Electric scooters have become a staple in Los Angeles, particularly on the Westside, offering a convenient solution to the city’s “first mile, last mile” commuting challenge. However, the rise in electric scooter use has led to a surge in injuries, with hospital admissions for e-scooter accidents now surpassing those for bicycle and pedestrian incidents. This guide explores the risks of electric scooter accidents in Los Angeles, who is financially responsible, and how to seek compensation if you’re injured. Whether you’re a rider, pedestrian, or curious commuter, this article provides critical insights to stay safe and informed.
The Rise of Electric Scooter Accidents in Los Angeles
A recent study conducted at two Westside Los Angeles hospitals revealed a concerning trend: more electric scooter riders are admitted for injuries than bicyclists or pedestrians. This spike reflects the growing popularity of e-scooters from companies like Bird, Lime, and Jump, which have flooded the streets as a solution to urban mobility challenges.
Why Are Electric Scooters So Popular in Los Angeles?
Electric scooters address the “first mile, last mile” problem, a term used by the LA Metro to describe the challenge commuters face getting to and from transit stations. While buses and trains form the backbone of public transportation in Los Angeles, commuters often need to walk, bike, or drive to complete their journey. E-scooters offer a quick, affordable, and eco-friendly way to bridge this gap. However, their convenience comes with significant risks, as evidenced by the increasing number of e-scooter accident injuries.
Common Electric Scooter Injuries in Los Angeles
Electric scooters may be fun and efficient, but they pose serious safety risks. According to the study, the most common injuries among hospitalized e-scooter riders include:
- Head Injuries: A staggering 40.2% of admitted riders suffered head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries. Only 4% of injured riders were wearing helmets, highlighting a critical safety gap.
- Fractures: 31.7% of cases involved fractures, particularly to the wrists, hands, fingers, elbows, and shoulders. These injuries often occur when riders instinctively use their hands to break a fall.
- Pedestrian Injuries: 8.4% of e-scooter-related injuries were sustained by non-riders, primarily pedestrians struck by scooters on sidewalks or streets.
- Injuries to Minors: Approximately 11% of injured riders were minors, raising concerns about underage use and inadequate supervision.
The lack of protective gear and the scooters’ vulnerability compared to larger vehicles contribute to the severity of these injuries. For example, a wrist fracture may seem minor, but the hand and wrist contain numerous small bones, making recovery complex and potentially impacting daily tasks like typing or writing.
Video Insight: Watch this expert discussion on the top injuries caused by electric scooter accidents in Los Angeles and San Francisco:
Who Is Financially Responsible for Electric Scooter Injuries?
Navigating liability after an electric scooter accident in Los Angeles can be complex. Here’s a breakdown of the key scenarios:
If You’re Injured While Riding an Electric Scooter
Riders assume significant risk when using electric scooters. Both Bird (Section 15, Assumption of Risk) and Lime (Section 5) state in their user agreements that they are not liable for injuries, even those resulting from rider negligence. Riders must agree to a liability waiver before using the scooter, meaning you’re financially responsible for your own injuries. While Lime claims to provide $1 million in liability insurance per ride, this coverage is limited, and disputes often require legal expertise to resolve.
If You Injure Someone Else While Riding
If you cause an accident that injures another person, you are personally liable. Whether you can tap into the scooter company’s insurance depends on the specifics of the incident, often necessitating a scooter accident lawyer in Los Angeles to clarify coverage.
If You’re a Pedestrian Injured by a Scooter
Pedestrians struck by scooters face significant challenges in recovering compensation. Your options include:
- Filing a Claim Against the Rider’s Insurance: You may pursue a claim against the rider’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Fortunately, electric scooters are not classified as “motor vehicles” under California’s Insurance Code (sections 11580.2, 11580.06), so these policies may cover such incidents.
- Pursuing Personal Assets: If the rider lacks insurance, you may need to target their personal assets, which can be difficult if they’re a tourist or lack resources.
- Auto Insurance Limitations: Your own auto insurance, including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, typically does not apply to e-scooter accidents, as scooters are not considered motorized vehicles.
Given these complexities, consulting an electric scooter accident attorney in Los Angeles is often essential to secure fair compensation.
Case Study: $200,000 E-Scooter Accident Settlement
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we recently secured a $200,000 settlement for a client injured in an electric scooter accident in San Francisco, demonstrating our expertise in handling complex cases. The incident occurred when a van struck our client, who was legally riding in a protected bike lane on 8th Street. The collision caused a fractured left patella requiring reconstructive surgery with screws and led to a blood clot in the client’s leg.
Case Details
- Location: 8th Street parking garage, San Francisco
- Cause: A van made an unsafe turn, striking the scooter.
- Injuries: Fractured left patella, blood clot.
- Legal Challenges: The van was owned by a third-party company that denied liability. Our team proved the company’s responsibility for the driver’s negligence.
- Outcome: A $200,000 settlement to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, resolved within one year.
This case underscores the importance of skilled legal representation to navigate liability disputes and maximize compensation.
California Electric Scooter Laws: Key Rules to Follow
To ride safely and avoid liability, it’s crucial to understand California’s electric scooter regulations:
- Helmet Requirements: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet (California Vehicle Code §21235). While not mandatory for adults, helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Age Restrictions: Riders must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit (CVC §21235).
- Where to Ride: Scooters are prohibited on sidewalks and must be ridden in bike lanes or on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, unless in a designated bike lane (CVC §21235).
- Speed Limits: Scooters cannot exceed 15 mph (CVC §22411).
- No Passengers: Only one rider is allowed per scooter (CVC §21235).
- No DUI: Operating a scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal (CVC §21235).
Violating these laws can increase your liability in an accident and jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Always review the California Vehicle Code before riding.
Consequences of Electric Scooter Accidents
Beyond physical injuries, e-scooter accidents can have far-reaching consequences:
- Medical Costs: Fractures, head injuries, and surgeries can result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, as seen in our $200,000 settlement case.
- Lost Wages: Injuries may prevent you from working, leading to financial strain.
- Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are common after serious accidents.
- Legal Penalties: Riders who violate California laws may face fines, increased liability, or difficulty securing compensation.
- Long-Term Disability: Injuries like traumatic brain injuries or complex fractures can lead to permanent impairments, requiring ongoing care.
These consequences highlight the need for immediate action after an accident to protect your health and legal rights.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident
If you’re involved in an e-scooter accident in Los Angeles, follow these steps to ensure your safety and strengthen your claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Even minor injuries should be evaluated, as symptoms like concussions may not appear immediately.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the scooter, other vehicles, and road conditions. Collect nearby surveillance or traffic camera footage with the help of a lawyer.
- Gather Witness Information: Record the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Report the Accident: File a police report to create an official record of the incident.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not discuss the accident with the other party or insurance companies until you consult a lawyer.
- Contact a Scooter Accident Attorney: An experienced Los Angeles e-scooter accident lawyer can evaluate your case, negotiate with insurers, and maximize your compensation.
Use our Settlement Calculator to estimate the potential value of your claim and understand what factors influence compensation.
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What Our Clients Say
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on delivering results and compassionate service. Here’s what our clients have said:
“The Sally Morin team is the best. They do everything in their power for your best interest. You never have to wonder where things are at with your case, because they keep you well informed and communicate with you through the entire process. They do an excellent job of explaining the processes and your path forward, and they are very good at what they do.”
— Rich J. (Read the full review on Yelp)
“Just recently I was in a car accident. I spoke with Rebecca and she gave me good advice and guidance. She was always available to answer my many questions with a quick response, either by email or phone. So grateful for her!!!!”
— Dina P. (Read the full review on Yelp)
These testimonials reflect our commitment to helping clients navigate complex claims with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Scooter Accidents in Los Angeles
Get Compensated for Your Electric Scooter Injuries
If you’ve suffered injuries from an electric scooter accident in Los Angeles, don’t navigate the complex claims process alone. The Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers California scooter accident team has over 20 years of experience handling serious injury cases, including e-scooter accidents. We’ll provide sound legal advice and fight to maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Let our experienced Los Angeles Bird/Lime scooter accident attorneys guide you every step of the way.
