Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyer

E-scooters may be a trendy way to zip around town, but their lack of protection leaves riders vulnerable to serious injuries, especially in accidents often caused by reckless driving. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 169,300 emergency department visits were attributed to e-scooters from 2017 to 2022, accounting for nearly 47% of all micro-mobility injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Los Angeles, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Jacoby & Meyers, we serve as advocates in the pursuit of accountability under California law. For over 50 years, our Los Angeles scooter accident lawyers have represented individuals and families, working to pursue a recovery that accounts for the documented impact of their injuries.

We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll an accident can take. That’s why we guide clients through each step of the legal process with experience and compassion. Reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Scooter Accident Case?

Scooter riders are often more vulnerable to injuries as their bodies are more exposed compared to vehicle occupants. As a result, scooter accident victims may face significant medical and financial consequences.

With substantial damages potentially involved, it is important to work with a qualified and attentive attorney for scooter accidents who can advocate for your legal rights and pursue compensation supported by the evidence.

Here’s why families in Los Angeles choose us:

Decades of Dedicated Advocacy
With over 50 years of experience, our history of case recoveries reflects our long-standing commitment to our clients. Each matter we handle represents an individual or family seeking resources after a serious accident. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contingency Fee Representation
Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are typically contingent upon the outcome of the case. We explain all fee arrangements clearly during your consultation.
Note: Clients may remain responsible for certain court costs and litigation expenses as permitted by California law.

California Law Experience
Understanding California’s personal injury laws requires familiarity with statutes, deadlines, and procedural rules. Our team builds claims based on the specific facts of each case to pursue recovery consistent with the law and available evidence.

Comprehensive Legal Support
From gathering evidence to communicating with insurance carriers, we manage the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.

Compassionate Advocacy, Every Step of the Way
With clear communication and consistent updates, we aim to provide steady legal guidance throughout your case.

Call us today for a free consultation.

What To Do After a Scooter Accident?

After a scooter accident, particularly an electric scooter accident, it’s essential to take specific steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries.

Here are the immediate actions you should take:

Seek Medical Attention. Prioritize your health above everything else. Even if you don’t think you have sustained serious injuries, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Call the Police. It’s important to report the accident to ensure there’s an official record. The police report can also be a valuable piece of evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence. If it’s safe and you can do so, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to the scooter and surrounding area. Collect contact information from witnesses, as their statements could support your account of the events.
Contact a Scooter Accident Lawyer. If you’ve suffered injuries, consulting with an attorney who focuses on scooter accidents is a prudent step. Our team can provide guidance on the legal process, manage negotiations with insurance providers, and help you pursue compensation consistent with the documented scope of your injuries and damages.

The Dangers of Electric Scooters

The rising popularity of electric scooters has led to an increased number of scooter users and, consequently, a higher incidence of accidents involving these devices.

In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 50,000 emergency department visits due to electronic scooter accidents, marking a rise from about 40,000 the previous year and approximately 25,000 in 2020. Compared to e-bikes and other micro-mobility products, electric scooters, alongside e-bikes and hoverboards, accounted for over 90,000 emergency visits in 2022—an increase from nearly 30,000 visits recorded in 2017.

Demographically, 40% of those injured in e-scooter accidents from 2017 to 2022 were aged between 25 and 44, although this age group constitutes about 27% of the overall U.S. population. Notably, 94% of the injuries occurred to the riders themselves. Moreover, 41% of these accidents occurred on streets or highways, with another 12% on public properties.

Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents

Despite adhering to traffic safety regulations, scooter riders may still encounter risks. Key factors contributing to an electric scooter accident include:

Unexpected opening of car doors
Encounters with construction zones
Poor road conditions due to damaged pavement
Risky maneuvers like dangerous left turns
Limited visibility leading to driver blind spots
Impairment due to substance use
Collisions at intersections
Scooter vandalism
Loss of control over the scooter
Interactions with pedestrians
Technical faults due to mechanical malfunctions
Lane splitting alongside cars

Types of Scooter Accidents

With the rising popularity of electric scooters in Los Angeles, incidents involving these motorized scooters have increased. Common types of scooter accidents include:

Single Rider Accidents. Many electric scooter incidents occur when the rider loses control. Not all such incidents are the rider’s fault; for example, hitting an unforeseen road defect could lead to a fall.
Scooter-Pedestrian Collisions. Collisions between a scooter user and a pedestrian can result in significant injuries. Depending on the situation, either party may bear responsibility for the accident.
E-Scooter and Vehicle Crashes. Serious injuries can occur when an electric scooter and a motor vehicle collide. A common example is when a motorist opens a car door without checking for an approaching scooter rider.
Accidents Due to Poor Sidewalk Maintenance. Scooter users can be injured if they ride on sidewalks that are in poor condition. In such cases, the entity responsible for maintaining the sidewalk may be liable.
Defective Scooter Incidents: Many electric scooter accidents are caused by malfunctioning or defective scooters. The scooter manufacturer may be liable in appropriate circumstances.

Common E-Scooter Injuries

Sharing the road with motor vehicles exposes electric scooter riders to the risk of high-velocity crashes. The specific injuries can vary based on the accident’s circumstances, yet several injuries are frequently associated with electric scooter incidents:

Abrasions
Broken bones
Brain injuries
Contusions
Concussions
Head injuries
Skull fractures
Upper and lower extremity injuries

According to research, head injuries are among the most frequently reported injuries in scooter-related accidents. Approximately 30% of individuals admitted to emergency departments following electric scooter accidents are diagnosed with head and neck trauma. Between 8% and 10% of scooter accident patients are diagnosed with severe head injuries.

Determining Liability in Scooter Accidents

Proving negligence in a scooter accident claim is a critical step in pursuing compensation under California law. In California, negligence is the failure to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Our attorneys focus on building evidence-based claims to establish liability and pursue compensation supported by the facts of your case.

In a scooter accident, negligencemight include a driver ignoring traffic rules, failing to yield, speeding, or being distracted behind the wheel, leading to a collision.

The Elements of Negligence

To establish negligence in a scooter accident, these elements must be proven:

Duty of Care: The driver had a responsibility to ensure the safety of others, including scooter riders.
Breach of Duty: The driver failed to uphold this responsibility by acting recklessly or carelessly.
Causation: Their negligent behavior directly caused the accident.
Damages: The accident led to injuries and measurable losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Recovering from a scooter accident can be overwhelming, and gathering the evidence needed to build your case may feel difficult while you are focused on healing.

At Jacoby & Meyers, our team manages the legal process of your case—from collecting evidence to filing your claim and handling negotiations. We provide advocacy intended to pursue compensation consistent with the documented scope of your losses, allowing you to prioritize your recovery.

Who Can Be Liable?

Identifying who is at fault and understanding their level of responsibility is vital for resolving e-scooter accident claims. Fault assignments can be complex and may involve multiple parties.

Scooter Operators: If they are under the influence, medically unfit to operate the scooter, or inexperienced riders, their negligence can contribute to accidents.
City Workers/Construction Teams: Failure to properly mark dangerous areas or hazards can lead to scooter accidents.
Car Passengers: Carelessly opening doors into scooter paths is a common cause of collisions.
Pedestrians: Stepping unpredictably into the path of an oncoming scooter can contribute to accidents.
Scooter Companies: A scooter company such as Lime or Bird is responsible for managing scooter retrieval, charging, and maintenance. Neglecting these duties may lead to accidents.
City Authorities: Government entities may be responsible for unsafe road conditions that contribute to accidents, subject to California governmental claim procedures.
Manufacturers: Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of scooter equipment. Faulty parts, such as brakes, may result in liability in appropriate cases.

An experienced e-scooter accident attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, identify applicable duties of care, and determine whether a breach contributed to your injuries. Our team focuses on documenting the physical, emotional, and financial effects of the accident and building a claim supported by the available evidence.

Why Do I Need a Scooter Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a scooter accident in Los Angeles, navigating personal injury law can be overwhelming. Physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial strain from medical bills and lost wages can complicate the situation.

A scooter accident lawyer can assist with managing these legal complexities. Here’s how legal representation may help:

Determining the At-Fault Party
Scooter accidents can involve complicated liability questions. An attorney can review the circumstances and available evidence to help determine responsibility.

Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often seek to limit claim payouts. A personal injury lawyer can communicate with insurers on your behalf and advocate for compensation supported by the documentation in your case.

Collection of Evidence
Gathering medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and other documentation is essential in pursuing a claim. Legal professionals can assist in organizing and presenting this information.

Focus on Recovery
Managing legal procedures and insurance communications while recovering from injuries can be stressful. Legal representation allows injured individuals to focus on medical treatment while their attorney handles the legal process.

Pursuing Compensation
In seeking recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and other documented losses, our attorneys provide representation tailored to the facts of each case. Compensation depends on liability findings, available coverage, and the specific circumstances involved.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we handle scooter accident matters in Los Angeles and provide guidance throughout each stage of the claims process.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Scooter Accident Case

Facing medical expenses and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Having an experienced legal team can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Here’s how Jacoby & Meyers approaches representation:

Dedicated Legal Teams
Our team of personal injury attorneys, case managers, and support staff works together to address each aspect of your case.

Client-Centric Approach
We communicate clearly and tailor legal strategies to the specific facts of your case. Our goal is to keep you informed and involved throughout the process.

Contingency Fee Representation.
Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. Attorney’s fees are typically contingent upon the outcome of the case. Court costs and litigation expenses may apply as permitted by California law. We explain all fee arrangements during your consultation.

Accessible Legal Support
With offices throughout California, including Los Angeles, we offer accessible consultation options for clients.

History of Case Recoveries
Jacoby & Meyers has obtained significant recoveries in various personal injury matters.

The figures below represent gross recovery amounts before the deduction of attorney fees and litigation costs.

Truck Accidents: $17.5 million for commercial vehicle negligence
Motorcycle Accidents: Up to $11 million in a complex motorcycle injury case
Car Accidents: Motor vehicle settlements ranging from $1.1 million to $4.5 million
Slip-and-Fall: Premises liability recoveries ranging from $1.9 million to $3.25 million

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Figures represent gross recoveries before deduction of attorney fees and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accidents

How Much is the Compensation in Scooter Injury Claims?

Compensation in electric scooter cases can vary based on factors like the severity of the injuries and liability determinations. Consulting a personal injury lawyer with experience in these matters is an important step in evaluating potential recovery based on the specific facts of your case.

Overall, compensation may include three types of damages, if applicable to your situation:

Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses you can prove through receipts, bills, or other documentation. These may include:

Repair costs
Past, current, and anticipated medical expenses
Lost wages or earning capacity
Loss of financial support

Non-economic damages capture the emotional and psychological toll of an accident, such as:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress caused by disability or disfigurement
Loss of companionship or consortium
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Punitive damages may be awarded in limited cases if the court finds the liable party’s actions were extreme or malicious under California law.

Every accident involves unique circumstances and varying levels of damage. Speaking with an experienced scooter accident attorney is an important step to ensure that the specific facts of your case are thoroughly evaluated. A detailed investigation can help identify all compensable losses and determine what damages may be available under the law.

Is There a Deadline for Scooter Accident Claims?

In California, the deadline—known as the statute of limitations—for most scooter accident claims is generally two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the ability to pursue compensation through the courts.

However, certain situations can change the allowed timeframe for filing a scooter accident case. For example, when an accident occurs on government-owned property, you may be required to file a government claim within six months.

Understanding and meeting these deadlines is important. Consulting with a legal professional can help ensure that applicable filing requirements are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

How to Prevent Scooter Accidents

Wear helmets to protect against head injuries while operating e-scooters.
Avoid road hazards that can lead to accidents, such as potholes and debris.
Use the bike lane where permitted to increase visibility and reduce conflicts with vehicular traffic.
Ensure possession of a valid driver’s license where required by law.
Be familiar with appropriate steps to take after an accident, including seeking medical care and documenting the incident.

Talk to an Experienced Scooter Accident Lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers

In Los Angeles, where electric scooters are increasingly common, accidents involving motorized scooters can lead to complex legal situations. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, speaking with a scooter accident attorney can help you better understand your legal options.

We offer a free consultation to review your case and provide guidance on possible next steps. Call 800-500-000 to get started, or fill out this free case evaluation form.

This article was written in collaboration with experienced personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers.

Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Scooter Accident Case?

What To Do After a Scooter Accident?

The Dangers of Electric Scooters