Personal Injury Compensation for Scooter Accidents in California
Our law firm can help you obtain injury compensation due to negligence in any type of scooter accident. We offer a free consultation and you only pay once we win your case.
The attorneys at Injury Justice Law Firm are skilled at obtaining compensation for victims who suffered physical and emotional injuries due to manufacturing negligence and defects in their scooters.
It's no secret that electric scooters have taken California by storm. Lime, Bird, and Spin have filled the streets of Los Angeles with so many e-scooters that they're nearly impossible to avoid.
For riders, scooters offer a cheap and fun alternative to traditional transportation. Unfortunately, the rise in scooter popularity has also led to a surge in injuries.
Scooter riders often fall victim to negligent drivers, malfunctioning devices, and road hazards. A scooter accident can lead to painful injuries and costly medical bills. If you've experienced a scooter injury, you should speak with an accident lawyer.
Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys specialize in cases where clients sustain injuries due to others' negligence.
We can help you recover from the physical and financial damage of an e-scooter accident.
Scooter Laws in California — AB-2989
In response to the surge in scooter accidents, California passed new restrictions for motorized scooter riders.
Governor Brown passed AB-2989 in 2018, which amended the California Vehicle Code. AB-2989 states that scooter riders must not:
- operate a motorized scooter with a helmet if under 18 years of age;
- operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour unless it is on Class II or Class IV bikeway;
- operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver's license or learner's permit;
- operate a motorized scooter with any passengers;
- operate a motorized scooter upon a sidewalk.
AB-2989 also restricts the maximum speed for motorized scooters to 15 miles per hour on all highways and bikeways regardless of speed limits.
The bill does permit local authorities to authorize motorized scooter operators to reach 35 miles per hour on highways.
Common Scooter Accident Injuries
Although AB-2989 places restrictions on scooters, many riders still experience injuries.
Scooter riders share the road with drivers who put them at the risk of high-speed collisions. Other scooter riders get in accidents due to unsafe roads or equipment.
A University of San Francisco study revealed that scooter-related injuries that required hospitalization rose by 222 percent between 2014 and 2018.
The most common injuries experienced by the nearly 40,000 scooter riders were:
- head trauma,
- upper/lower extremity injuries,
- fractures,
- contusions,
- abrasions,
- lacerations.
How to Get Compensated for Your Scooter Injuries
Although many scooter riders suffer from injuries, few take the legal steps necessary to seek compensation for their accident.
You can seek damages if you can prove another driver was responsible for the accident. In California, many scooter riders experience accidents due to the negligence of other drivers.
Many riders have successfully sought claims from drivers who were speeding, texting, distracted, or impaired during the accident.
In some high-profile cases, courts have held scooter companies liable for accidents. Over 90 injury victims sued Bird and Lime for failing to maintain their scooters. The lawsuits cited as a cause of their injuries:
- malfunctioning brakes,
- acceleration issues, and
- faulty handlebars and wheels.
If you were injured in a scooter accident, you should speak with a California accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you review your options and pursue litigation.
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident in California
The moments following a scooter accident can make or break your case. First and foremost, you should seek medical treatment for your injuries. You should also take action to help you build your case.
For the best chance of success, you should file an official police report. By sharing the details of your accident with the police, you'll create an official record that will be instrumental to your case.
You should also seek contact information from witnesses and drivers involved in the accident. It's also helpful to collect insurance information from the other driver.
You should contact a personal injury attorney before communicating with insurance companies.
Insurance companies frequently try to bait accident victims into admitting fault or taking reduced settlements. An accident injury lawyer can help you avoid potential pitfalls that may negatively impact your case.
Personal Injury Lawyers for California Scooter Accidents
A scooter accident can derail your life. The road to recovery is often paved with painful rehabilitation, costly medical treatment, and long-term suffering.
If you've been involved in a scooter accident due to negligence, you must contact our experienced personal injury attorneys who can negotiate with insurance companies, collect evidence, and file a lawsuit with the court, if necessary.
Having a seasoned lawyer by your side will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
At Injury Justice Law Firm, we specialize in fighting for the accident victims and aggressively pursue the highest possible recovery.
We work on a contingency basis which means there are no upfront costs for representation. You will only pay once you receive compensation for your accident.
We are top-ranked personal injury attorneys located at 1999 Avenue of the Stars, 11th Fl., Los Angeles, CA 90067.
Our main San Fernando Valley office is located at 14401 Sylvan St #112 Van Nuys, CA 91401.
Call us at (818) 781-1570 for a free consultation.
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