Electric scooters, which are commonly referred to as e-scooters, have become very popular in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and throughout the state of California. Many people choose e-scooters over public transportation because it is more fun and convenient. Others prefer electric scooters as an alternative to taxis and rideshare services due to their low rental costs.
With thousands of electric scooters now operating in the greater Los Angeles area, e-scooter accidents have become more prevalent. If you have been injured in an accident involving an electric scooter, you might be entitled to financial compensation if you can prove that the accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party.
Consider contacting our e-scooter accident lawyers at Titan Law Firm to establish fault in your accident involving an electric scooter and determine if you can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. We are committed to helping e-scooter accident victims in Beverly Hills and throughout the greater Los Angeles area seek the compensation they deserve
What Are the Requirements for E-Scooters in California?
E-scooters in California are governed by California Vehicle Code § 21235, which refers to electric scooters as “motorized scooters.” State law includes the following requirements:
- Wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter
- Avoid riding an e-scooter on highways with a speed limit of 25 mph or more
- All riders must have a valid driver’s license or an instruction permit
- Avoid carrying any passengers on the electric scooter
- Both hands must be on the handlebars, so riders are prohibited from carrying any packages while riding an e-scooter
- Avoid riding an e-scooter on sidewalks
- Riders cannot leave scooters lying on their side on a sidewalk or park them in a way that would disrupt pedestrian traffic
- Riders are prohibited from attaching e-scooters to themselves or vehicles on the road
While e-scooters are a fun, convenient, and cost-efficient way to get around the city, motorized scooters can be dangerous, especially when riders fail to obey any of the above-mentioned requirements or car drivers violate traffic laws when sharing the road with e-scooters.
If you were injured in an e-scooter accident because of someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation by filing a claim against the negligent party.
Common Types of E-Scooter Accidents
The four main electric scooter companies that operate in Los Angeles and most other cities across California are Lime, Bird, Uber, and Lyft. Negligence is the most common cause of accidents involving e-scooters. E-scooter accidents can be divided into five categories:
- Driver error. Since electric scooters in California must travel on public roadways, accidents are bound to happen when car drivers fail to obey traffic laws.
- Rider error. The rider of an e-scooter may also be held liable for an accident when they fail to exercise due care.
- Tripping over a scooter. Improperly parked e-scooters present a danger to pedestrians walking on the sidewalk.
- Poor road conditions. An e-scooter rider is likely to lose control of the motorized scooter when he or she rides over a pothole, uneven pavement, or other poor road conditions.
- Manufacturing defect. The manufacturer of an e-scooter could be held liable for injuries when an accident is the result of a manufacturing or design defect.
Consider speaking with an experienced e-scooter accident lawyer to determine liability in your particular case.
Common Injuries in E-Scooter Accidents
According to a 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open, the most common types of injuries related to e-scooter accidents were fractured bones, dislocations, splenic laceration, lung contusions, and soft-tissue injuries. In California, e-scooters must share public roadways with large trucks, passenger cars, and other motor vehicles. Electric scooter riders are some of the most vulnerable road users as their only protection is the helmet. Common types of injuries suffered by victims of electric scooter accidents include:
| Traumatic brain injury | Spinal cord injury |
| Road rash | Back and neck injuries |
| Broken bones | Crush injuries |
| Cuts and lacerations |
If you were injured in an e-scooter accident and your injury was the result of someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct, a skilled lawyer could help you pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an E-Scooter Accident?
Depending on the circumstances and the cause of an e-scooter accident, there may be several liable parties. In most cases, the following parties can be held at fault for causing an accident involving an electric scooter:
- A motor vehicle driver. A large percentage of e-scooter accidents occur due to negligence on the part of motor vehicle drivers. Common negligent behaviors include failure to yield the right of way, unsafe lane changes, improper turns, speeding, and distracted driving.
- An electric scooter rider. If a collision occurred because the e-scooter rider failed to obey traffic laws (e.g., riding against the flow of traffic, riding on a highway, cutting into a driver’s lane, etc.), the rider could be held responsible for the resulting damages.
- The scooter-sharing or scooter rental company. If an e-scooter accident occurred because of improper inspection or maintenance of the scooter, the company could be held liable for the resulting injuries.
- A government agency. A victim of an e-scooter accident could potentially sue a government agency responsible for road maintenance if the accident occurred because of poor road conditions such as potholes.
California adopted the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, which means an injured party can recover damages even if they bear most of the responsibility for the accident. The damages award will be reduced by the percentage of fault.
Consult with a Beverly Hills E-Scooter Accident Lawyer
If you sustained injuries in an electric scooter accident anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, our attorneys at Titan Law Firm are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our results-driven and reliable attorneys will investigate your case, determine liability, and help you settle your claim for a fair amount. We are prepared to fight for maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages. We serve injured victims in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and all across the greater Los Angeles area.
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