Los Angeles E-Scooter Accident Lawyers Who Fight To Win

Injured on an e-scooter or e-bike in the San Fernando Valley? We can help

An electric scooter or electric bicycle accident may seem minor, but the injuries sustained in these crashes can be severe. Injuries from e-scooter and e-bicycle accidents are common in LA, where the e-crash rate surpasses the national average. According to a UCLA study, there are about 115 injuries for every 1 million scooter rides. Researchers predict even more such accidents in the future, as it is estimated that 1 in 10 trips shorter than 5 miles will be made on shareable e-scooters and e-bikes.

When an e-scooter accident happens, crash victims in the San Fernando Valley often struggle to determine who is at fault and how to pursue the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Oaks Law Firm in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills has extensive experience handling e-bicycle and e-scooter accident claims. We understand how to leverage the facts and California e-scooter laws to secure justice and compensation for crash victims.

If you were injured in an LA e-scooter accident, contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about how to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

What are the laws for electric scooters in California?

There are many services and manufacturers for e-bikes and e-scooters. In LA, common ones include LA Now, an LADOT micro-transit service, Metro Bike Share, Bird Scooter, and Lime Scooter.

Regardless of whether the accident involved a rented or shared e-scooter or a personal one, Los Angeles County has specific rules for e-bicycle and e-scooter use, parking, and public safety. The county code is nuanced, but basically, the following applies:

You must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate an e-scooter.
Helmets are not required, but strongly recommended.
Only one person may ride an e-scooter at a time.
E-scooters cannot exceed 15 mph – even if the posted speed limit is faster.
In general, e-scooters are not allowed on highways or roadways with posted speed limits over 25 mph-35 mph.
E-bikes and e-scooters cannot be parked just anywhere. Los Angeles requires riders to park in a manner that does not obstruct the roadway or sidewalk.
E-scooters can be driven on surface streets and bike lanes. However, under California state law, they are prohibited from using sidewalks.
When riding on the street, e-bicycles and e-scooters must follow the rules of the road, the same as cars, trucks, and motorcycles as well as cyclists and pedestrians.

Common causes of e-scooter accidents in LA County

To recover the compensation you deserve after an e-bike or e-scooter accident in LA County, it is important to understand the factors and causes associated with this type of crash. They present unique risks and legal challenges. Some common causes and factors contributing to e-bike and e-scooter accidents include:

Rider inexperience. Many e-bike and e-scooter riders might not have sufficient experience or training to operate these vehicles safely, particularly in busy urban settings. This lack of experience can lead to errors in judgment that cause accidents.
Equipment failure. Mechanical issues or failures with the e-bike or e-scooter, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or battery issues, can lead to crashes. Regular maintenance and checks are crucial but sometimes neglected by users and rental companies.
Distracted riders, pedestrians, and cyclists. E-bikes and e-scooters often share pathways with pedestrians. Accidents can occur, particularly in crowded areas, if riders or pedestrians are not paying attention to their surroundings.
Car and truck driver negligence. In many cities, e-bikes and e-scooters share the road with larger vehicles. The speed and size differences can lead to accidents, particularly if motor vehicle drivers are unaware of or disregard the presence of smaller, less protected e-bike and e-scooter riders.
Improper lane use. Riders who use the wrong lane or fail to comply with traffic rules can cause accidents. Motor vehicle operators who drive in bike lanes can also be a factor.
Speeding. Excessive speed reduces a rider's ability to react to road hazards or other vehicles. E-bikes, in particular, can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, increasing the risk and potential severity of accidents.
Alcohol and drug use. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many vehicular accidents, including those involving e-bikes and e-scooters. Impairment greatly decreases a driver’s reaction time and decision-making ability.

With so many possible ways for e-scooter crashes to happen, related injury claims typically require intensive investigations to determine liability. Navigating these cases often involves complex issues of product liability, road maintenance responsibilities, and car driver or user negligence. The LA e-scooter accident lawyers at Oaks Law Firm can conduct a thorough crash investigation that turns up important evidence to support your fight for maximum compensation.

Common e-scooter and e-bike accident injuries

E-scooter and e-bike accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Here are some of the most frequent injuries associated with e-scooter and e-bike accidents:

Head injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures due to falls or collisions.
Fractures and broken Bones: Wrists, arms, collarbones, and legs are particularly vulnerable during accidents. Impact with the ground or other objects often results in fractures or breaks.
Road rash: Sliding across pavement can cause severe skin abrasions, commonly known as road rash. These injuries can be painful and may lead to infections if not properly treated.
Sprains and strains: The sudden impact of a fall can cause sprains and strains in various parts of the body, including ankles, wrists, and knees.
Dental injuries: Face-first falls or collisions can result in chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, as well as jaw injuries.
Internal injuries: Severe impacts can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Spinal cord injuries: High-impact collisions can lead to serious spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
Lacerations and bruises: Sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause deep cuts and bruises, sometimes requiring stitches or other medical interventions.

Who is liable for an electric scooter accident?

Determining liability in e-scooter accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Figuring out who pays for the crash often involves a detailed examination of the accident circumstances, including witness statements, accident reports, and, when necessary, expert testimony.

However, the specific laws and statutes governing e-scooter use and liability can vary greatly by jurisdiction, making it important to consult with legal professionals experienced in personal injury and product liability law. Here are potential liable parties and the circumstances under which they may be considered at fault/liable:

E-scooter riders. The rider may be at fault if the accident was caused by their negligence, such as ignoring traffic laws, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or riding recklessly.
Pedestrians. A pedestrian could be liable if they acted negligently, leading to an accident. This might include jaywalking, abruptly stepping into the path of an e-scooter without looking or causing an obstruction.
Motor vehicle drivers. Motorists can be liable if they were driving recklessly, not paying attention to e-scooters legally sharing the road, or if they fail to yield the right of way in situations where the e-scooter rider has the legal right of way.
E-scooter rental companies. Companies could be found liable if the accident is linked to equipment failure, such as defective brakes or batteries, and it can be proven that they failed to perform necessary maintenance or safety checks.
Manufacturers. The manufacturer of the e-scooter could be held liable under product liability laws if a design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn about the potential dangers of the product caused the accident.
Property owners or municipalities. Property owners or local governments may be responsible if unsafe conditions on public or private property (like potholes, unsafe construction areas, or poorly maintained sidewalks) caused the e-scooter accident.
Other third parties. This can include construction companies leaving unsafe conditions on pathways, third-party vendors responsible for maintaining the e-scooters or helmets, or even companies responsible for road and light conditions if improperly maintained infrastructure contributed to the accident.

Ready to be heard? Contact our Los Angeles attorneys for a free case evaluation.

A San Fernando Valley e-scooter accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance to victims by thoroughly investigating the incident, identifying all potential liable parties, and navigating California's traffic and personal injury laws. At Oaks Law Firm, we are ready to do all of this and more.

Are you the injured victim of an LA e-scooter accident? Contact Oaks Law Firm for a free case evaluation, and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.