Electric scooters have quickly become one of the most inexpensive, convenient short-distance travel means across many of California’s major cities. Electric scooters are an environmentally-friendly, quick, and economical way to get around. Even still, they have caused many serious injuries, and the incident rate of electric scooter accidents is undoubtedly going to rise as their use increases in popularity.
If you are injured while riding any of the following types of scooters, protecting your legal rights should be your priority after getting medical care:
Our experienced scooter accident lawyers at Kash Legal Group have successfully represented scooter accident victims in throughout California.
Simply put, we know how to handle your scooter accident claim. Our experience in negotiating fair settlements, filing lawsuits, and taking injury cases to trial when necessary is exactly what you need to receive the compensation you deserve. We are always up to date on the latest technologies, including electric scooters, and what California personal injury laws apply in these cases. No matter where your accident occurred or what type of electric scooter was involved, our Los Angeles scooter accident attorneys know how to protect your legal rights throughout the entire case process.
Section 21235 of the California Vehicle Code now clarifies the legal obligations of drivers while operating electric scooters. Under this law, scooter operators cannot:
unless it has a brake that will allow them to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with speed limits over 25 MPH, unless the motorized scooter is operated on a Class II or Class IV bikeway.
Operate a motorized scooter without wearing a fastened and adequately fitting bicycle helmet that meets the requirements detailed in Section 21212 if the scooter's rider is less than 18 years of age.
Operate a motorized scooter without possessing a valid driver's license or instructional permit.
Operate a motorized scooter with any additional passengers.
Anything that will keep the driver from keeping at least one hand up the handlebars at all times.
Operate a motorized scooter up a sidewalk unless it is necessary to enter or leave an adjacent property.
Operate a motorized scooter on a highway with the handlebars raised so that the operator must elevate their hands above the level of their shoulders to grasp the designated grip area.
Anything that will keep the driver from keeping at least one hand up the handlebars at all times.
Or their personage while on the roadway, by any means, to another vehicle on the road.
In addition to these state law restrictions, municipalities can and have enacted their own local regulations for the use of scooters within city and county limits. All scooter riders should check with the local municipality to ensure they understand what the laws are. If you are involved in a scooter accident, you should ensure that your California scooter accident lawyer is well-versed in state and local scooter laws.
The same causative factors that apply to car, bike, and pedestrian accidents, also apply to scooter rental accidents.
Common causes include:
Still, some causes are unique to scooters. For example, a rider could be unfamiliar with the scooter and accidentally veer into oncoming traffic. Maybe a driver isn’t familiar with a scooter’s size and attempts to pass too closely next to another vehicle or object.
Whether or not it is clear who is liable for your scooter accident, it’s always best to consult with an experienced e-scooter accident attorney as soon as you can. Even if you believe you could have some fault, a skilled Los Angeles scooter accident lawyer can still help you maximize your compensation.
Jonathan M. Kashani is the founder of Kash Legal Group, specializing in personal injury law with a commitment to providing personalized client services and high-quality legal representation. He holds a Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law and is admitted to practice in all state courts of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Already existing personal injury laws provide clear rules regarding the legal responsibility, or liability, which should be applied to scooter accidents. A scooter driver could be legally responsible for a crash if they were breaking the law, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent. The scooter rider can also be liable if they crossed the roadway outside of a crosswalk, against a signal, or violated traffic laws in some other manner. Keep in mind that both the driver and the scooter rider can have partial liability for an accident if both were negligent in causing it.
Suppose the accident was caused by a defective scooter or vehicle. In that case, the scooter’s manufacturer or vehicle’s manufacturer can also be held liable for an accident. For instance, if a driver hit a scooter because of a brake defect, the automaker could be liable for the injuries sustained by any victims. Likewise, a scooter manufacturer could be liable for defects that prevented the rider from somehow avoiding a crash.
You’ve been in an e-scooter accident, now what? It’s often difficult to know what to do after any kind of traffic accident. Electric scooters can make accidents even more confusing. You likely have many questions and may even feel like you have nowhere to turn. You can turn to us. We will answer your questions and advocate for you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact Kash Legal Group today at (888) 527-4128 or online to book your complimentary legal consultation with one of our experienced California electric scooter injury lawyers.
We will be in touch within 24 hours.
Request Police Report
© 2024 Kash Legal Group, All Rights Reserved.
