Electric Scooter Accidents Injury Law

Electric Scooter Accidents Injury Law:

What are Electric Scooter Accidents?

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are a new method of transportation gaining popularity in Los Angeles and other major cities. Various scooter companies have dropped small electric scooters around busy areas of the city, and users can download an app to quickly and easily pick one up, rent it, and ride it to their next destination. While this method of transportation can be economical and eco-friendly, it can also be highly dangerous. Electric scooter accidents are common and can cause serious harm or personal injury. Since the riders sign an agreement releasing the scooter company from liability when they sign up for the app, it could then be challenging to receive proper compensation for any personal injury that results from an electric scooter accident.

Examples of electric scooter accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Crashing into another person, someone's property or other stationary object
  • Being hit by a motor vehicle, motorcycle, truck, or bike
  • Falling off the scooter, due to loss of balance, a quick stop, or reckless riding
  • Tripping over road debris or uneven terrain
  • The scooter malfunctioning during a ride
  • A pedestrian tripping over a parked scooter

Electric scooter accidents are also more likely to occur if children are using them, if the rider is not wearing a helmet, if two people are on one scooter, or if a user is riding at night. An electric scooter accident can even occur if a motorist swerves to avoid hitting a scooter rider and then hits another motorist or pedestrian. Since these e-scooters are relatively new and largely unregulated, there are many ways in which an electric scooter accident can occur and thus many forms of injuries and damages that come as a result.

What is an Electric Scooter Injury?

A new phenomenon seen in the streets of Los Angeles and other major cities is electric scooter transportation. Motorized scooters are being used more and more as a method of transportation, as various companies set up user-friendly renting and sharing systems to make scooters widely available for short-term use. A rider can use an app to locate a scooter and rent it on the spot to get to their destination. This is especially popular amongst younger generations. A problem, however, is that electric scooters can be dangerous, leading to multiple types of electric scooter injuries due to accidents, crashes, hit and runs, misuse, or scooter malfunctions.

Electric scooters can go 15 mph or more and are largely unregulated. Though California law states that a rider must wear a helmet, ride in bike lanes, and avoid riding at night, many users violate these laws and will be seen without protective gear and/or riding alongside cars or on sidewalks. An accident can easily occur, leaving the rider or even a third-party seriously injured. These electric scooter injuries can include broken bones, sprained ankles, bruises or scratches, a cracked skull, serious head injuries, and even death if a motor vehicle is involved.

An electric scooter injury can occur if:

  • A vehicle hits a person on a scooter
  • A pedestrian trips over a scooter that was placed in the middle of a sidewalk or other unsafe area
  • A scooter rider falls off the scooter or trips on uneven terrain or road debris
  • Scooter riders collide with each other
  • The scooter malfunctions
  • The rider engages in reckless behavior while on the scooter

About Electric Scooter Accident Law:

A key problem with electric scooter accidents is that it can be difficult to prove fault and thus difficult for a victim to receive any compensation for suffered damages. A third party could be at fault, such as a motor vehicle driver or another scooter rider; the scooter company could be at fault if the scooter malfunctioned or was broken to begin with; the rider could be liable if another person was injured due to negligent riding; or even the city could be held liable if the accident occurred due to a pothole or other uneven public surface. Even if the scooter malfunctioned and caused the accident, the scooter companies often deny claims, thanks to a harrowing contract that most users do not read. Some of these contracts even contain a short time frame in which a user can file a claim if an accident did occur. In addition, there is currently no requirement for riders to have liability insurance as they do if they were driving a motor vehicle. As such, there is a limited amount of recourse a victim of an electric scooter accident can take, and the process to file a claim or lawsuit can be arduous.

Electric scooter injuries fall under personal injury law. Thus, if a person is injured on a scooter or by a scooter, they can file a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the way in which the victim was injured, the electric scooter company could be held liable, or the third-party involved could be held liable. The rider themselves could also be liable for an injury caused to another person, such as a pedestrian or bystander.

The victim that suffered an electric scooter injury would want to file a claim against the responsible party, so that he or she can collect compensation for their pain and suffering, medical costs, lost income from the inability to work, and/or punitive damages if the injury was caused intentionally.

What an Electric Scooter Accident Injury Lawyer Can Do For You:

If you were involved in an electric scooter accident, you will need a tenacious lawyer that is knowledgeable about electric scooter accident law. An accident attorney will be familiar with Californian Vehicle Code Section 407.5, which pertains to motorized scooters. He or she will also best understand the electric scooter company's contract, and can thus determine if you will be able to file a claim against that company. Because electric scooter transportation is relatively new, navigating the legal issues surrounding an electric scooter accident can be tricky. Thus, using a skilled attorney may be your best bet in seeking compensation or other damages for any harm caused by an electric scooter accident.

If you suffered a personal injury from a scooter or while on a scooter, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer will assess the accident that caused your injury and collect evidence to prove who is at fault. A skilled attorney can help you file a claim against the party at fault, whether it be another rider, a motor vehicle driver, the electric scooter company, or another negligible party. Personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and will work hard to ensure you receive the maximum compensation and the proper treatment that you are entitled to when you suffer an electric scooter injury.

Lawyer Referral Service:

If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident and need representation, contact Attorney Search Network. We will refer you to an attorney who is experienced in handling electric scooter accident cases. If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact Attorney Search Network.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an electric scooter injury and need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, contact Attorney Search Network today. We can refer you to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer that is experienced in dealing with electric scooter injuries.

If you need a Lawyer Referral call (800) 215-1190 or fill out the form above for a referral to an Attorney Search Network panel lawyer with electric scooter injury experience.

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If you have any question about what type of lawyer you need please contact us for a free Lawyer Referral to a California Attorney.


If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact Attorney Search Network.

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