Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers

Electric scooters have become a new staple in cities and urban landscapes, providing eco-friendly rides that are convenient, affordable, and accessible. 

However, their growing popularity has also given rise to an increase in pedestrian accidents.

If you've been involved in an electric scooter accident that wasn’t your fault, you’re not alone—and you may need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the complexities of the legal system.

An electric scooter accident can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and a lot of needless pain and suffering. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake—take action and contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn about your legal options at no charge. You may be entitled to compensation.

The Rise of Electric Scooters and Accidents

Electric scooters have transformed transportation. Companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin have flooded cities with rentable scooters, making short commutes more efficient and environmentally friendly. 

Unfortunately, this convenience comes with risks. According to a recent study, electric scooter injuries have increased by 222% over the past four years, with thousands of riders and pedestrians seeking medical attention for accidents.

Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents:

While every personal injury case is unique, there are several scooter accident causes that are most commonly experienced. This includes:

• Reckless Riding: Speeding, weaving through traffic, or riding on sidewalks can result in collisions.
• Faulty Equipment: Poorly maintained scooters may have issues such as brake failures or steering malfunctions.
• Negligent Drivers: Motorists often fail to notice scooter riders, leading to dangerous encounters.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris are especially treacherous for scooters.
• Collisions with Pedestrians: Crowded sidewalks and public spaces can lead to accidents involving unsuspecting pedestrians.

Common E-Scooter Injuries

We may not associate scooters with other types of dangerous vehicles, such as motorcycles, and may even consider them low-risk, but there are many reasons for concern when it comes to rentable e-scooters. 

Many of these vehicles lack basic safety features, and while scooter companies encourage riders to wear helmets, not everyone complies. For instance, many e-scooter parking areas are situated within urban areas. It is unlikely that a passerby is already walking around wearing a helmet before deciding to rent a scooter and hop on.

Moreover, mixing scooters, cyclists, cars, and pedestrians can make for murky traffic laws and hectic, even hazardous interactions.

Here are some of the injuries that can result from an e-scooter crash:

• Cuts and bruises
• Broken bones
• Traumatic head injury
• Punctured lung
• Death

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 233 deaths associated with e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards from 2017 to 2022. However, the CPSC acknowledges that the data is incomplete and may be underreported.

Who Is Liable in an Electric Scooter Accident?

Determining liability in an electric scooter accident can be a complex puzzle. Depending on the circumstances, various parties may share responsibility:

• The Scooter Rider: If the rider was reckless or intoxicated, they might bear some or all liability.
• Drivers of Other Vehicles: A negligent driver who fails to yield or observe traffic laws could be held accountable.
• Scooter Companies: If a malfunctioning scooter caused the accident, the company may be liable for providing defective equipment.
• Local Governments: Poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage could implicate municipalities.
• Pedestrians: In rare cases, a pedestrian’s actions might contribute to an accident.

An experienced electric scooter accident lawyer can investigate the incident, identify the at-fault party, and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Compensation Can I Recover for an E-Scooter Accident?

If you've been injured in an electric scooter accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: For time missed at work due to your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: To address the emotional and physical toll of the accident.
• Property Damage: For any personal property damaged in the collision.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the at-fault party.

An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan can analyze the specifics of your case and help you to estimate what compensation you may be eligible for.

What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident

Taking the right steps after an accident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation.

First, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. If you're injured, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 to report the accident and ensure an official report is filed.

If possible, document the scene. Take photos of:

• The scooter
• Your injuries
• The surrounding area (road conditions, signage, etc.)
• Any vehicles or people involved

Obtain names, phone numbers, and insurance details from everyone involved, including witnesses. Their testimony can later strengthen your case.

If you were riding a rented scooter, avoid returning it until it has been thoroughly inspected by a lawyer or legal team. The condition of the scooter can be crucial evidence.

This leads us to our final step: contact Morgan & Morgan.

Legal representation can make all the difference. A skilled lawyer will handle communications with insurance companies, investigate the accident, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Morgan & Morgan?

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe justice is for everyone—not just those who can afford it. 

We do this by working on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win or get a settlement.

With over 35 years of experience, we’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases, including those involving electric scooters. Our seasoned attorneys understand the unique challenges these cases present.

And our numbers speak for themselves. We have recovered over $23 billion, with over 700,000 verdicts and settlements.

As the nation's largest personal injury law firm with offices in every state across the country, we combine the resources of a national firm with the personalized attention of a local team—and we may have an attorney near you who can help.

If you were injured in an e-scooter accident, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?

Even minor accidents can result in hidden injuries or unexpected expenses. Some injuries won’t show symptoms right away and can worsen over time if left untreated. This can result in medical bills and other health issues down the line.

Consulting a lawyer ensures your rights are protected. It costs nothing to have your case evaluated by Morgan & Morgan, so you have nothing to lose.

What if I was partly at fault?

Many states follow comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share some fault. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of liability.

An attorney at Morgan & Morgan can review the specifics of your unique case and how it relates to local laws regarding fault. This can help you understand what compensation you could expect.

How long do I have to file a claim?

The amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Can I sue a scooter company?

Yes, if you experienced an accident due to faulty equipment or negligence on the company’s part, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. 

However, scooter companies often include liability waivers in their user agreements. A lawyer can help determine if these waivers are reasonable or enforceable.