Video Transcript
“If you’re in a hit and run accident on a scooter, hopefully you’re okay, you’ve received medical treatment, and now you’re looking into finding out who caused this accident. So the first thing to do, obviously, is get your injuries taken care of, but if you’re now in a position to investigate this thing, you want to get the police on it as soon as possible. Hopefully, somebody called 911, got the police out to the scene, they’re starting to do some investigation. The tough thing is locating these people because oftentimes hit and run perpetrators are people who have little or no insurance and they are afraid that they’re going to get in trouble. So they skedaddle real quick. And it’s unfortunate, it’s not fair, and actually very sad, but as far as you making a personal injury claim, it may not be that big of a loss because they probably didn’t have much insurance to provide you with coverage anyway, but you want to do a diligent investigation, find out if you can locate them and see if you can make a claim on their insurance. We’ve had many cases where we were successful in doing that using either local surveillance camera footage, having the police actually find the people based on witness descriptions, even had one case where my client was on a motorcycle, he got rear ended by somebody who then backed up and rode around him and took off, but the guy’s license plate fell off so we had his license plate number. Got you. So there’s many ways to locate the person who did it, but if you can’t, the next thing to look at is your own uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage. So if you have that sort of coverage, that’s where you can make a claim. So we’ve had many successful claims doing that. Let’s say we weren’t able to track down the at fault party, then we make a claim on the client’s own insurance, which most people are like, oh, I don’t want to use my own insurance, isn’t that going to raise my premiums? Well, it doesn’t automatically raise your premiums. If you were to make multiple claims within a short period of time, you might see an increase in your insurance premiums, but you weren’t at fault and that’s why you have the insurance. So if you make one claim, it’s not going to raise your premiums. And it’s very nice to have that coverage. So I recommend carrying a minimum of $100,000 of uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage. I know that when I was young and riding around on my motorcycle, I had the cheapest insurance I could get, $99 a year to pay for this insurance. I had zero uninsured motorists, I didn’t even know what it was. So you’ve watched this video, you know what it is, you better go get it. All right.”
If you’ve been hit while driving a moped scooter or injured as a scooter passenger in a crash, you know how overwhelming the aftermath can be. From mounting medical bills to navigating insurance claims, the process can feel daunting—especially in a hit-and-run scenario. At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless clients in similar situations secure the compensation they deserve. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into a real client success story, explain key insurance concepts, outline steps to take after an accident, and provide expert insights to help you understand your rights under California law.
We’ll also cover scooter accident statistics, the importance of uninsured motorist coverage, and common FAQs to make this the ultimate resource for anyone dealing with a scooter passenger injury or being hit by a scooter or car. Whether you’re recovering from fractures, lost wages, or emotional trauma, knowing your options can make all the difference.
A Real-Life Success: From Overwhelmed Scooter Passenger to $100K Recovery
Picture this: A yoga-loving interior designer was enjoying a sunny summer evening as a scooter passenger on the back of her friend’s Vespa in San Diego, California. She and her friend were trailing a group of scooters when they made a left turn on a busy city street. Tragically, an oncoming car failed to slow down and rear-ended the Vespa at high speed, throwing both riders onto the pavement. The driver fled the scene immediately, turning it into a hit-and-run nightmare.
The young woman suffered multiple fractures and was rushed to the hospital. As a scooter passenger with no control over the accident, she faced not only physical pain but also financial stress: lost income from being out of work, piling medical bills, and the challenge of tracking down insurance coverage for the fleeing driver.
Overwhelmed, she turned to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney for help. She retained California personal injury attorney Sally Morin, and our team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers stepped in right away. We handled everything—from investigations to negotiations—so she could focus solely on her recovery.
Navigating Complex Insurance Coverage as a Scooter Passenger
Scooter accidents, especially those involving passengers, are more complex than typical car crashes. As a scooter passenger hit by a car, potential recovery sources include the hit-and-run driver’s insurance (if found), the scooter owner’s policy, and your own coverage. Our team meticulously explored every avenue to cover her medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
First, we tracked the hit-and-run vehicle using witness descriptions and San Diego Police Department investigations, which uncovered the license plate. Unfortunately, the vehicle was uninsured, and the driver was insolvent. We then pivoted to her friend’s Vespa insurance and her own auto policy.
A twist: The police report deemed her friend mostly at fault, complicating claims. Her friend’s policy offered only $15,000 in minimum coverage—far short of her needs. Her own $100,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage was denied initially due to liability disputes.
The Key Role of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Having UM/UIM coverage is crucial for scooter passengers in California, where about 16% of drivers are uninsured (based on recent Insurance Research Council data). This coverage protects you if you’re hit while on a moped scooter by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run. It can cover injuries even if you’re not driving your own vehicle.
In this case, a liability dispute arose: The police report blamed her friend, but his insurer pointed to the hit-and-run driver. This blocked her UIM claim, as policies often prohibit stacking UM/UIM funds. Undeterred, our team appealed and fought to reverse the liability finding, successfully shifting fault to the hit-and-run driver.
Next hurdle: Proving the vehicle was uninsured required official DMV documentation—a months-long process. Our persistence paid off with a DMV Certificate, unlocking her full $100,000 UM policy limit.
Pivoting Strategies: Turning $15K into $100K
By pursuing a UM claim under her policy, we increased her recovery by $85,000. This scooter passenger made a remarkable recovery, returning to yoga and Pilates within six months. Our team ensured her physical and financial healing, proving that expert legal guidance can transform challenging cases.
Scooter Accident Statistics in California: Why These Crashes Are on the Rise
Scooter accidents are surging in California, with electric scooters contributing to thousands of injuries annually. According to 2025 data from sources like the California Office of Traffic Safety and hospital reports:
- Electric scooter injuries rose to over 3,400 in 2023, a sharp increase from 184 in 2018.
- In cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, crashes are common in downtown areas, often involving vehicles or pedestrians.
- Nearly 25% of hospitalized scooter injury victims tested positive for substances like alcohol or drugs.
- Head injuries account for a significant portion, with U.S. emergency rooms treating nearly 40,000 scooter-related injuries in recent years.
These stats underscore the vulnerability of scooter passengers and riders. In hit-and-run cases, which make up a growing share, victims face added challenges without immediate driver identification.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If You’re a Scooter Passenger in a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been hit as a scooter passenger in a hit-and-run, acting quickly is essential. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide based on California law and best practices:
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Move to a safe spot if possible to avoid further traffic. Check for injuries and call 911 immediately—even minor pains can indicate serious issues like fractures.
- Gather Information at the Scene: Note any details about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, partial license plate) and driver. Collect witness statements and photos of the scene, damage, and injuries.
- Report to the Police: File a police report right away. Under California Vehicle Code §20002, hit-and-runs are misdemeanors, and a report is crucial for insurance claims.
- Document Everything: Keep records of medical treatments, bills, lost wages, and communications. This builds your case for compensation.
- Notify Your Insurance and Explore Coverage: Contact your insurer (and the scooter’s if applicable) to file a UM claim if the driver is unidentified or uninsured.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Don’t navigate this alone. An experienced lawyer can investigate, negotiate with insurers, and handle DMV paperwork.
Following these steps can strengthen your claim and improve outcomes.
Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers in California
Hit-and-run drivers face severe penalties under California law, especially in scooter accidents causing injury:
- Misdemeanor Charges: Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine (VC §20002).
- Felony if Serious Injury: Up to 4 years in prison if the crash causes death or severe harm.
- Civil Liability: Victims can sue for damages, including punitive awards.
- License Suspension: DMV may suspend or revoke the driver’s license.
These consequences deter fleeing but don’t always help victims recover financially—highlighting the need for strong UM coverage.
Another Success Story: $1 Million Medical Bill Reduction in Scooter Settlement
Our expertise extends beyond this case. Consider a 55-year-old San Francisco software developer hit while driving his moped scooter by a negligent driver. He suffered catastrophic injuries, requiring over a month in the hospital and weeks of rehab. Medical bills soared into seven figures.
The at-fault driver had only $25,000 in coverage, and health insurance disputes added stress. Our team negotiated a personal contribution from the driver, maxed out the client’s $225,000 UIM policy, and appealed denied bills—reducing medical expenses by over $1 million. After all costs, he netted $100,000, allowing him to focus on recovery.
For full details, read the case here.
What Our Clients Say
We pride ourselves on personalized care. Here’s what real clients have shared:
“I spent too much time looking through these threads while trying to find a personal injury lawyer earlier this year. What I realized is that if they have ads everywhere, you’re just another number to them. After calling around I ended up going with Sally Morin – she was on the point and the only one that actually seemed to care about my case.” Reddit User
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“I’m so sorry this happened. Over the years I’ve heard good things about Sally Morin – she’s a personal injury lawyer. I don’t know your situation completely, but it’s probably worth reaching out to her and a few others.” Reddit User
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If you’ve been injured as a scooter passenger in a hit-and-run or any accident, don’t face insurance companies, hit-and-run drivers, or the DMV alone. At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve secured millions for clients just like you. Get started with a FREE case evaluation—no obligation, just expert guidance to assess your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
