San Bernardino Scooter Accident Attorney

Although electric scooters provide convenience for people to travel in and out of San Bernardino, many risks are associated with it since the motorized vehicle does not offer enough protection to its riders. Its safety has become a growing concern, especially when it is being used on hazardous roads or in crowded streets with reckless drivers present.

If you were involved in an e-scooter accident because of a negligent individual or entity, you may be entitled to sue to them to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled San Bernardino e-scooter accident lawyers are available 24/7 to take a look at your case. Once we assess the information provided, we will determine what necessary steps should be taken to ensure you get maximum compensation.

To schedule a free consultation, we welcome you to reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick contact form.

Scooter Accident Statistics (2023)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), e-scooter accident injuries continue to rise each year. From 2021 to 2022, a 22 percent increase was reported. The CPSC also shared the following details that took place between 2017 to 2022:

• Rental scooter accidents contributed to 37 percent of emergency department visits.
• 63 percent of injuries took place on paved roads.
• 23 percent happened due to lack of visibility.
• 11 percent of cases were caused by distractions, such as cell phones or music.
• 32 percent of the injuries were caused by the scooter rider holding or carrying something.
• 13 percent wore a helmet, and 42 percent had on blinking lights or a head lamp.
• May through October had the highest percentages of e-scooter accidents.

Common San Bernardino E-Scooter Accident Injuries

E-scooter accidents can result in mild to severe injuries. Common types that have been reported include:

• Head injuries,
• Facial injuries,
• Neck injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Cuts and sprains, and
• Broken bones.

Injured e-scooter accident victims are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately after the incident. Your physician will examine your body to determine a diagnosis. From there, they will form a treatment plan to help with your recovery. If you fail to do this, the opposing side may argue that the scooter injuries you sustained were not as significant as you claimed or may assume that another factor could have caused it.

Electric Scooter Laws in San Bernardino

To operate an e-scooter in San Bernardino, riders will need to abide by the following traffic laws:

• Ride a motorized scooter that has two wheels, handlebars, a motor, and a floorboard you can balance yourself on.
• Use a bicycle path or trail when traveling. Do not use sidewalks, and maintain safe speeds of up to 25 mph.
• Minors are required to wear a fitted helmet.
• Avoid riding an e-scooter with a passenger.
• Do not use the sidewalk unless you need to enter property that is connected to it.
• Do not place an e-scooter in any position on the sidewalk that can cause pedestrian traffic.
• Obtain any type of class driver's license to legally use electric scooters.
• Do not attach an e-scooter to another vehicle on the road.

Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents in San Bernardino

There are several common causes of e-scooter accidents. This includes:

• Fall accidents (80.2 percent),
• Crashing into an object (11 percent), and
• Getting struck by a moving vehicle or object. (8.8 percent)

If you sustained injuries after the e-scooter accident, you may seek compensation against the individual for their negligent actions. You will need to collect evidence at the scene, and find the right San Bernardino personal injury attorney to represent you.

Common Types of San Bernardino Scooter Accidents

There have been many types of electric scooter accidents that have been reported in San Bernardino. The sections below will thoroughly go over each one and how they occur.

Scooter Vs Car Accidents

Negligent driving can contribute to a scooter accident, especially if the following actions are committed:

• Speeding,
• Impaired driving, or
• Distracted driving.

These factors can affect a driver's reaction time, making it more challenging for them to avoid crashing into a scooter rider that appears in front of them. The outcome can lead to serious injuries, particularly for those who are on an electric scooter since they do not provide enough protection against other vehicles.

Scooter Vs Pedestrian Accidents

There are several instances where a pedestrian may get involved in a scooter accident. This includes the following:

• A scooter rider was traveling at high speeds on a sidewalk.
• People are riding electric scooters in highly populated pedestrian areas.
• Scooter riders are failing to give pedestrians the right of way.
• Distractions are preventing a scooter rider from properly controlling the motorized vehicle.
• A pile of unattended scooters are left on the sidewalk, making it more likely for a pedestrian to sustain a slip and fall accident.

Defective E-Scooter Accidents

A defective scooter could cause a rider to lose control. Some common faulty parts that can put your safety at risk are:

• Handlebars,
• Brakes,
• Tires,
• Batteries and the
• Motor.

In such a case, you should consult with a scooter accident attorney to figure out which entity in the chain of distribution should be held accountable for your injuries and damages.

Inexperienced Rider

New scooter riders may face some obstacles while traveling on the motorized vehicle, such as:

• Learning how to maintain full control and balance,
• Having awareness of the city streets at all times,
• Being familiar with the controls,
• Riding at safe speeds, and
• Making swift decisions.

Is is suggested for riders to properly train and educate themselves on how to use an electric scooter as much as possible. This will help them develop safe riding habits and reduce the likelihood of getting into a collision.

Road Hazards

If a scooter rider goes over poor sidewalk conditions like potholes, debris, or uneven pavement, they can lose control over the motorized vehicle and fall off of it. The injuries sustained can range from mild to severe depending on the intensity of the impact.

Distracted Riding

Distracted riding can reduce a scooter rider's attention to other vehicles, road hazards, and traffic lights and signs. This can affect their response time to potential dangers nearby, which will make it more likely for them to get into a scooter accident.

It is encouraged for riders to ignore distractions, such as cell phones, from restricting a safe traveling experience on the city streets.

Impaired Riding

Riding an electric scooter while under the influence is very dangerous. The substances you consume can tamper with your vision and thought process. This can make it difficult for you to cautiously navigate your way through traffic without crashing into other vehicles or objects.

How to Prevent an E-Scooter Accident

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many head injuries could be avoided if riders are wearing helmets and paying more attention to the road. They further go on to mention how "interventions aimed at these risks and education to first-time riders could potentially reduce injury incidence and severity."

How to Determine Liability in an E-Scooter Accident

To determine liability in an e-scooter accident, you will need to collect evidence, including:

• Contact and insurance information from all parties involved,
• Photographs or video footage of your injury, damages, and where the crash occurred,
• Witness statements,
• A copy of the police report and your medical records, and
• The badge number and names of the police officers who were present at the scene.

Once you have gathered these important details, you should consult with a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer. They will evaluate your case to learn which party should be held accountable for the damages caused in the e-scooter accident.

Individuals or entities that can be found responsible for an e-scooter accident include the following:

• E-scooter riders,
• Negligent drivers,
• Scooter companies,
• Scooter rental companies, or a
• Scooter manufacturer.

Since California is a pure comparative negligence state, all parties involved in the collision will be assessed to figure out the amount of compensation that should be owed to one another. Even if you are partially at-fault for the e-scooter accident, you can still receive damages based on the percentage of negligence contributed by the opposing side.

E-Scooter Accidents and Wrongful Death

If someone lost their life in an e-scooter accident, their estate or immediate family member can seek compensation. This includes the:

• Spouse,
• Child,
• Putative spouse,
• Child of the putative spouse,
• Stepchild,
• Parent, or
• Someone who is entitled to the victim's property by intestate succession.

Under California's "One-Action Rule," all heirs must participate in one wrongful death lawsuit together since the at fault party cannot be sued more than once by multiple people.

To prove wrongful death, you will need to show that the defendant:

• Owed the victim a duty of care,
• Breached their duty of care, and
• Their negligent behavior caused the victim's death.

You may also provide details about what you endured as a result of your loved one's passing. This could help the court determine what kind of economic and non economic damages you should be awarded with.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are out-of-pocket charges that hold monetary value, such as:

• Medical expenses,
• Funeral and burial costs, and
• Loss of future income.

Non Economic Damages

Non economic damages are intangible costs that are not easily measured in monetary terms, including:

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

How Much Are E-Scooter Accident Claims Worth in San Bernardino?

Compensation in e-scooter accident claims vary depending on the unique circumstances involved. Each plaintiff will have a different issue that will require a specific amount of damages to be awarded. Common ones that are usually given in such a case include:

• Medical expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Property damage, and
• Pain and suffering.

To learn what yours may be worth, you should contact a San Bernardino e-scooter accident lawyer. They will take a look at the evidence you have available and provide legal insight on what you can potentially receive.

How Long Does an E-Scooter Accident Claim Take in San Bernardino?

The duration of an e-scooter accident claim in San Bernardino is different for everyone. For some, it could take up to a few months, whereas for others, it will last a couple of years.

If you participate in mediation, chances are you could get your case settled sooner. During this process, the mediator is present while you and the opposing side negotiate on an offer you can both agree on. This is more time and cost efficient to go through compared to litigation. However, if no agreement is made, then the case will continue until a decision is made by the court.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for an E-Scooter Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for an e-scooter accident claim is two years starting from the accident date. Although this may seem like enough time to pursue legal action against the liable party, you should still consider working on your case right away. You will need an adequate amount of time to gather important evidence and documentation to strengthen your claim, and will have to spend time searching for a knowledgeable e-scooter accident lawyer to guide you through each stage of the legal process.

Get Help From Our San Bernardino E-Scooter Accident Lawyers Today

If you were involved in an e-scooter accident, our skilled San Bernardino legal team at West Coast Trial Lawyers is readily available to offer assistance. We will protect your legal rights, negotiate with the opposing side, represent you in court if your case heads to trial, and get you the financial compensation you deserve.

We run on a contingency fee-basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until the lawsuit has settled. To schedule a free consultation, we welcome you to reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy contact form.

More Resources

Electric Scooter Accident Statistics

Scooter Rental Accidents and Compensation In California

9 Safety Tips for Riding a Scooter

Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident

Scooter Accidents and Insurance Claims

The Best Places to Ride a Scooter in California