Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles corridors can be dangerous for scooter riders, where drivers may fail to yield, turn suddenly, or overlook riders in bike lanes. With minimal protection, even a low-speed impact can lead to medical bills, missed work, and long-term symptoms.

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Los Angeles, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Our personal injury lawyers are here for you. The Jacoby & Meyers are your trusted allies in the pursuit of justice.

Decades of Proven Justice: Since 1972, our case results reflect decades of personal injury advocacy. Behind every recovery is a client who was able to move forward with greater stability and peace of mind. Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Client Trust Built on Results: More than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements statewide, supported by client testimonials that speak to consistent communication, preparation, and client-first representation. Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.
Recognized Commitment to Legal Excellence: Awards and recognition from respected legal organizations reflect our long-standing dedication to personal injury law and professional standards.
Made Quality Legal Help Accessible: Financial concerns should not stand in the way of pursuing justice. Our scooter accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fees are deducted if we recover a settlement for you.

Scooter Accident Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

After a scooter accident, injuries and medical bills can quickly turn an everyday ride into a serious setback. You need a legal team with the experience, resources, and focus to handle your case carefully and effectively.

Jacoby & Meyers has represented injured Californians since 1972. With decades of experience handling serious personal injury claims, we understand how scooter accident cases are evaluated and how insurance companies approach them.

When you’re ready to talk, we’re here. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles scooter accident attorney. With 14 offices across California, our team is available 24/7 by phone, online form, or live chat.

Personal Injury Awards

Can I Afford a Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyer

After a scooter accident, it’s normal to worry about costs, especially when you are already dealing with medical bills and time away from work. As a result, many injured riders hesitate to contact a lawyer, concerned that hiring legal help will only add to their financial burden.

With our firm, that isn’t how it works. Jacoby & Meyers handles scooter accident claims on a contingency-fee basis. This means:

Free consultation: You can discuss what happened and ask questions at no cost.
No upfront attorney fees: You do not pay out of pocket to start your case.
Outcome-based attorney fees: Attorney fees are based on the outcome of your case and are only collected when compensation is recovered.

Our fee structure is rooted in our goal of giving every individual and family access to experienced legal guidance without adding financial pressure.

What To Do After a Scooter Accident

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 need to make 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: Consulting with a scooter accident attorney is advisable, especially if you’ve suffered injuries. They can offer guidance on how to proceed, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and help you fight for fair compensation based on your case.

Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

In scooter accident cases, fault is often disputed early, especially when insurers argue that the rider was inexperienced, riding improperly, or sharing the road unsafely. Important details such as road conditions, vehicle positioning, or nearby camera footage can disappear quickly.

If possible, avoid repairing or discarding the scooter and try to preserve any photos, app data, or communications related to the ride. Early evidence can play a key role in understanding how the accident happened and identifying all potentially responsible parties.

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 significant rise from about 42,200 the previous year and approximately 25,400 in 2020. Compared with e-bikes and other micro-mobility products, electric scooters, along with e-bikes and hoverboards, accounted for over 90,000 emergency visits in 2022, up from nearly 30,000 in 2017.

Demographically, 40% of those injured in e-scooter accidents from 2017 to 2022 were aged between 25 and 44, a statistic particularly concerning since this age group constitutes just 27% of the overall U.S. population. Notably, 94% of the injuries occurred to the riders themselves, highlighting the direct risks faced by scooter riders. Moreover, 41% of these accidents occurred on streets or highways, with another 12% on public properties.

Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents

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.

Even when scooter riders follow traffic laws, risks remain. Common causes of electric scooter accidents include:

Unexpected opening of car doors
Construction zones and poorly marked work areas
Damaged pavement, potholes, or uneven road surfaces
Risky maneuvers like dangerous left turns
Limited visibility leading to driver blind spots
Alcohol or drug impairment by riders or drivers
Collisions at intersections
Scooter vandalism or tampering
Loss of control due to road conditions or speed
Collisions 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 are on the upswing. 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 can be responsible for the accident.
E-Scooter and Vehicle Crashes: Serious injuries can occur when an electric scooter and a motor vehicle collide. A typical instance 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 bad condition. In such cases, the entity responsible for maintaining the sidewalk may be liable for the scooter user’s injuries.
Defective Scooter Incidents: Many electric scooter accidents result from malfunctioning or defective scooters. The scooter manufacturer is often liable for these accidents.

Common Injuries from E-Scooter Accidents

Electric scooter riders share the road with much larger and faster vehicles, leaving little margin for error in a crash. The specific injuries can vary based on the accident’s particulars, yet there are several common injuries associated with electric scooter accidents:

Abrasions and road rash: When a rider is thrown from a scooter, sliding across asphalt or concrete can cause painful skin injuries that may lead to scarring or infection.
Broken bones and fractures: Riders often instinctively brace for impact with their arms or legs, leading to fractures in the wrists, arms, legs, hips, or collarbone. Side-impact collisions and falls at intersections are frequent causes.
Brain injuries and concussions: Sudden impacts with the ground, a vehicle, or fixed objects can cause the head to snap violently, leading to concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries, even when there is no visible head wound.
Contusions and soft-tissue injuries: Bruising and muscle injuries commonly result from direct contact with vehicles, pavement, or scooter handlebars during a fall or collision.
Head injuries and skull fractures: Direct head strikes against pavement, curbs, or vehicles can cause skull fractures or internal head injuries, particularly when riders are not wearing helmets.
Upper and lower extremity injuries: Arms, hands, knees, ankles, and feet are especially vulnerable during e-scooter crashes, often injured when riders lose balance, are struck by a vehicle, or land awkwardly during a fall.

A 2021 study on a small group of e-scooter injury victims found that soft tissue and head injuries were the most common reasons for hospital admission, accounting for 45.7% and 40% of cases, respectively. Moreover, a 2026 study found that although most e-scooter injuries are minor, extremity fractures and serious brain injuries remain among the most significant consequences of these accidents.

Who May Be Liable for Your Scooter Accident

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

Scooter Operators: If they are under the influence, medically unfit to drive, or inexperienced riders, their negligence can result in accidents.
City Workers/Construction Teams: Failure to mark dangerous areas or hazards properly 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 contributes to accidents.
Scooter Companies: A scooter company like Lime and Bird must manage scooters’ retrieval, charging, and maintenance. Neglecting these duties can cause serious accidents.
City Authorities: They can be held liable for unsafe road conditions that lead to accidents.
Manufacturers: They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the scooter’s equipment. Faulty parts like brakes can cause accidents.

A skilled electric scooter accident lawyer can assist in investigating the circumstances and identifying potentially responsible parties. They work to establish the other party’s duty of care, analyze how it may have been breached, and connect their wrongful actions to the accident that upended your life.

What Makes a Scooter Accident Case Complex

Scooter accident claims are often more complex than they appear. Even when injuries are clear, insurers may dispute fault or minimize damages by pointing to rider behavior, unclear traffic rules, or limited physical evidence. Common factors that complicate scooter accident cases include:

Disputed right-of-way and traffic rules: Scooter laws can vary by location, and insurers may argue whether the rider was permitted in a lane, crosswalk, or roadway at the time of the crash.
Multiple potentially liable parties: Responsibility may involve a driver, a scooter company, a property owner, a government agency, or more than one party, depending on how the accident occurred.
Limited or disappearing evidence: Scooters are often removed quickly, and nearby camera footage, app data, or scene conditions may be lost if not preserved early.
Injury minimization tactics: Insurers may argue that injuries are minor or unrelated, particularly when riders are not wearing helmets or seek treatment days after the crash.
Comparative fault arguments: California allows fault to be shared, and insurers frequently try to place responsibility on the rider to reduce compensation.
Insurance coverage challenges: Coverage limits, exclusions, and overlapping policies can complicate recovery, especially in rideshare or delivery-related crashes.

These challenges make careful investigation and early documentation important in scooter accident cases, particularly when liability or damages are likely to be contested.

California Scooter Laws That Can Affect Your Claim

Understanding California’s scooter laws can help clarify what went wrong in an accident and whether another party may be responsible. While electric scooters are common on Los Angeles streets, the rules that apply to riders are often misunderstood by both drivers and insurers. Key California scooter laws and rider rights include:

Where scooters are allowed: Under California Vehicle Code 21235, electric scooters may generally be operated on roadways with a posted speed limit of 15 mph or less, in Class II (painted) and Class IV (protected) bike lanes, and on certain streets where local authorities allow scooter use. Riding on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless a city ordinance permits it.
Use bike lanes when available: When a bike lane is present, scooter riders are generally required to use it rather than travel in a regular traffic lane, unless a specific exception applies.
Obeying traffic laws: Electric scooters are subject to many of the same traffic rules as motor vehicles. Riders must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules, and must yield to pedestrians when required.
Speed limits: California law limits electric scooters to a maximum speed of 15 mph, regardless of higher speed limits posted for cars on the same roadway.
Helmet requirements: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet when operating an electric scooter. Adults are not legally required to wear one, though helmet use may still be discussed in injury evaluations.

Even if a rider violated a traffic rule, that does not automatically prevent them from pursuing compensation. California follows a comparative fault system, meaning responsibility may be shared based on the facts of the accident rather than assigned to one party alone.

Compensations You May Be Entitled To

Compensation in electric scooter cases can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries and whether the scooter company shares liability. Consulting a personal injury lawyer with experience in these cases can help you understand how damages may apply to your situation.

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

Economic Damages

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

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

In limited cases, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional. These damages are meant to punish extreme behavior and discourage similar conduct in the future.

Every accident is unique, and so are the damages each victim may qualify for. Speaking with an experienced scooter accident attorney can help ensure relevant factors are considered when evaluating your claim. They can help build a thorough case and pursue compensation based on the facts of the case.

California Deadlines for Scooter Accidents

In California, scooter accident claims are subject to strict filing deadlines. In most cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.

If a scooter accident occurs on government-owned property or involves a government entity, different rules apply. An administrative claim is typically required within six months of the incident, and specific notice and procedural requirements must be met before a lawsuit can move forward.

Missing an applicable deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how serious your injuries are or how clear the other party’s fault may be. Having a legal team track these timelines can help protect your claim while you focus on healing and moving forward.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Scooter Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in a scooter accident in Los Angeles, going through the complexities of personal injury law can be overwhelming. Whether it’s dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial strains from medical bills and lost wages, the intricacies require informed legal guidance.

A specialized scooter accident lawyer is indispensable in handling these complexities effectively. Here’s why securing professional legal representation is vital:

Determining the At-Fault Party: In Los Angeles, scooter accidents can involve intricate liability questions. An experienced scooter accident lawyer can assist in pinpointing the at-fault party, a task that can be formidable without legal expertise.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are more inclined to protect their profits than provide just compensation. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will ensure you are not disadvantaged during this vulnerable time.
Collection of Evidence: Amassing the necessary evidence to bolster your legal claims is essential to their triumph. Legal experts can collect and present this evidence thoroughly.
Focus on Recovery: Confronting the aftermath of a scooter accident should not include the added strain of legal proceedings or insurance negotiations. Employing a steadfast scooter accident lawyer allows the victim to concentrate on recovery without the extra stress.
Securing Compensation: In pursuit of payment for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses, your lawyer will strive for the optimum compensation. Their proficiency in personal injury claims is essential to reaching a favorable resolution.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand the intricacies of personal injury claims in Los Angeles, including a scooter accident. By partnering with us, you gain a strong advocate throughout your recovery.

How to Choose the Right Scooter Accident Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer after a scooter accident can affect how your claim is investigated, documented, and resolved. Scooter accidents often involve disputed fault, unclear traffic rules, and multiple potentially responsible parties, making experience and preparation especially important.

When evaluating a scooter accident lawyer, consider the following:

Do they have experience with scooter and micromobility accidents?

Scooter cases differ from standard car accidents. A lawyer familiar with electric scooter crashes is more likely to understand issues such as right-of-way rules, rider visibility, roadway design, and scooter-specific safety concerns.

Do they have a proven track record?

Past case outcomes can provide insight into how a firm approaches serious injury claims. Reviewing case results or examples of prior recoveries may help you understand whether the firm has handled claims involving complex injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties.

What is their reputation in the industry and with their past clients?

Client testimonials can shed light on communication, follow-through, and how the firm treats the people it represents. Professional recognition or long-standing practice may also reflect consistency and credibility over time.

Are they prepared to go to trial if needed?

While many scooter accident claims settle, some require litigation when insurers dispute fault or undervalue injuries. A firm that prepares cases with trial readiness in mind may be better positioned to handle negotiations and, if necessary, present the case in court.

How will communication and fees be handled?

Clear communication matters. You should know who will handle your case, how updates will be provided, and how questions will be addressed. Most reputable firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we collect our fees from the compensation recovered.

How Jacoby & Meyers Prepare Scooter Accident Claims?

Red light accidents may appear to involve “clear fault”, but insurers often look for ways to reduce or dispute compensation. At Jacoby & Meyers, our attorneys follow a structured, evidence-driven approach designed to address liability challenges and document the full impact of the crash.

Initial Case Evaluation: We begin by reviewing the circumstances of the collision, identifying potential liability issues, and explaining how California law may apply to your situation.
Immediate Case Investigation and Evidence Review: We work to secure police reports, identify witnesses, preserve traffic camera or nearby surveillance footage, and document intersection conditions before evidence is lost or overwritten.
Damage Documentation: Medical records, treatment plans, lost income, and other accident-related losses are gathered and organized to reflect both current and ongoing impacts.
Structured Claim Analysis and Presentation: The claim is developed with supporting evidence, a liability analysis, and clear documentation to address insurer challenges and valuation disputes.
Preparation for Negotiation or Trial: If settlement discussions do not reflect the evidence, the case is prepared to move forward through litigation, allowing negotiations or trial to proceed without delay.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers

Facing mounting medical bills and the overwhelming stress of financial recovery can feel like an uphill battle. In these challenging moments, having a compassionate and relentless legal team by your side is not just important, but life-changing.

Here’s how Jacoby & Meyers does its best to fight for your justice and peace of mind.

Dedicated Legal Teams: Our team, comprised of experienced personal injury attorneys, case managers, and support staff, ensures attention to every detail of your case, resulting in a powerful and effective legal strategy.
Client-Centric Approach: We communicate clearly and customize our legal strategies to meet the specific demands of your case. Our approach focuses on keeping you informed and involved and adapting our methods to fit your unique situation.
Free Consultation: Aware of the financial pressures that personal injury cases can bring, we begin with a free consultation to understand your specific situation, with no financial commitment.
Contingency Fee Basis: We operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless we win your case. This makes our premium legal services accessible regardless of your financial position.
Accessible Legal Support: With 14 offices throughout California, including Los Angeles, and a commitment to being readily available, we ensure that you can easily find the support and guidance you need.

Client Stories

CAN JUST BE AN IMAGE OF THE REVIEW

Our clients’ experiences reflect the level of care, communication, and commitment we bring to every case. We’re proud of the testimonials shared by our clients, describing what it was like to have Jacoby & Meyers by their side.

“I had to write a review because I am so thankful to this office for everything they did for me, but most importantly, I had a great experience working with Jocelyn Monroy. I had never been injured in an accident before, so this was a scary time, but she was incredibly helpful in getting all my medical appointments and treatments set up and made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. Jocelyn was always very communicative, friendly, and took the time to explain everything in detail so I understood each step. I truly appreciated her patience, professionalism, and the care she showed throughout the entire case. Highly recommend this team!

Adin Hatter | Google Review

“Jacob & Meyers is the best; they handled our case immediately. Thank you for caring about us and getting us through this horrible thing that happened to us. Emily and the team are top-notch. If you’re looking for the best lawyers to fight for you, look no further; they will take care of your case.”

Leslie J. | Google Review

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

Case Results That Speak Justice

We have achieved over $2 Billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. This history of successful case results reflects our long-standing commitment to personal injury advocacy and careful case preparation. At Jacoby & Meyers, we work to pursue compensation that fairly reflects what our clients have been through.

$19 million – Rideshare Passenger v. Auto / Quadriplegic
$17.5 million – Bicycle v. Truck / Paraplegic
$13 million – Wrongful death v. City
$11.9 million – Wrongful death v. Truck
$11 million – Motorcycle v. Truck / Paraplegic
$9.24 million – Auto v. Pedestrian / Spinal cord injury

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Areas We Serve

Our 14 offices throughout California enable us to provide services to clients statewide.

Orange County
San Jose
San Francisco
San Diego
San Bernardino
Sacramento
Ontario
Oakland
Los Angeles
Fresno
Escondido
Brea
Bakersfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accident Claims

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you may still pursue compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Your recovery would typically be reduced by your percentage of fault. In scooter cases, insurers often try to place disproportionate blame on riders, so having the facts reviewed carefully can help ensure fault is assessed based on evidence rather than assumptions.

How long will my scooter accident claim take?

The timeline varies depending on injury severity, the length of medical treatment, and whether liability is disputed. Some claims resolve within months, while others take longer if negotiations stall or multiple parties are involved. Managing documentation, responding to insurers, and tracking deadlines can help keep the process moving efficiently.

Do I have to go to court?

Not always. Many scooter accident claims resolve through settlement. However, if responsibility is denied or the insurer undervalues the claim, litigation may be necessary. Preparing a case with trial readiness in mind can help position it more strongly during settlement discussions and avoid unnecessary delays.

What if the driver claims they didn’t see me?

This is a common defense in scooter accidents, especially at intersections or in heavy traffic. Reviewing witness statements, roadway design, traffic patterns, and visibility conditions can help determine whether the driver exercised reasonable care under the circumstances.

Who may be liable in a scooter accident?

Liability may involve a motor vehicle driver, a scooter company, a property owner, or a government entity responsible for road conditions. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility. Identifying all potentially liable parties early can help preserve evidence and clarify available sources of compensation.

What if the accident involved a defective or malfunctioning scooter?

If a mechanical issue, such as brake failure, steering problems, or throttle malfunction, played a role, responsibility may extend beyond the rider or driver. Preserving the scooter and reviewing usage or maintenance records can help determine whether a product-related issue contributed to the crash.

What if I weren’t wearing a helmet?

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from filing a claim. While it may be raised as a factor in injury severity, it does not excuse negligent driving or unsafe road conditions. Evaluating how the accident occurred and what caused the injuries is key to understanding how this issue may affect a claim.

Let Us Be Your Ally in Pursuit of Justice

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, reaching out to experienced scooter accident lawyers is advisable. Our Los Angeles scooter accident lawyers handle cases involving both scooter riders and pedestrians affected by these accidents.

We offer a free consultation to understand your case comprehensively and provide clear guidance on how to proceed with your injury claim. Call us today, message our online chat, or fill out this free case evaluation form.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Attorney Review & Office Information

Attorney Review Disclosure
This content has been reviewed by California-licensed attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable California law. Legal services are provided by attorneys licensed to practice in the State of California.

Los Angeles Office
Jacoby & Meyers
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1150S
Los Angeles, CA 90067

24/7 Hotline: (213) 296-0792

Other Injury Cases We Take On

Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude