Electronic scooters have increased in popularity in the Los Angeles area, particularly in Santa Monica, Westside, Downtown, and Hollywood. With the availability of shareable and dockless e-scooters, such as Lime and Bird, thousands of app users now have access to a convenient and inexpensive alternative to commuting short distances. They are fun to ride, but they can be very dangerous.
In fact, e-scooter accidents caused by negligent drivers and unsafe use have increased significantly in the last few years, creating a new area of personal injury law. If you’ve been injured as the result of another’s negligence in an e-scooter accident, contact Farar & Lewis, LLP, for a free initial consultation.
Table of Contents
INJURED IN A SCOOTER ACCIDENT IN LOS ANGELES?
While e-scooters are revolutionizing the transportation industry, their increasing numbers on local streets and sidewalks have also resulted in greater risks of accidents and preventable injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a sharable scooter accident, it’s important to contact a Los Angeles scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your rights, the claim process, and the possible financial recovery of damages.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is committed to advocating for clients who’ve been harmed because of others’ negligent actions in e-scooter accidents, whether as the scooter operator, a pedestrian, or the driver or passenger of another vehicle. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding each incident and pursue maximum compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL A LOS ANGELES SCOOTER ACCIDENT LAWYER?
California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. That said, it’s in your best interest to contact a Los Angeles scooter accident attorney as soon as possible. It’s easier to obtain pertinent and detailed information, such as surveillance videos and witness testimony, in the first few weeks after an accident.
You should also avoid speaking to the other party’s insurance company until you’ve contacted a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will advocate for your rights. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle cases as soon as possible and for the least amount of money. Los Angeles scooter accident lawyers are experienced with thoroughly investigating the circumstances of each accident to identify the liable party or parties and ensure their clients receive fair compensation.
COMMON CAUSES OF E-SCOOTER ACCIDENTS
- Defective scooter: Sharable e-scooter companies, including Bird and Lime, could be liable for scooter malfunctions. While their scooters are set at a top speed of 15 miles per hour, riders have been injured as the result of throttle and brake malfunctions, among other defects. In some instances, the product manufacturer could be liable.
- Reckless or negligent motor vehicle driver: Because e-scooter riders are limited to a 15-mph maximum speed, other motor vehicle drivers may become impatient and try to pass them when it isn’t safe to do so. Often, other drivers are distracted or simply don’t see the e-scooter, resulting in an injury accident.
- Scooter operator negligence: Scooter operators are bound by the same rules of the road as other motorized vehicles. Attempting to take illegal shortcuts, riding on sidewalks, and leaving an e-scooter unsafely strewn on a sidewalk have resulted in pedestrian injuries.
- Hazardous road conditions: Sometimes, the road conditions may cause the scooter driver to lose control. For instance, a patched pothole might have broken apart and created an uneven and unsafe surface.
TYPES OF INJURIES CAUSED BY E-SCOOTER ACCIDENTS
While the type and severity of the injury depend on the specific e-scooter accident, certain injuries are common. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted a study that examined the number of scooter-related injuries and hospital admissions between 2014 and 2018. Of the total 39,100 injuries, 22,667 occurred in 2017 and 2018. The report also noted that one-third of injuries involved head trauma.
E-scooter accidents often result in other injuries, including the following:
- Facial lacerations and fractures
- Bone fractures, including broken wrists and legs
- Nerve, tendon, and ligament damage
- Internal bleeding
If you or a loved one has experienced any type of physical trauma as the result of an e-scooter accident, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Los Angeles e-scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible. These attorneys are knowledgeable about the compensatory damages you may be entitled to as the result of another’s negligence.
FINDING THE BEST LOS ANGELES SCOOTER ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR YOU
Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company until you’ve had the opportunity to speak with counsel. Their representatives are notorious for trying to pay the minimum amount and denying liability.
Time is of the essence in personal injury cases. Interviewing witnesses and collecting valuable evidence is more accurate immediately following an accident. Begin the process by locating a Los Angeles law firm that specializes in representing clients who’ve been injured as the result of others’ recklessness or negligence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s common for individuals who’ve suffered injuries in e-scooter accidents to have questions about their rights, statute of limitations, and compensation for damages. Some of your initial concerns may include the following:
SHOULD I CONSULT A LAWYER AFTER A SCOOTER ACCIDENT?
Once you’ve received the appropriate medical attention, it’s imperative that you seek experienced counsel to advocate for your rights, even if you’re unsure about pursuing legal action against the responsible party. The attorneys at Farar & Lewis, LLP, have successfully represented numerous personal injury clients in Los Angeles. They have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation into the unique circumstances surrounding your scooter accident. A knowledgeable attorney can advise you on the compensatory damages to which you may be entitled, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of earning capacity
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY INJURIES AFTER A SCOOTER ACCIDENT?
A Los Angeles scooter accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine liability. Each accident has its own unique set of circumstances, such as the following:
- A scooter driver who’s been injured because of faulty equipment, ill-kept roadways, or a negligent motor vehicle driver
- A pedestrian who’s been hit by an e-scooter operator or fallen over a scooter recklessly left on the sidewalk
- A person in a motor vehicle who was injured in a car accident as the result of the scooter operator’s reckless or careless actions
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A SCOOTER ACCIDENT LAWYER?
The following are examples of the questions you may want to ask prospective legal representatives as you search for an experienced Los Angeles scooter accident lawyer:
- How many years have you practiced law?
- What types of personal injury cases have you represented in the past?
- Do you typically settle cases or pursue them in court?
- How much trial experience do you have?
- How many e-scooter personal injury cases have you won?
- What is my claim worth?
Get the answers you need when you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident. Contact us today and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
