Can I File an Injury Claim for an E-Scooter Accident in California?

E-Scooters have emerged as a popular mode of transportation for California residents of all ages. However, instances do arise where e-scooters are involved in accidents. When they do, individuals may be left wrongfully injured and unsure of whether they can be compensated. Filing a personal injury claim after an e-scooter accident is a possibility, depending on the circumstances surrounding your incident. 

E-scooter accidents can range in severity, as there are numerous factors to consider. The speed of the motorist who caused the crash, whether the scooter operator wore a helmet or not, where the accident occurred, and various other factors can contribute to the severity of the accident. Regardless of the factors involved, our trusted e-scooter accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm are on your side. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 to take the first step towards filing a personal injury claim. 

E-Scooter Laws in California 

E-scooters are subject to a variety of specific regulations in California when operating on public roadways, such as: 

• Helmet Use. The state of California mandates that all e-scooter riders wear a helmet while riding. 
• Where You Can Ride. E-scooters may not be used on sidewalks. They are only permitted for use in bike lanes or on streets. 
• Speed Limit. California has a 15 mph speed limit for e-scooters. Exceeding this is illegal and may result in a ticket that could cost up to $250. 
• Capacity. The legal riding capacity for e-scooters in California is one person per e-scooter. 
• Age and Licensing. According to California law, anyone who is at least 16 years old and has their driver’s license, or learner’s permit, may operate an e-scooter. 

What Should I Do After an E-Scooter Accident in California? 

After being involved in a scooter accident, there are measures you can take to protect your wellbeing and preserve evidence that may be later used when filing a personal injury claim. Our attorneys recommend taking the following measures after an e-scooter accident in California: 

• Get to Safety. If possible, move away from the accident scene and check yourself for bodily injuries. 
• Contact Emergency Services. Getting emergency services to the scene as soon as possible is critical to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of yourself and anyone else involved in the crash. 
• Report the Accident. By reporting the accident to the local authorities, you will have official police documentation of the incident. If possible, obtain a copy of the police report, as it can serve as crucial evidence later when pursuing a personal injury claim.  
• Document the Accident Scene. Take pictures and videos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and any property damage. Reaching out to nearby property owners who may have cameras can also provide you with footage of the accident itself.  
• Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, it is important to receive a thorough medical evaluation. Some accident injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent and often require a medical professional to diagnose them. 
• Call The Barnes Firm. After receiving medical attention and gathering evidence, you’ll want to speak with a trusted personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling accident cases and will be able to guide you towards filing a personal injury claim.  

Can I File an Injury Claim After my E-Scooter Accident? 

Yes, you may be able to file a personal injury claim after an e-scooter accident in California if you were wrongfully injured by a negligent party. This means the negligent motorist breached their duty of care to ensure the safety of others on the road. However, you must also be able to prove that this negligent motorist’s breach led to the accident and directly caused your injuries and losses. It can be difficult to prove this on your own, especially if you’re still recovering from the incident itself.  

However, a knowledgeable e-scooter accident attorney at The Barnes Firm can help. Our attorneys will evaluate your case free of charge, identify all liable parties and how they contributed to your losses, compile evidence, hold negligent parties liable, and even take your case to trial, if necessary. If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.

Determining Liability After an E-Scooter Accident 

Determining liability can be a long and complex process, especially in e-scooter accidents where multiple factors and parties can have a role. Our team of California personal injury lawyers have found that liable parties in e-scooter crashes may include: 

• Motorists. People driving motor vehicles who acted negligently may be liable. 
• Government Entities. Uneven pavement, potholes, fading lane markers, and more can cause accidents.  
• Vehicle Manufacturers. If the motorist who hit you experienced a vehicle malfunction that caused the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for your injuries and losses. 
• E-Scooter Manufacturers. If the e-scooter you were riding malfunctioned, causing you to crash, then the manufacturer of the e-scooter could potentially be liable. 
• E-Scooter Riders. If you or another person riding an e-scooter violated traffic laws or drove recklessly, then liability for the accident may fall on the rider.  

It’s also important that you understand how the state of California’s comparative negligence works. Comparative negligence means that if multiple parties, including you, are found to be at-fault for an accident, then there will be degrees of liability assigned accordingly. Your degree of liability for the accident impacts the amount of compensation you can recover. It is wise to consult with an e-scooter accident attorney who knows how to determine liability in these types of accidents, ensuring that you are not wrongfully accused by the other party. 

What if a Teenager Caused my Accident? 

Instances involving a teenage driver can be more complex, but do not usually impede your ability to file a personal injury claim. If a teenage driver caused your e-scooter accident, the following legislation becomes involved: 

• Driving Privilege Application. According to California law, when a minor under the age of 18 causes an accident, the legal responsibility can extend to whoever endorsed their driver’s license application. The endorser in these scenarios is typically a parent or guardian, who will share liability for any damages caused by their teen’s negligence. 
• Negligent Entrustment. Parents or guardians can potentially face legal consequences if they carelessly permitted a teen known for reckless driving, or an incapability to drive safely, to drive a car.  
• Vicarious Liability for a Child’s Actions. This refers to the laws that hold parents and guardians liable for their minor’s actions when they cause injury or damages to others.  

If you were wrongfully injured by a negligent teenage driver, speak with an e-scooter accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm who can guide you through the legal process and help you get the best result possible. 

How Can a Lawyer Help?

After being injured in an e-scooter accident, The Barnes Firm can help you by: 

• Evaluating your case, free of charge. 
• Investigating the details of your case, including the circumstances leading up to the crash. 
• Compiling evidence that accurately details the accident itself and how the liable party’s negligent actions directly caused your injuries and losses. 
• Being available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case. 
• Guiding you through the legal process.  
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf. 
• Helping you get the maximum compensation available for the full extent of your injuries and losses because of the accident. 
• Advocating for you in trial, if necessary. 

After an e-scooter accident, you’ll want a trusted personal injury attorney on your side. Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to discover the true value of your case.   

If You’ve Been Injured Riding an E-Scooter, Call The Barnes Firm 

After an e-scooter accident, you’re likely left injured and unsure of what to do next. As medical bills pile up and insurance adjusters try to get you to settle on an unfair offer, recovery becomes more difficult to handle alone. However, our team of California personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm are here to help you get the justice and rightful compensation you deserve. To speak with a skilled e-scooter accident attorney today, call us at (800) 800-0000. It could be the best call you make.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes