Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents and California Legal Context

Los Angeles was one of the first cities to embrace the electric scooter craze, with companies like Bird and Lime putting thousands of scooters on our streets. Unfortunately, scooter accidents have become increasingly common as a result. Common causes of e-scooter accidents in LA include:

• Collisions with Vehicles: Many scooter accidents happen when a car or truck crashes into a scooter rider. Drivers often fail to notice the low-profile scooters, or misjudge their speed. Busy intersections and driveways in Los Angeles can be especially hazardous for scooter riders if drivers aren’t paying close attention.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, cracks in the pavement, debris, or railroad tracks can spell disaster for the small wheels of an electric scooter. A seemingly minor road defect might cause a scooter to stop suddenly or pitch the rider off, leading to serious injuries. Los Angeles’s aging infrastructure and occasional lack of bike lanes contribute to this risk.
• Scooter Malfunction or Maintenance Issues: Brake failures, accelerator sticking, or electric failures can cause riders to lose control. If a scooter is poorly maintained by the rental company or has a design defect, the scooter company or manufacturer could be at fault for resulting accidents.
• Rider Behavior and Inexperience: Some accidents occur because the rider is inexperienced, riding aggressively, or unfortunately, sometimes intoxicated. While our focus is on helping injured riders, it’s true that lacking experience or violating traffic rules (like riding against traffic or on sidewalks where prohibited) can contribute to accidents.
• Lack of Helmets/Protection: Although not a direct cause of accidents, not wearing a helmet can greatly worsen the outcome. Most scooter riders in LA are adults who are not required by law to wear a helmet (helmets are required for riders under 18). This leads to many riders being unprotected. Head injuries are one of the most serious consequences we see in scooter crashes.

From a legal perspective, electric scooters are governed by California law similar to bicycles in many ways. Under California Vehicle Code §21221, scooter riders generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles. That means scooter riders must follow traffic signals, can’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and should ride in the roadway or bike lane rather than on sidewalks (riding on sidewalks is largely prohibited for scooters). The law also sets specific rules: for instance, 15 mph is the maximum speed for e-scooters on public roads (Vehicle Code §22411), and riders must be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet by law, though adults are encouraged to use helmets too. Breaking these laws (like scooting while drunk, or a minor not wearing a helmet) can not only result in citations, but also impact liability in an accident.

Liability in scooter accidents can involve multiple parties: The driver of a car that hit the scooter, the scooter rider (if they were partly at fault), the scooter rental company (if a mechanical failure or maintenance issue was involved), even the city (if a road hazard like an unfilled pothole caused the crash). California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning each party is held responsible in proportion to their share of fault. Even if you, as a scooter rider, were partially at fault (say you were going a bit too fast or weren’t in the bike lane when you should have been), you can still recover damages; your compensation would just be reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you that you have no case just because you weren’t perfect; California law is on your side in allowing recovery as long as someone else was also negligent. It’s also important to note the statute of limitations: In California, you generally have two years from the date of a scooter accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (the same as any personal injury case). If a government entity’s negligence was involved (e.g., a city-owned hazard), you must file a claim with that government agency within 6 months. These deadlines make it crucial to act promptly. Providence Law will ensure all timelines are met and will immediately start gathering evidence, such as scooter data logs, maintenance records, and traffic camera footage, to build your case.

How Providence Law Helps Scooter Accident Victims

Scooter accidents often leave victims with severe injuries, broken bones, head injuries, skin lacerations, and lots of questions about what to do next. Providence Law is dedicated to helping scooter accident victims in Los Angeles from start to finish. Here’s how our skilled team can assist you:

• Investigating the Accident Scene: We quickly launch a thorough investigation. Our team will gather any available evidence: incident reports, witness statements, and photos or videos (many Los Angeles streets have security or traffic cameras that might have caught the accident). We also examine the scooter itself. If it’s a rented e-scooter, we secure the scooter for inspection to check for mechanical issues (like failed brakes) and obtain electronic data that some scooters record (such as speed or malfunction codes). This is crucial if we suspect the scooter company’s negligence. By reconstructing what happened, we can identify all contributing factors.
• Identifying All Liable Parties: Scooter accidents can be complex in terms of liability. Our attorneys will determine who is responsible; it could be a negligent driver who hit you, in which case we pursue their auto insurance. It could be partly the scooter company’s fault (for example, if the brakes failed or the scooter was placed in an unsafe location), so we’d hold the company accountable. If road design or hazards were at play, we may explore a case against the city or property owner. Providence Law’s experience in personal injury means we won’t overlook any party that owes you compensation. We often work with accident reconstruction experts to bolster the proof of fault.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: After a scooter accident, you might be dealing with multiple insurers, auto insurance from a driver, the scooter rental company’s liability insurer, and maybe even your own health or auto insurance. We take over all communication and negotiation with these insurance companies. Our lawyers know the tactics insurers use, such as trying to pin blame on the scooter rider or downplay injuries. We will present a strong claim backed by evidence and won’t be intimidated by corporate insurers. Whether it’s a big name auto insurer or a scooter company’s legal team, Providence Law will advocate fiercely for your rights and handle the back-and-forth so you don’t have to.
• Personalized Client Support: We understand that a scooter accident can be very personal; you might be an avid scooter rider, or it was your primary mode of commute. Suddenly, you’re in pain and your life is disrupted. Our firm offers compassionate, personalized support. We’ll listen to how the injury has affected your daily life and your family. Need help finding a medical specialist or getting your scooter replaced? We can point you in the right direction. Concerned about medical bills? We can often work with healthcare providers to postpone billing until your case resolves. You will have a dedicated Providence Law attorney handling your case, as well as a support staff to answer your calls and emails promptly. We treat clients like family, ensuring you never feel like “just another case.”
• Aggressive Legal Representation: If the insurance offer is insufficient (which is common, unfortunately), we won’t hesitate to escalate the matter. Providence Law’s attorneys are skilled negotiators but also strong litigators. We will file a lawsuit and take the case to court if that’s what it takes to secure justice. Los Angeles juries have become familiar with scooter accidents in recent years, and we will make sure they understand the full extent of the negligence that harmed you. Our preparation includes gathering expert witnesses, for example, a traffic engineer if needed to explain how a road condition caused the crash, or a medical expert to testify about your injuries. By preparing every case as if it will go to trial, we send a clear message to the other side: we mean business, and we won’t settle for less than you deserve.
• No Upfront Costs & No Fee Unless We Win: We believe everyone injured in a scooter accident should have access to top-notch legal representation. Providence Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you, and if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours and ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent you from getting legal help.

Our team has seen firsthand the serious injuries scooter crashes can cause, from head trauma to broken teeth to long-term orthopedic issues. Providence Law is passionate about holding wrongdoers accountable and making Los Angeles safer for scooter riders. We stay updated on the latest laws and even local city regulations about e-scooters (like where they can park or operate) so that we can use every applicable rule to bolster your case.

Types of Compensation Available for Scooter Accident Injuries

A scooter offers little protection in a crash, so injuries can be severe. Whether you were a rider hit by a car or a pedestrian hit by someone on a scooter, if someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to seek compensation for all your losses. In a scooter accident case, Providence Law will pursue compensation for:

• Medical Bills: This covers emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, imaging scans (X-rays, MRIs), medications, and rehabilitation costs. Scooter accidents often result in injuries like fractures, dislocations, head injuries, or skin abrasions that require significant medical treatment. We will tabulate all medical expenses – including future treatment you may need (for example, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury, you might need long-term therapy or assistive devices).
• Lost Income: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you can claim the wages lost during that period. For more serious injuries that affect your ability to work in the future (or if you cannot return to your previous job at all), we will seek compensation for lost earning capacity. This involves calculating how the injury impacts your career and income potential. Even missing a few weeks of work in Los Angeles can strain finances; we aim to get that back for you.
• Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured. Scooter accidents can be traumatic, you might develop a fear of traffic or suffer anxiety when you’re near roads. Maybe you can’t exercise or enjoy hobbies like before due to pain or disability. We will demand compensation for these very real, but hard-to-quantify losses. California law doesn’t cap pain and suffering damages in accident cases (except in medical malpractice), so we will argue for an amount that truly reflects your experience and trauma.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Because scooter riders are exposed, they often suffer cuts, road rash, or scars. If you have any permanent scarring or disfigurement (for instance, noticeable scars on your arms, legs, or face, or orthopedic hardware that causes visible changes), that is a compensable damage. These injuries can affect your self-esteem and quality of life, and settlements/judgments should account for that.
• Property Damage: This could include the damage to the scooter (if you owned it) or any personal belongings that were destroyed (phone, glasses, etc.). In rental scooter scenarios, property damage might not be big (since the scooters are relatively low-cost), but if, say, you were on your own high-end e-scooter or e-bike, we would include the cost of repair or replacement. Similarly, if you were a pedestrian and got hit, maybe your clothing or items were damaged, we’ll add those too.
• Rehabilitation and Future Care: Some scooter injuries require ongoing care beyond standard medical bills. If you need physical therapy, occupational therapy to regain function, or psychological counseling for trauma, those costs should be covered. In severe cases, if someone suffers a life-altering injury (like a spinal cord injury or severe brain injury), we’ll fight for the costs of any home modifications, mobility aids (wheelchairs), or long-term care that might be necessary.
• Punitive Damages: These are not typical, but we evaluate the potential. If the person who caused the scooter accident was grossly negligent or acted willfully (for example, a driver intentionally swerving at riders, or a DUI driver who struck you), we may pursue punitive damages to punish that conduct. It’s rarer in traffic accident scenarios, but not impossible. Punitive damages can significantly increase the award and serve as a deterrent against especially bad behavior.

Importantly, no amount of compensation can undo the pain of an injury, but it can relieve the financial burden and hold the responsible parties accountable. Providence Law will meticulously document all your damages. We often work with medical experts to get detailed reports on your injuries and prognosis, and with financial experts to project the economic impact. Our aim is to present a compelling case that fully encapsulates how the scooter accident harmed you, thereby maximizing the compensation you receive.

Case Example: Navigating a Complex Scooter Accident Claim

To see how these elements come together, consider a real-world inspired scenario:

Case Example: Jake, a 26-year-old graphic designer, often uses electric scooters to get around West Los Angeles. One evening, Jake was riding a rented Bird scooter on a street in Venice. As he was riding in the bike lane, a car abruptly turned right across the bike lane to enter a parking lot, without checking for bike or scooter traffic. Jake couldn’t stop in time and crashed into the side of the turning car. He was thrown off the scooter and landed hard on the pavement.

Jake suffered a broken arm, a dislocated shoulder, and deep lacerations on his legs. He was wearing a helmet, thankfully preventing head injury, but he still faced significant injuries. The driver of the car was an Uber Eats driver in a rush, and the police report clearly put the driver at fault for an unsafe turn.

Jake contacts Providence Law. Here’s how we handle the case: We launch an immediate investigation. We obtain surveillance footage from a nearby storefront which captured the incident. It clearly shows the car driver didn’t signal or look before turning. We also download the data from the Bird scooter (these scooters often have telematics) which shows Jake’s speed was within the legal limit (he was going 12 mph) just before braking. This helps dispel any argument that Jake was speeding or riding recklessly. We gather Jake’s medical reports documenting the broken arm (which required surgery to place pins) and shoulder injury.

Next, we identify liable parties: the car driver is obviously at fault. The fact the driver was working for a food delivery service adds another layer; the driver’s personal insurance might deny the claim because he was working, but the company’s commercial insurance should cover an on-the-job driver. We make claims against both the driver’s auto insurer and the Uber Eats commercial policy. Initially, the insurance companies argue over who should pay (each pointing to the other). Providence Law cuts through the finger-pointing by citing the laws and policies: the driver was engaged in work, so the commercial policy is primary. We also note that even if there’s any gap, the driver’s own policy would have to cover (though many personal insurers exclude coverage during commercial use, which is why companies have policies).

While liability is being sorted, we ensure Jake is getting medical care and not worrying about bills. We negotiate with his health insurance and providers to hold off on collections. We also explore whether the scooter company (Bird) had any role. In this case, the scooter performed properly; the cause was entirely the car driver’s negligence, so we focus our efforts on that.

We calculate Jake’s damages: medical bills for ER, surgery, and therapy are around $80,000. He missed two months of work, which is another $12,000 in lost income. He has pain and suffering; the arm injury caused a lot of pain and forced him to cancel a planned vacation and miss out on recreational sports for a while. We also consider the future: his shoulder may be prone to arthritis or issues later. We gather a report from an orthopedic specialist about potential long-term effects.

Armed with this, Providence Law enters settlement negotiations with the insurer. We present a compelling case: an innocent scooter rider following the rules was hurt because a driver didn’t pay attention, something a jury would likely sympathize with. Faced with our thorough evidence (video proof, solid documentation of all losses, and the prospect of a strong trial case), the insurance company offers a settlement that fully covers Jake’s medical costs, lost wages, plus a substantial amount for his pain, suffering, and the inconvenience and life impact of the injury. Jake is relieved; the settlement means he can pay all his bills and has financial support during his recovery, and he feels justice was served because the at-fault driver’s insurer had to compensate him.

This example highlights how Providence Law’s approach leaves no stone unturned. We look at every angle, from driver liability to potentially involved companies to road conditions, and build a case that gets results. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking the case to court, our focus is on securing what our injured client truly needs to move forward.