Santa Ana Scooter Accident Lawyer

Electric scooters are a popular, eco-friendly form of transportation. It is scattered around various locations in Santa Ana to provide easy access and convenience to those who need it to travel short to medium distances. Although these factors collectively attract people into owning or using motorized scooters, it does expose you to safety issues.

A major concern is its vulnerability on the road. Scooters do not have adequate protection, meaning that riders are more prone to sustain serious injuries if they encounter a reckless driver or a hazard during commutes. Depending on the extent of your bodily harm, you may have to get medical treatment on more than one occasion. This can be costly. But, if your scooter accident was caused by an individual or entity, you can take legal action against them to recover damages.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable Santa Ana team has over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases and a successful track record of delivering client satisfaction. Due to our ongoing achievements, we are confident that we will get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. As personal injury cases can be complex and confusing to those unfamiliar with the legal process, our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case. 

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case in your favor. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced electric scooter accident lawyer, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

What Can Cause an Electric Scooter Accident?

The factors sectioned below have the ability to cause electric scooter accidents. Understanding each one can help you think of what preventative measures you should take to keep yourself safe when going out for a ride.

Car Drivers

A driver is required to provide a duty of care to those they share the road with, including e-scooter riders. However, some may go against such obligations and exhibit the following actions that can put themselves and others in danger:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Open car door accidents

Scooter Rider Error

A scooter rider needs to follow Santa Ana’s traffic laws to ensure they are safely traveling in and out of the city. However, some may lack experience whereas others will intentionally go against the rules of the road and operate the motorized vehicle in a reckless manner. Given either scenario, a scooter accident is likely to occur and depending on the nature of the accident, the one who was driving negligently or recklessly can be held liable for damages. 

Road Hazards

Poor road conditions, like potholes, uneven pavement, or debris, can cause an e-scooter to become unstable. This, in turn, can provoke the rider to lose control and fall off. Injuries will vary depending on the intensity of the impact.

Manufacturing Defect

Manufacturing defects can put a scooter rider in a dangerous position. Errors, like mechanical issues or operational malfunctions, can make it difficult to properly use a motorized scooter without facing complications along the way. Particular circumstances that can increase the chances of a scooter accident include:

• Tire blowouts
• Faulty wiring
• Flawed handlebar
• Loose parts

If you purchased or used a defective motorized scooter, you can file a product liability claim against the liable party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Santa Ana legal team can assess the situation and determine what party should hold accountability for your injuries and/or damages. Potential defendants in such a case may involve the following:

• Manufacturer
• Retailer
• Distributor
• Rental company

Common Scooter Accident Injuries

Electric scooter accidents can cause minor to severe bodily harm based on the degree of impact. Common injuries that are known to occur after such a collision include:

• Brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries

What to Do After a Scooter Accident in Santa Ana

A scooter accident can leave you in shock, especially since it happens when you least expect it to. Although it can be difficult to think about what you should do after getting into such a collision, try your best to focus on fulfilling the steps sectioned below. Performing these actions can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

Contact Law Enforcement

If you notice any injuries or damages after a scooter accident, you should reach out to your local law enforcement for emergency assistance. They will arrive at the accident scene and conduct a police report. Paramedics may also be present to provide medical assistance to those who need it.

Seek Medical Attention

After a scooter accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Your physician will evaluate your wound, diagnose your condition, and recommend what type of medical care you need to help with your recovery. If you fail to seek assistance from a healthcare professional in a timely manner, your injury may worsen over time. In addition, the opposing side may argue that you do not have a serious injury or how it could have been caused by something else.

Exchange Information With All Parties Involved

You should exchange contact and insurance information with everyone who is involved in the electric scooter accident. If a vehicle caused the collision, it is important to acquire the following details:

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• License plate number

Gather Evidence

Be sure to gather substantial evidence to help build a strong scooter accident claim. This includes obtaining the following:

• Pictures of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness information
• A copy of your medical records pertaining to the scooter accident
• A copy of the police report

Hire a Santa Ana Scooter Accident Lawyer

To better your likelihood of getting a fair settlement, you should hire a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, for assistance. Our Santa Ana scooter accident lawyers will listen to your concerns and implement it into our personalized approach to ensure we meet your legal needs.

Who Should Be Held Liable in a Santa Ana Scooter Accident?

Determining liability in a scooter accident will require you to collect evidence that shows how:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• The defendant’s reckless behavior was the primary cause of your damages

Under California’s comparative negligence law, both sides will be evaluated to determine the degree of fault in the scooter accident. If you partially caused the collision, you may still recover compensation, but it will be reduced based on your portion of responsibility.

What Damages Are Available in a Santa Ana Scooter Accident?

Available damages in a Santa Ana scooter accident will vary based on the factors associated with the incident. Certain elements that will be taken into consideration when accumulating a settlement amount include:

• The extent of your injury
• Lost income and earning capacity
• You and the other party’s degree of fault

Generally, economic and non-economic damages are awarded, but in rare cases, punitive damages may also be given.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial expenses you suffered as a result of the scooter accident, such as:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that can be difficult to assess in terms of monetary value, like:

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

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are added on top of compensatory damages to punish the wrongdoer for exhibiting egregious behavior and to prevent others from performing similar conduct in the future. To acquire such compensation, you will need to prove how the defendant was malicious, fraudulent, or had the intent to harm you.

Our Santa Ana Scooter Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you were involved in a scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim against them. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Santa Ana scooter accident lawyers will guide you through each stage of the legal process to ensure we get you a fair settlement. With over 20 years of experience, our team of attorneys handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves and, as a result of their dedication, they are confident that they can get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. 

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