Woodland Hills Scooter Accident Lawyer

People are always looking for quicker, more convenient ways to get around. With e-scooters popping up in cities all across California, including Woodland Hills, the e-scooter trend has become a real phenomenon. Companies, such as Lyft, Bird, and Lime offer some of the most popular electric scooter options and have given pedestrians the means of renting a fast and easy method of transportation. E-scooters can be seen parked in various locations in Woodland Hills, including Pierce College, public parks, or across business buildings.

Even though e-scooters provide plenty of benefits, they also bring several concerns. These include inexperienced riders not being aware of how to properly operate an e-scooter, negligent riders disobeying California’s traffic laws, and hundreds of e-scooters being left on the ground. As such, if you or a loved one have suffered a severe injury due to an e-scooter accident, it is important to seek an experienced personal injury attorney to help with your case.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to take on your case and serve as your trusted legal representative. With over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys understand the complexities of scooter accident cases and handle every case with the utmost care and respect. Due to our expertise and dedication, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients and we will continue to fight for their rights. Whether you have sustained a serious injury from someone else’s negligence or ill intent, our legal team will be there every step of the way to address any questions and concerns you have regarding your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

E-Scooter Laws and Regulations

E-scooter services have the obligation of offering pedestrians easy access to a convenient and affordable method of traveling. With the increase in its popularity, California has taken note of the dangers that may come along with riding an e-scooter, especially when the rider is not wearing safety gear or has a lack of experience in using an e-scooter.

The state responded to the mass interest with California Vehicle Code section 21235, which outlines the legality of scooter usage. If any electric scooter rider is caught breaking any of the following rules, they would be subjected to traffic violations and tickets by the issuing officer.

• A rider cannot operate electric scooters without a brake installed.
• A rider under 18 years of age cannot operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted helmet.
• A rider cannot operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver’s license or instruction permit.
• A rider cannot operate a motorized scooter with any additional passengers.
• A rider cannot operate a motorized scooter while carrying a package or items that prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
• A rider cannot operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk/highway.
• A rider cannot leave a motorized scooter lying on its side on any sidewalk.
• A rider cannot attach the motorized scooter onto themselves or to any other vehicle on the road.

Common E-Scooter Accident Injuries

Cities across California, including Woodland Hills, often have high road activity, which often leads to a car accident. However, with the rise of scooter companies, the number of scooter accident victims sustaining serious injuries has dramatically increased. Head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries are some of the most common injuries found in a scooter accident case and if you have been suffering these injuries, it is important to understand these injuries to serve as a point of reference.

Head Injury

A brain injury is when there is damage done to the skull and, as a result, the brain is damaged either due to the excessive force or any penetrating damage that goes through the skull. While the severity of a head injury will be dependent on the nature of the accident, a study conducted in 2021 has indicated that head and neck injuries accounted for about 28% of all e-scooter accident injuries in the United States.

Out of that percentage, about 32% of injured riders suffered from brain injuries, while 11% have suffered concussion. So if an e-scooter rider was involved in an accident with negligent drivers, the chances of them sustaining a traumatic head injury is very likely. As such, it is highly recommended to seek a medical professional before any long-term health complications develop.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is defined as a direct injury to the spine and to the bundle of nerves located throughout the spine. If e-scooter riders land on their back or sustain a blow to the back, the chances of them sustaining a serious spinal cord injury is very likely. As the spine has a limited ability to absorb impact, the level of pain and recovery for this type of injury will vary depending on the impact of the fall and which area was mostly affected by it. In some of the worst cases, paralysis and loss of organ function is one of the most traumatic and costly medical expenses, and in some cases, chronic back pain and unbalanced motions can have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Internal Injury

Internal injuries are referred to as damage to your organs as a result of an impact force. Common types of injuries include internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and fractured bones and they are typically found in incidents where scooter riders get struck by motor vehicle drivers. In cases such as these, it is imperative to seek immediate attention, because if left untreated they can become fatal. Whether you were involved in a scooter accident in outer Los Angeles or Woodland Hills, it is important that you treat these injuries seriously and consult with a personal injury attorney to recover damages.

Available Damages After an E-Scooter Accident

Damages in an e-scooter accident are typically intended to cover and compensate any financial losses the accident victim has sustained and pay out of pocket as a result of the incident. Generally, personal injury victims are able to recover either economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the nature and scale of the incident. Should you find yourself filing for a scooter accident claim, it is best to familiarize yourself with these types of damages to serve as a point of reference.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are referred to as calculable losses that have accumulated as a result of an accident. For example, medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, and property damage are all things that arise in e-scooter accidents and they can be recovered for a definitive sum. However, it is important for the accident victim to keep a record of all accumulated costs so they can be properly compensated for all of the costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are referred to as subjective and incalculable losses that have occurred due to being involved in an accident. For instance, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all things that are very difficult to place a definitive value on and due to the subjective nature of these damages the value will vary from person-to-person. 

As such, accident attorneys will need to prove that the accident in question has had a profound impact on the victim and require compensation in order to help them move on from the incident.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages, which focuses on punishing the responsible party for their actions instead of rewarding the victim. Due to the nature of punitive damages, the court will only issue it to either set legal precedence and to give the victim and their family a sense of closure. However, for these damages to be served, the accident in question must have been conducted with extreme recklessness or ill will.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one were involved in any accidents involving scooters and sustained any serious injuries, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for your losses. As electric scooter accidents can take time to file and process, it is highly recommended to hire a scooter accident attorney to ensure your chances of recovering a fair compensation in a timely manner.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of electric scooter accident lawyers are ready to take on your case and serve as your trusted legal counsel. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury law and with over 20 years of legal experience, our team of attorneys are confident that they can get the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty and look out for their best interests. Whether you have been involved in a minor accident scene or one that has left you with catastrophic injuries, our team of attorneys will be there every step of the way and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE case evaluation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accidents in Woodland Hills

What is the Statute of Limitations for Scooter Accident Claims?

In California, all scooter accident claims and personal injury cases must be filed within two years from the date of the incident. If any claims are filed after the two year mark, then the claim will be immediately dismissed in court and the victim would automatically waive their right to pursue compensation for any damages.

What Should Riders Do If They Fall Off an E-Scooter?

If you fall off an electric scooter, it is important that you carefully assess your injuries and seek the proper medical help you need. If the sustained injuries require immediate medical attention, if it is important to call 911 and have first responders arrive and treat you. Should the reason scooter riders fall off is due to a negligent party then it is recommended to document the accident as much as possible and consult with a scooter accident attorney to understand your options.

How an Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Help?

If you choose to hire an electric scooter lawyer, they will be able to help you with all of your legal needs and provide you with services that you would likely have struggled with if you chose to do it yourself. For instance, properly filing the necessary paperwork for a personal injury lawsuit, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel are all things an accident lawyer can do on your behalf.