Should I Get a Lawyer for an E-Scooter Accident?

In urban areas across California, New York, and other states, electric scooters, or “e-scooters,” have become a popular mode of transportation. Scooter companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin have made it easier than ever to hop on an e-scooter and get from point A to point B. However, with this convenience comes a new set of dangers on our roadways.

Whether you’re a scooter rider or a pedestrian, it’s important to have a firm grasp on understanding your legal rights after an e-scooter accident. You may have questions about whether insurance companies will cover claims for e-scooter accidents. You may also wonder what to do if you suffer serious injuries in an e-scooter crash.

This article explains why hiring an injury lawyer will help with your e-scooter accident case and help you understand your legal options. It also discusses how having an electric scooter accident lawyer will increase your chances of settling your scooter accident lawsuit.

If you’re a scooter accident victim and believe you have a valid claim for damages, contact a local personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. You only have a specific amount of time to file your case, and your attorney is going to need time to prepare your case.

Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents

As with any other type of motor vehicle accident, e-scooter accidents can happen for various reasons. Most scooter accident cases result from a negligent driver. This can be either the scooter operator or another motorist.

Some of the most common e-scooter accident causes include:

• Potholes or uneven roadways
• Car accidents involving motor vehicles and scooter riders
• Scooter malfunctions
• Accidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians
• Scooter riders failing to follow traffic laws
• A scooter operator or driver sending text messages while driving
• Failure to respect bike lanes
• Other road hazards

When you call 911 after your accident, the dispatcher will send an officer to do a thorough investigation of the accident scene. They will list their findings in the police report, which your attorney can use to prove fault.

What To Do After an E-Scooter Accident

The things you do in the moments after an e-scooter crash can make or break your chances of recovering compensation for your scooter accident injuries. You’ll need to prove that the other driver caused the crash, but you’ll also have to demonstrate that you suffered physical injuries to recover damages.

By following the steps below, you’ll increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve:

• Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries
• Report the accident to the scooter-sharing company if you were riding a rented scooter
• Take pictures or videos, write down what happened, and gather contact information for any witnesses
• Contact an experienced electric scooter accident attorney

The more information you can provide, the better. If you were wearing a personal camera like a Go-Pro, make sure you share the footage with both law enforcement and your attorney.

Injuries and Medical Expenses

If you have an accident with another vehicle while on an e-scooter, your chance of injury is significantly higher than that of a driver in a car. The consequences of a motorized scooter accident can range from minor scrapes to serious injuries. These include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries. Medical expenses can add up quickly for injury victims, from initial emergency care to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Experiencing an e-scooter crash can have significant financial repercussions due to medical bills. If you were not at fault, it’s possible to recover these costs.

First, determine who was at fault. If a motor vehicle driver, another e-scooter rider, or a pedestrian caused your accident, you might have a personal injury case against them. If a scooter malfunction led to your crash, the scooter company might be liable.

In any case, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is one of your best options. They will help identify the responsible parties, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

If your case is successful, a personal injury claim can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future income
• Future medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Every case is unique. The amount you recover depends on the nature and extent of your injuries. Keep detailed records and receipts of your medical care and expenses. These will be vital evidence for your claim.

Scooter Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Pedestrians struck by e-scooter riders have the same legal rights as any other accident victim. The law requires scooter riders to operate their vehicles safely. If they fail to do so, they may be liable for any scooter injuries.

Pedestrians have no real protection, so an accident with an e-scooter can inflict severe injuries. A victim’s loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death claim if a crash causes the unthinkable to happen.

Any pedestrian struck by an e-scooter may be able to file a scooter accident claim. By doing so, they can hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and receive damages for any injuries suffered.

Insurance Issues After an E-Scooter Accident

If you are in an e-scooter accident, the first thing you should do is file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. These claims work the same way as any car or bicycle accident claim. You submit your claim to the insurance carrier, and an insurance adjuster determines whether to pay your claim.

If they approve your claim, you should receive your insurance check within one to two weeks. If the insurance company denies your claim, you can sue the person who caused the crash.

When you meet with your e-scooter accident attorney, they’ll help determine who to name in your lawsuit. This may include any of the following parties:

• Scooter operator
• The company that manufactured or designed the scooter
• The scooter rental company
• The person who owns the property where the accident occurred
• The municipality or county (If the accident was due to unsafe road conditions)
• Another motorist (if another driver crashes into your scooter)

Many auto insurance policies do not cover e-scooters. Scooter rental companies may offer some coverage, but it’s often limited. Some of the larger scooter rental companies, like Bird or Lime, offer insurance coverage that may only cover a small portion of your economic damages. They may also have specific conditions for coverage.

Homeowner’s insurance policies usually don’t cover e-scooter riders or e-scooter accidents. Check your policy to see if it has motorized scooter coverage before hopping on one.

Why You Need a Scooter Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries in an e-scooter accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to fair compensation for your injuries. If another motorist caused the crash, they should have to pay for any property damage, medical bills, and lost wages you experience.

Whether you’re a scooter operator, electric scooter rider, or scooter accident victim, it’s a good idea to get legal advice for your next step. A scooter accident lawyer can explain your legal rights and let you know if you have a valid scooter accident claim. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney today to schedule an initial consultation.