Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyers

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Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyer

E-scooters may be a trendy way to zip around town, but their lack of protection leaves riders vulnerable to serious injuries, especially in accidents often caused by reckless driving. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 169,300 emergency department visits were attributed to e-scooters from 2017 to 2022, accounting for nearly 47% of all micro-mobility injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Los Angeles, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Jacoby & Meyers, we’re more than just a legal team—we’re your trusted allies in the pursuit of justice. For over 50 years, our experienced Los Angeles scooter accident lawyers have been standing up for individuals and families, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation and support they deserve.

We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll an accident can take. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process with a combination of deep legal expertise and heartfelt compassion. Your well-being matters—reach out for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Scooter Accident Case?

Scooter riders are often more vulnerable to injuries as their bodies are more exposed compared to vehicle occupants. Due to this, scooter accident victims face more severe consequences. Add mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of recovery, and the stakes become overwhelming.

With the significant damages, you should only put your trust in a competent and compassionate attorney for scooter accidents who will not only relentlessly fight for fair compensation but also take care of your overall well-being. We assure you that this is us.

Here’s why families in Los Angeles choose us over thousands of other personal injury law firms in the area:

Decades of Proven Justice
With over 50 years of experience, our success stories speak for themselves. Behind every win is a client who’s reclaimed their life with the compensation and closure they deserved.

No Win, No Fees
Financial worries shouldn’t keep you from seeking justice. That’s why we operate on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win. Your success is our success, and we fight like it.

California Law Experts, Tailored to Your Case
Understanding and going around California’s complex personal injury laws requires expertise—and we’ve mastered every detail. Our knowledge ensures your case is built on a solid foundation, giving you the best chance at a fair and comprehensive settlement.

Comprehensive Legal Support for Your Peace of Mind
You’ve got enough on your plate without tackling legal hurdles. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case. All you need to focus on is healing.

Compassionate Advocacy, Every Step of the Way
With clear communication, heartfelt care, and expert legal guidance, we’re here to stand by your side, ensuring you feel supported through every twist and turn of this journey.
The aftermath of a scooter accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call us today for a free consultation.

What To Do After a Scooter Accident?

After a scooter accident, particularly an electric scooter accident, it’s essential to take specific steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights, especially if you’ve suffered severe injuries.

Here are the immediate actions you should take:

1. Seek Medical Attention. Prioritize your health above everything else. Even if you don’t think you have sustained serious injuries, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police. It’s important to report the accident to ensure there’s an official record. The police report can also be a valuable piece of evidence if you need to make a personal injury claim.
3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence. If it’s safe and you can do so, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to the scooter and surrounding area. Collect contact information from witnesses, as their statements could support your account of the events.
4. Contact a Scooter Accident Lawyer: Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in scooter accidents is advisable, especially if you’ve suffered injuries. They can offer guidance on how to proceed, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and damages.

The Dangers of Electric Scooters

The rising popularity of electric scooters has led to an increased number of scooter users and, consequently, a higher incidence of accidents involving these devices.

In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 50,000 emergency department visits due to electronic scooter accidents, marking a significant rise from about 40,000 the previous year and approximately 25,000 in 2020. Compared to e-bikes and other micro-mobility products, electric scooters, alongside e-bikes and hoverboards, accounted for over 90,000 emergency visits in 2022—an escalation from the nearly 30,000 trips recorded in 2017.

Demographically, 40% of those injured in e-scooter accidents from 2017 to 2022 were aged between 25 and 44, a statistic particularly concerning since this age group constitutes just 27% of the overall U.S. population. Notably, 94% of the injuries occurred to the riders themselves, highlighting the direct risks faced by scooter riders. Moreover, 41% of these accidents occurred on streets or highways, with another 12% on public properties.

Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents

Despite adhering to traffic safety regulations, scooter riders may still encounter risks. Key factors contributing to an electric scooter accident include:

- Unexpected opening of car doors
- Encounters with construction zones
- Poor road conditions due to damaged pavement
- Risky maneuvers like dangerous left turns
- Limited visibility leading to driver blind spots
- Impairment due to substance use
- Collisions at intersections
- Scooter vandalism
- Loss of control over the scooter
- Interactions with pedestrians
- Technical faults due to mechanical malfunctions
- Lane splitting alongside cars

Types of Scooter Accidents

With the rising popularity of electric scooters in Los Angeles, incidents involving these motorized scooters are on the upswing. Common types of scooter accidents include:

- Single Rider Accidents. Many electric scooter incidents occur when the rider loses control. Not all such incidents are the rider’s fault; for example, hitting an unforeseen road defect could lead to a fall.
- Scooter-Pedestrian Collisions. Collisions between a scooter user and a pedestrian can result in significant injuries. Depending on the situation, either party can be responsible for the accident.
- E-Scooter and Vehicle Crashes. Serious injuries can occur when an electric scooter and a motor vehicle collide. A typical instance is when a motorist opens a car door without checking for an approaching scooter rider.
- Accidents Due to Poor Sidewalk Maintenance. Scooter users can be injured if they ride on sidewalks that are in bad condition. In such cases, the entity responsible for maintaining the sidewalk may be liable for the scooter user’s injuries.
- Defective Scooter Incidents: Many electric scooter accidents are caused by malfunctioning or defective scooters. The scooter manufacturer is often liable for these accidents.

Common E-Scooter Injuries

Sharing the road with motor vehicles exposes electric scooter riders to the risk of high-velocity crashes. The specific injuries can vary based on the accident’s particulars, yet there are several common injuries associated with electric scooter mishaps:

- Abrasions
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Head injuries
- Skull fractures
- Upper and lower extremity injuries

According to research, head injuries are the most frequently reported among individuals involved in scooter-related accidents. Approximately 30% of those admitted to emergency departments following electric scooter accidents have been diagnosed with head and neck trauma. Moreover, between 8% and 10% of all scooter accident patients are diagnosed with severe head injuries.

Determining Liability in Scooter Accidents

Proving negligence in a scooter accident claim is vital to securing the compensation you deserve. But what does negligence mean in this context? Negligence is the failure to exercise the level of care a reasonable person would under similar circumstances—actions or inactions that endanger others.

In a scooter accident, negligence might include a driver ignoring traffic rules, failing to yield, speeding, or being distracted behind the wheel, leading to a collision.

The Elements of Negligence

To establish negligence in a scooter accident, these elements must be proven:

1. Duty of Care: The driver had a responsibility to ensure the safety of others, including scooter riders.
2. Breach of Duty: The driver failed to uphold this responsibility by acting recklessly or carelessly.
3. Causation: Their negligent behavior directly caused the accident.
4. Damages: The accident led to injuries and measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

Recovering from a scooter accident is overwhelming, and gathering the evidence needed to build your case can feel impossible when you’re focused on healing. This is where an experienced scooter accident lawyer steps in.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we’ll take on the burden of proving negligence, collecting critical evidence, filing your claim, and negotiating with the at-fault party. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you prioritize your recovery.

Who Can Be Liable?

Identifying who is at fault and understanding their level of responsibility is vital for resolving e-scooter accident claims successfully. Fault assignments can be complex, often involving multiple parties.

1. Scooter Operators: If they are under the influence, medically unfit to drive, or inexperienced riders, their negligence can result in accidents.
2. City Workers/Construction Teams: Failure to mark dangerous areas or hazards properly can lead to scooter accidents.
3. Car Passengers: Carelessly opening doors into scooter paths is a common cause of collisions.
4. Pedestrians: Stepping unpredictably into the path of an oncoming scooter contributes to accidents.
5. Scooter Companies: A scooter company like Lime and Bird must manage scooters’ retrieval, charging, and maintenance. Neglecting these duties can cause serious accidents.
6. City Authorities: They can be held liable for unsafe road conditions that lead to accidents.
7. Manufacturers: They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the scooter’s equipment. Faulty parts like brakes can cause accidents.

A skilled e-scooter accident attorney is your advocate in uncovering the truth and holding the negligent party accountable. They meticulously establish the other party’s duty of care, reveal how it was breached, and connect their wrongful actions to the accident that upended your life. Beyond just proving causation, they highlight the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll you’ve endured, ensuring your pain is not dismissed but met with the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Do I Need a Scooter Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a scooter accident in Los Angeles, going through the complexities of personal injury law can be overwhelming. Whether it’s dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial strains from medical bills and lost wages, the intricacies require expert legal guidance.

A specialized scooter accident lawyer is indispensable in handling these complexities effectively. Here’s why securing professional legal representation is vital:

Determining the At-Fault Party
In Los Angeles, scooter accidents can involve intricate liability questions. An experienced scooter accident lawyer is indispensable in pinpointing the at-fault party, a task that can be formidable without legal expertise.

Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are more inclined to protect their profits than provide just compensation. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will ensure you are not disadvantaged during this vulnerable time.

Collection of Evidence
Amassing the necessary evidence to bolster your legal claims is essential to its triumph. Legal experts can collect and present this evidence thoroughly.

Focus on Recovery
Confronting the aftermath of a scooter accident should not include the added strain of legal proceedings or insurance negotiations. Employing a steadfast scooter accident lawyer allows the victim to concentrate on recovery without the extra stress.

Securing Maximum Compensation
In pursuit of payment for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses, your lawyer will strive for the optimum compensation. Their proficiency in personal injury claims is essential to reaching a favorable resolution.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we grasp the intricacies of personal injury claims in Los Angeles, including a scooter accident. By partnering with us, you gain a strong advocate in settlement negotiations and serenity throughout your recovery.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Scooter Accident Case

Facing mounting medical bills and the overwhelming stress of financial recovery can feel like an uphill battle. In these challenging moments, having a compassionate and relentless legal team by your side is not just important—it’s life-changing.

Here’s how Jacoby & Meyers rises above the rest to fight for your justice and peace of mind.

Dedicated Legal Teams
Our team, comprised of experienced personal injury attorneys, case managers, and support staff, ensures attention to every detail of your case, resulting in a powerful and effective legal strategy.

Client-Centric Approach
We communicate clearly and customize our legal strategies to meet the specific demands of your case. Our approach focuses on keeping you informed and involved and adapting our methods to fit your unique situation.

No Win, No Fee Commitment
Aware of the financial pressures that personal injury cases can bring, we begin by offering a free consultation to understand your specific situation without any financial commitment.
Subsequently, we operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless we win your case. This makes our premium legal services accessible regardless of your financial position.

Accessible Legal Support
With 14 offices throughout California, including Los Angeles, and a commitment to being readily available, we ensure that you can easily find the support and guidance you need.

Proven Track Record
We have achieved over $2 Billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. This history of success assures you that your personal injury case is in capable hands.

- Car Accidents: Our car accident lawyers have achieved settlements ranging from $1.1 million to $4.5 million.
- Truck Accidents: Our achievements include $17.5 million won by our truck accident attorneys.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Our team has secured up to $11 million for a single motorcycle accident case.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: We have effectively handled property negligence cases, achieving settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $3.25 million.
- Other Personal Injury Cases: We provide free consultations for other personal injury cases caused by negligence, such as dog bites, pedestrian collisions, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Accidents

How Much is the Compensation in Scooter Injury Claims?

Compensation in electric scooter cases can vary widely based on factors like the severity of the injuries and whether the scooter company shares any liability. Consulting a personal injury lawyer with experience in these cases is crucial to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

Overall, you can include three types of damages to maximize your compensation if applicable to your situation:

Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses you can prove through receipts, bills, or other documentation. These may include:

- Repair costs
- Past, current, and anticipated medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Loss of financial support

Non-economic damages capture the emotional and psychological toll of an accident, such as:

- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress caused by disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Punitive damages are additional costs if the court finds the liable party’s actions as extreme or malicious.

Every accident is unique, and so are the damages each victim may qualify for. Speaking with an experienced scooter accident attorney is vital to ensure no detail is overlooked. They can help build a thorough case, potentially uncovering compensable damages you might not have considered, paving the way for the full compensation you deserve.

Is There a Deadline for Scooter Accident Claims?

In California, the deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for scooter accident claims is strict, giving you just two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This legal deadline is critical—if you miss it, you may lose your right to pursue compensation forever, no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the other party’s fault.

However, some specific situations can change the allowed timeframe for filing a scooter accident case. For instance, when an accident occurs on government-owned property, you must file your claim within six months, requiring swift action to protect your rights.

Processing the aftermath of the accident while meeting these deadlines can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a dedicated legal team is beneficial—they’ll ensure every deadline is met while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Time is of the essence, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

How to Prevent Scooter Accidents

1. Wear helmets to protect against head injuries while operating e-scooters.
2. Avoid road hazards that can lead to accidents, such as potholes and debris.
3. Use the bike lane to increase visibility and avoid conflicts with vehicular traffic.
4. Ensure possession of a valid driver’s license to certify understanding of road rules.
5. Be prepared with knowledge of necessary actions post-accident, including contacting personal injury lawyers.

Talk to an Experienced Scooter Accident Lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers

In Los Angeles, where electric scooters are increasingly common, accidents involving motorized scooters can lead to complex legal situations. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, reaching out to experienced scooter accident lawyers is advisable. Our Los Angeles-based law firm specializes in handling cases for both scooter drivers and pedestrians affected by accidents with electric scooters.

We offer a free consultation to understand your case comprehensively and provide clear guidance on how to proceed with your injury claim. Give us a call today at 800-500-000 to get started, or fill out this free case evaluation form.

This article was written in collaboration with experienced personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers.

Los Angeles Scooter Accident Lawyer