What Happens If You’re in an Electric Scooter Accident?

Electric scooters, or E-scooters, have become a favored mode of local transportation around Southern California. Unfortunately, E-scooter accident rates are skyrocketing due primarily to inexperienced riders, those not following the rules of the road, and scooter defects 

If you have been in an E-scooter accident, whether as the rider or victim of a collision, report the incident to the police and seek prompt medical attention.  

The Los Angeles E-scooter accident lawyers at Ellis Injury Law can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will investigate the accident and hold all parties responsible accountable for their negligence. Over the past 35 years, our dedicated attorneys have recovered more than $350 million for our clients in settlements and verdicts.  

Car accident insurance 

In California, only licensed drivers may rent an E-scooter. That does not mean their car accident or homeowner’s insurance will pay for E-scooter damages. Although exceptions may exist, auto insurance policies do not cover motorized vehicles with less than four wheels.  

If a motorist collides with an E-scooter rider and causes the accident, his or her car insurance policy should pay damages to the injured rider. This is the type of accident causing the most severe E-scooter injuries, and some people succumb to their injuries. Such damages may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  

If it appears the E-scooter rider is the at-fault party when involved in a collision with a car or pedestrian, they may find themselves personally liable for damages. Most E-scooter agreements include strongly-worded liability waivers and the rider assumes the risk.  

There are some E-scooter companies offering liability coverage in their agreements. That is why it is vital to scroll through and examine the agreement to determine if coverage is available prior to scooter rental.  

Actions to take 

Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include damage to the scooter and any other vehicle. Record the types of injuries incurred. If you are too badly hurt to perform these actions, ask someone else to document the scene on their phone and send it to you. 

Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. If possible, record their statements. Note and photograph anything that could have contributed to the crash, such as potholes or street debris.  

Never admit to fault in the accident. The E-scooter rider should report the accident to their car insurance company within 24 hours. However, do not make a recorded statement to your insurance company before speaking with an attorney.  

What not to do 

Do not post anything about the incident on social media. An insurance company can twist the meaning of a post to make it appear you were the at-fault party. If you want to tell friends and family, call them. Ask them to refrain from posting about the injury on social media. 

Insurance companies have representatives scour social media looking for anything they can find to discredit claims. Do not give them any potential material, no matter how innocuous it may seem.  

Seek medical attention 

As with any type of personal injury, seeking immediate medical care is crucial for your claim. Even if think you were just bruised and not really injured, go to an urgent care center or visit your healthcare provider. Not all injuries are apparent right away. If you wait for an examination and treatment, the insurance carrier will argue that the injury did not occur due to an E-scooter accident.  

Make sure you attend all doctor’s appointments and follow the physician’s orders. If you do not, the insurance company will try to prove the injuries are not as bad as claimed.  

Keep track of all injury-related expenses. That may include the cost of transportation to and from your healthcare provider or rehabilitation services.  

Contact a Los Angeles E-Scooter accident lawyer  

If you or someone you know was seriously injured due to an electric scooter, contact an E-scooter accident lawyer at Ellis Injury Law. We are available 24/7 via phone or email to schedule a free consultation, or you can complete our online form.  

After reviewing your case, we will determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. We can then discuss your options. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless you receive compensation.