation, and clarity throughout each stage of the claims process.
What Recent Scooter Accident Data Shows for Injured Riders
As micromobility continues to grow all throughout the U.S., so do the risks associated with it. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), when riding e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards, injuries increased by almost 21% between 2021 and 2022. With e-scooters, in particular, injuries rose from 8,566 to 56,847. Children under the age of 14 contributed to most of these cases.
Building on this trend, a national study assessing 2016 to 2020 hospital data revealed that scooter-related injuries have increased, with hospitalizations nearly tripling within the 4-year period. More than half of injured riders needed major surgical procedures, specifically to treat head and complex fractures.
Compared to bicycle accidents, scooter injuries were more common with younger individuals (under the age of 18), specifically during the winter months, and carried a higher risk of severe outcomes, like long bone fractures or paralysis. At the same time, overall hospitalization costs rose sharply, from $6.6 million to $35.5 million.
Leading Factors Behind Electric Scooter Accidents
Many factors can contribute to the rise of electric scooter accidents, particularly in busy urban areas. Knowing these risks can help riders and other road users stay more aware of their surroundings:
- Interactions with motor vehicle drivers: Accidents tend to happen when motor vehicle drivers fail to notice scooters or misjudge their movements. This risk increases when a drunk driver is involved or when scooters reach speeds that reduce reaction time and make collisions more likely.
- Lack of designated bike lanes: In areas that do not have designated bike lanes, riders are forced to share space with fast-moving traffic, ultimately raising the likelihood of collisions.
- Road conditions: Uneven pavement, debris, and poor lighting can make it difficult for riders to maintain proper control, especially when traveling near a scooter’s maximum speed.
- Inexperience: Most places in the U.S. require riders to have a valid driverโs license to legally operate an e-scooter. This requirement helps ensure riders have basic knowledge of traffic laws and road safety. Insufficient experience or familiarity with the area can lead to unsafe decisions.
- Inadequate protective measures: Failing to wear helmets and other protective gear will heighten the probability of severe injuries when accidents happen.
As e-scooter use grows, understanding these contributing factors is important to enhance safety for riders and other road users.
How Legal Guidance Can Change the Outcome of a Scooter Case
Legal guidance can greatly affect the outcome of a scooter case, especially when liability is unclear or if several parties are involved. An attorney can help acquire evidence, uncover important details, and ensure filing deadlines are met. For electric scooter accident victims, insurance companies will try to minimize payouts or direct blame. However, your legal representative will step in to:
- Manage communications
- Avoid missteps
- Provide a well-supported case
This can heavily impact how liability is assigned and how damages are valued. Under difficult circumstances, including rideshare, scooter, pedestrian, or product-related incidents, legal representation helps identify and hold all responsible parties accountable.
What the Body Endures in an Electric Scooter Crash
An electric scooter accident can expose scooter riders to various types of injuries. Bodily harm will differ for each affected individual based on speed, impact, and the extent of protective measures taken at the time of the incident. Among the most common injuries are broken bones and road rash. More serious incidents can lead to:
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (and other head injuries)
In addition to these, e-scooter related injuries can also include soft tissue damage and sprains that may not be immediately apparent. Since symptoms do not always show up right away, it is important to seek medical attention after any accident to properly assess the full extent of harm.
The Importance of Finding a Local Scooter Accident Lawyer
When you have been involved in a collision as a rider, working with a local scooter accident lawyer can make a big difference in how your case is being managed. They have experience knowing how state-specific regulations, insurance tactics, and court systems operate. Furthermore, they will have access to nearby experts, investigators, and other resources that can help strengthen your case.
Here are some other additional benefits working with an area-based attorney:
- Knowledge of state and local laws: While rules will vary across the U.S., an experienced attorney will understand how different regulations may be enforced and how it will impact your claim.
- Experience with courts and legal procedures: Familiarity with the court processes and legal standards can help your case move more smoothly and effectively.
- Accessible and personalized support: Thorough communication and consistent guidance can help you feel informed and supported from start to finish.
If you are looking into hiring a local scooter accident attorney, West Coast Trial Lawyers proudly serves in the following states:
What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident
Taking the following steps after an accident will help protect your health and ability to pursue legal action:
- Seek medical attention: Even if the harm you endured seems minor, it is important to get evaluated for serious injuries. Your physician will assess your condition and determine what type of medical treatment you will need to recover. Official records will be created which you can use to document your health early on. This can be used as evidence if you plan on filing a personal injury claim.
- Document the accident scene: If possible, try to take photos or video footage of your injuries and the surrounding conditions. This can help preserve critical evidence.
- Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance details from anyone who is involved, along with the names of witnesses, if possible.
- Report the incident: Report the accident to local authorities or the scooter company to have an official document established.
- Consult with an experienced scooter accident lawyer: Speaking with a legal professional early on can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure the actions you take strengthen your case.
Considering these steps can help protect your safety while preserving notable information needed to move forward effectively.
How Responsibility Is Shared in Electric Scooter Accidents
Responsibility in scooter accidents is divided among several parties based on what each one did leading up to the event. In some cases, electric scooter companies may be involved if equipment or maintenance issues were involved. At the same time, other drivers could also face accountability for committing negligent actions, like failing to yield or driving inattentively. Riders themselves are also expected to comply with e-scooter laws, and if they fail to do so, their conduct could be considered when determining fault.
How liability is assessed will vary in accordance with the legal standard applied in each state:
- Pure comparative negligence: Compensation will be adjusted based on your percentage of fault even if you are partially at fault for the scooter accident.
- Modified comparative negligence: You can recover damages only if your level of fault stays below the set threshold (typically 50% or 51%).
- Contributory negligence: In some states, any amount of fault will prevent recovery entirely.
Can a Scooter Rider Be Sued for Hitting a Pedestrian?
An e-scooter rider can be sued for causing a pedestrian accident. Like other road users, scooter riders are given a duty to operate safely and comply with traffic rules. When that legal obligation has been breached, like riding recklessly or failing to yield, the scooter rider can be held accountable for damages caused.
If a pedestrian endures injuries, they may be entitled to file a claim for losses incurred, like medical bills, lost income, and other related damages. The outcome will typically depend on how the situation occurred, whether local regulations were followed, and if both sides contributed to the collision.
Sometimes, liability can be shared. For instance, if a pedestrian abruptly stepped foot into a restricted lane, their actions could also be considered. Nonetheless, each case has its own unique circumstances and may result in different outcomes.
How Insurance Coverage Works in Electric Scooter Accidents
Insurance coverage in scooter-related accidents can be difficult, especially when several parties and policies are involved. The type of coverage available will depend on how the e-scooter accident caused the injuries and who was associated with the situation. In some circumstances, a driver’s auto insurance may apply if a motor vehicle was part of the collision.
If the rider was using a rental scooter, the company may carry limited liability coverage, however, it does tend to come with restrictions. Riders may also rely on their own health insurance or, in some cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Filing an electric scooter accident claim will typically require identifying all possible sources of coverage and understanding how they apply. Insurance companies will try to dispute liability or try to limit payouts, especially when fault is shared.
Because of overlapping policies, managing such a claim will require you to carefully document the entirety of the situation, provide clear communication, and an in-depth review of how the incident triggered the damages you are claiming.
What Happens With Insurance When a Scooter Hits a Car
When a scooter collides with a vehicle, insurance coverage will depend on how the accident happened and who is at fault. These circumstances are typically treated similar to car accidents.
However, they will involve unique considerations since scooters are involved. If the driver is responsible, their auto insurance policy will be effective and cover the rider’s sustained injuries and related damages. On the other hand, if the scooter rider is at fault, coverage will be more limited, specifically if there is no applicable personal policy set in place.
Liability is usually assigned by assessing traffic laws and each party’s conduct at the time of the impact. Motorized scooter regulations may also apply depending on the location and how it was being used.
In certain instances, several policies may come into play, and insurers will try to dispute responsibility. Because of this, documenting the accident and knowing general road rules in addition to scooter laws are critical factors that will help determine what coverage will apply and how claims will be handled.
What Counts as a Recoverable Loss After a Scooter Accident
After a scooter accident, recoverable losses are meant to compensate you for any financial and personal impacts you suffered as a result of the event. This includes economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are measurable, out-of-pocket expenses connected to the collision, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are difficult to quantify in monetary terms, including:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Full financial recovery will depend on how intense the injuries are and whether they affect your finances in addition to your overall well-being.
Get Legal Representation From Our Scooter Accident Attorneys Today
Personal injury victims involved in scooter accidents are met with complications when dealing with insurance companies and assessing fault. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your options, collect evidence, and develop a solid claim.
If a negligent driver or another party triggered the incident, legal representation will help ensure responsibility is properly assigned and that all damages are considered. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team will handle communications and negotiate settlements, ensuring you are protected from unfair tactics and your interests remain a priority.
To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accidents
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Scooter Accident Claim?
Although it is not always required, an excellent scooter accident lawyer can help injured riders, especially when liability is unclear or multiple parties (like e-scooter companies) are involved. They can handle insurers, gather evidence, and ensure your claim reflects the full extent of damages you suffered. This support can make a big difference in preventing low settlement agreements and navigating the claims process more effectively.
How Long Does a Scooter Accident Case Usually Take?
The timeline for a scooter accident case will vary based on the factors involved. Some claims may resolve in a few months whereas others could take anywhere from a year or longer to reach a settlement. Certain elements, like severity of injuries, the duration of medical treatment, and how cooperative the opposing side is, will all affect the total extent of time it takes to have such a case resolved.
Can I Sue a City for Unsafe Road Conditions That Caused a Scooter Accident?
You may be able to sue a city if unsafe conditions contributed to the scooter accident. You must show that the city knew, or should have known, about the hazard and failed to have it addressed properly and in a timely manner. These claims usually involve strict deadlines and notice requirements, so it is encouraged that you act quickly to submit the administrative claim before the set time limit.
Can I File a Claim if I Didnโt Feel Injured Right Away?
You may still have a potential legal claim even if you did not feel like you were seriously hurt immediately after the incident. Some injuries take some time to develop and progress, and symptoms may not show up until hours or even days later. What matters is connecting your condition to the incident and seeking medical attention right when symptoms start to show up. Acting promptly can help support your claim and ensure your injuries are being properly noted.
What Happens if a Defective Scooter Caused the Accident?
If a motor scooter has a defect, like faulty brakes, and it causes an accident, liability may extend to the manufacturer or maintenance provider. You will need to demonstrate how the issue made the scooter unsafe and that it led to a crash. Since such circumstances usually involve product liability laws and technical evidence, pinpointing the defect and preserving the scooter can help support your case.
What if the Accident Was a Hit-and-Run Involving a Scooter?
If your scooter accident was a hit-and-run, you may still have options to secure financial recovery. Even if the at fault party is not identified, you can still look into some alternative sources of compensation. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it can apply if a vehicle was involved in the situation. You may also be able to rely on your own insurance policies depending on the circumstances presented.
It is important to have the incident reported as soon as you can and to document all available details, like witness statements and surveillance footage. Doing this can help support your claim while efforts are being made to detect the responsible party.
When Does a Scooter Accident Become a Wrongful Death Case?
A scooter accident turns into a wrongful death case when the situation results in fatal consequences that are caused by someone else’s negligence. This typically happens when significant injuries result in death, either immediately after the impact or because of complications that progressed over time. The surviving family members of the victim may work with a wrongful death attorney to pursue legal action and seek justice on behalf of their loved one.
Will A Scooter Accident Case Go to Court or Settle Out of Court?
Most scooter accident cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to court. If both sides are cooperative and can agree on liability and compensation, the situation itself can be resolved without having to go to litigation. But, if there are disputes over fault, severe injuries, or significant damages, the case will likely go to court. Litigation may also be necessary if the insurance company denies giving a reasonable settlement offer that reflects the actual value of the losses an accident victim suffered.
Simply put, whether a case settles or goes to court will rely on the specific factors involved and how negotiations are done.
