Sacramento Scooter Accident Lawyer

Electric scooters have been gaining popularity as an eco-friendly and convenient form of transportation in Sacramento, particularly when traveling short distances. But, as more riders are on the road, concerned citizens are beginning to notice the risks associated with operating a motorized scooter, and how it can lead to serious collisions. Such an outcome is often triggered by multiple factors, ranging from reckless riding to unsafe road conditions.

Victims who have gotten into electric scooter accidents are given the right to seek compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we specialize in handling personal injury cases and are ready to help you recover compensation for your damages. With over 20 years of experience, our Sacramento team will guide you through the entire process to make sure you submit a strong claim and get the compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our due diligence to give our clients the best legal representation possible. As personal injury cases can be confusing and overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with the legal process, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our legal team is available 24/7 to discuss your case in full detail.

To schedule a free consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.

Are Electric Scooters Legal in Sacramento?

According to California’s DMV, electric scooters are street legal in Sacramento due to its classification as a micromobility device. As such scooter riders are allowed to drive them on bicycle paths, trails, and bikeways, however, they must abide by the same rules and regulations as other micromobility devices. Any failure to do so, will result in a series of tickets and fines that will be issued by the on-duty officer. 

Local Electric Scooter Laws

E-scooter riders are required to comply with rules and regulations to ensure they maintain safe road conditions. This includes fulfilling the following requirements:

• Maintain speeds that do not exceed 15 miles per hour
• Use a bike lane or trail
• Acquire a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit
• Wear a helmet if you are a minor
• Avoid parking a scooter in areas where it can block sidewalks or curb ramps
• Walk across the road when turning left to reduce the likelihood of a crash

Common Causes of an E-Scooter Accident

There are several elements that can contribute to an e-scooter accident. Recognizing the common causes listed below will give you an idea of what dangers are associated with its usage.

Rider Error

Many e-scooter accidents happen when riders are unaware of their abilities or do not have enough experience operating an electric scooter. Some mistakes include:

• Abrupt stops
• Poor balance
• Sudden acceleration

Negligent Driver

Negligent drivers can pose serious risks to e-scooter riders, especially when there are a significant amount of scooter riders on the road. Whether they are distracted or under the influence, these particular factors can make it less possible for a driver to detect or yield to riders nearby. Scooter accidents involving other vehicles often take place at intersections or when making turns, which is why it is important for riders to take extra precaution.

Poor Road Conditions

Due to their lightweight design, scooters are vulnerable to various hazardous roads, like uneven or rough surfaces. If a rider encounters such conditions, it can cause loss of control and result in an accident. Even minor obstacles can trigger a rider to lose balance, especially if they are traveling at high speeds.

Mechanical Issues

Regular scooter maintenance is important, but many e-scooter riders are not on top of it. Whether you are operating your own personal e-scooter or renting one, a considerable number of accidents often stem from defective scooter components, like:

• Brake failures
• Tire punctures
• Loose handlebars
• Worn tires

Either of these can increase the chances of a collision, specifically if you are riding fast or making an emergency stop. With that in mind, it is important to conduct safety checks before you operate an electric scooter. 

Common Electric Scooter Injuries

Electric scooters are a common form of transportation. But, unlike other vehicles, it does not have a protective barrier to reduce the intensity of a collision. As a result, serious or life-threatening injuries may occur. This includes:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries

What to Do After a Scooter Accident?

The aftermath of an electric scooter accident can be overwhelming. Although it is easier said than done, you should try to take immediate action soon after the crash to protect your rights and well-being. Understanding the steps sectioned below can help you effectively navigate the incident and better your chances of obtaining a favorable settlement.

Call Law Enforcement

If injuries or damages are present, you should contact your local law enforcement. First responders will arrive at the accident scene and create a police report. You may request a copy of the written document to use as proof if you are planning on filing a personal injury claim against the responsible party.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your injury may appear minor, you should still get it evaluated by a physician. If any problems are noted, they will diagnose your condition and create a medical care plan to help with your recovery. Your appointments, prescriptions, and/or surgical procedures will be saved in your health records.

Exchange Information

Be sure to share contact, vehicle, and insurance information with all parties involved in the scooter accident.

Gather Evidence

Try to collect evidence to help support your claim, like:

• Photos of your injuries, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness information
• Written perspective on the incident
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Consult with a Sacramento Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer

A Sacramento electric scooter accident lawyer can help explain what your legal rights and options are, ensuring that you know what you could be entitled to. From there, they will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to get you the best offer possible. While they handle these challenging tasks, you can focus on your recovery.

Who Is Liable in an E-Scooter Accident?

Determining liability in a scooter accident can be difficult. Each incident has unique circumstances that may involve one or more parties. Responsible individuals or entities may include the following:

• The scooter rider
• Other motorists
• Scooter companies
• Property owners
• Government entities
• Manufacturers
• Third parties, like pedestrians or bicyclists

Identifying liability will require a thorough investigation into the matter. It would be beneficial to acquire as much evidence as you can and present it to a legal expert for further assistance. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Sacramento electric scooter accident lawyers can assess the information provided and figure out what particular person or group should hold accountability for the damages you incurred.

Under California’s comparative negligence rule, all parties will be evaluated to learn what degree of negligence was exhibited. So, even if you are found partially liable for the scooter accident, you could still recover compensation. However, it will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For instance, if the opposing side was 70 percent accountable for the crash and you contributed only 30 percent, damages will be adjusted according to the amount of negligence committed.

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

In Sacramento, you will be given two years from the date of when the scooter accident occurred to file a claim. It is encouraged to act quickly to ensure you have enough proof and the right legal representative on your side. If you happen to exceed the given deadline, you will no longer be given the opportunity to sue. 

Available Damages in an Electric Scooter Accident Case

Available damages in an electric scooter accident case will differ for each victim. However, the following elements will be considered when determining what should be owed:

• The severity of your injury
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Degree of fault

To get an idea of what you could be rewarded, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator to estimate potential compensation by inputting the expenses you incurred from the scooter accident.

Typically, economic damages and non-economic damages are granted in these types of cases. Economic damages are calculable financial costs you endured from the e-scooter crash, like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, do not have a specific monetary value. Common examples include:

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

To measure non-economic damages, the jury will rely on your personal experiences and feelings. Several types of approaches are used to determine its value, which has often led to variability in awards. Due to these challenges, acquiring a fair outcome may require legal representation and clear documentation that indicates how the injury has impacted your life.

Our Sacramento Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you or a loved one were involved in an e-scooter crash, you may be entitled to sue the liable party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable Sacramento scooter accident attorneys are readily available to assist. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury law and our attorneys are well versed in the California court system and have handled a variety of scooter accident cases from the simple to the complex. With over 20 years of experience, our team of burn injury attorneys will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to make sure you are granted maximum compensation.

To schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.