Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys in Sherman Oaks

Injured in an electric scooter accident in Sherman Oaks, CA? Our experienced team is here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Electric scooters (or “e-scooters”) are a convenient way to get around Sherman Oaks’ busy streets, but accidents can happen suddenly – leaving riders, pedestrians, and even drivers with serious injuries. On this page, we provide a comprehensive guide to electric scooter accidents in Sherman Oaks, covering who may be liable, how insurance claims work, and what compensation you can seek. Our tone is professional yet approachable, so you feel informed and confident about taking the next steps.

Serving All Accident Victims: Whether you were hurt while riding an e-scooter, hit by someone on a scooter as a pedestrian, or involved in a collision avoiding a scooter on the road, we have the knowledge and experience to assist. Read on to learn about your rights after a scooter accident, and how our Sherman Oaks accident attorneys can help you move forward. If you need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Understanding Electric Scooter Accidents in Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks has seen a surge in electric scooter use, with residents and visitors zipping along Ventura Boulevard and neighborhood streets on rentable scooters. With this rise in popularity, unfortunately, has come a rise in accidents. Studies show that e-scooter injuries are surprisingly common. In Los Angeles, there are about 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter trips – a rate higher than the injury rates for cars or bicycles. If you’ve been injured in a scooter-related crash, our Sherman Oaks personal injury attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Researchers warn that as e-scooters become more prevalent, accidents could increase; one report even predicts that 1 in 10 short trips (under 5 miles) will soon be taken on e-scooters or e-bikes​

These numbers highlight a simple fact: electric scooter accidents are not rare freak events, but a real public safety concern in our community. Local emergency rooms have already felt the impact. For example, in just a one-year period (2017–2018), 249 emergency room visits in the Los Angeles/Santa Monica area were linked to e-scooter injuries​

Victims often suffer broken bones, head trauma, sprains, and lacerations as a result of scooter crashes. Tragically, some incidents are even fatal – a Consumer Reports study identified at least 8 rider deaths and 1,500 injuries nationwide over a recent two-year span​

Sherman Oaks Specific Risks: As a bustling neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks presents unique conditions for scooter riders. Busy intersections (like Ventura Blvd & Sepulveda) and heavy traffic increase the risk of collisions. Scooter riders may share the road with cars or use bike lanes, but if they venture onto sidewalks or crowded crosswalks, pedestrians can be put in danger. Our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers understand the local traffic patterns and scooter hot-spots, which helps in investigating accidents and proving who was at fault. By examining the specifics of your Sherman Oaks accident – the location, road conditions, time of day, and parties involved – we can build a strong case on your behalf.

Common Causes and Liability in E-Scooter Accidents

What causes most electric scooter accidents, and who can be held liable? Scooter crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, and determining fault is often the key to a successful claim. Here are some common causes of e-scooter accidents in Sherman Oaks and who might be legally responsible in each scenario:

• Negligent Drivers: Many e-scooter riders are injured when a car or truck driver hits them. A driver might fail to see the scooter (especially at night or at an intersection) or misjudge its speed. In such cases, the vehicle driver can be held liable for the rider’s injuries if the driver’s negligence (speeding, distracted driving, running a stop sign, etc.) caused the crash. Example: A car makes an unsafe turn on Ventura Boulevard and strikes a scooter in the bike lane – the driver’s auto insurance would typically be responsible for the rider’s damages.
• Scooter Rider Error: On the other hand, sometimes e-scooter riders cause accidents that hurt others. A scooter rider zipping through a crowded sidewalk or ignoring traffic rules could hit a pedestrian or cause a bicyclist or driver to swerve and crash. In those cases, the scooter rider may be liable for any injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers. If you were a pedestrian hit by a scooter, our Sherman Oaks pedestrian accident attorneys can help you pursue a claim against the rider (or other at-fault parties).
• Poor Road Conditions or Hazards: Electric scooters have small wheels, which makes them vulnerable to potholes, debris, or uneven pavement. A rider might be thrown off balance if they hit a large crack in the road or an obstacle. If an accident happened due to hazardous road conditions, the entity responsible for maintaining that area could be liable. For instance, if a poorly maintained crosswalk or a construction crew’s negligence caused the crash, a claim might be brought against a city agency or construction company for failing to keep the area safe. (These cases can be complex due to government immunity rules and special claim deadlines – another reason to consult an attorney promptly.)
• Mechanical Failures (Scooter Defects): Sometimes the scooter itself malfunctions – brakes fail, the accelerator sticks, or the scooter unexpectedly loses power. If a defective scooter or battery caused the accident, the manufacturer or rental company could be held responsible under product liability laws. For example, if a Bird or Lime rental scooter had faulty brakes leading to a crash, the company might be partially at fault for providing a dangerous vehicle. Proving a product defect often requires expert analysis, and our team can investigate if an equipment failure contributed to your injuries.
• Other Parties: There are situations where multiple parties share blame. For example, imagine a scenario where a car swerves to avoid a scooter rider who ran a red light, and then the car hits a third party. The liability could be shared between the scooter rider (for the initial reckless act) and the driver (if they were also speeding or reacted negligently). California’s comparative negligence law allows injured victims to recover compensation even if they were partly at fault – however, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. This means if you, as a rider or pedestrian, were partially responsible (maybe not wearing a helmet or not paying full attention), you might still recover damages, just adjusted for your share of blame.

Determining liability in an electric scooter accident can be tricky. Insurance companies often dispute fault, especially when multiple people or companies are involved. Our job is to thoroughly investigate your accident – gathering police reports, eyewitness statements, video footage, and expert opinions – to pinpoint exactly how it happened.

By doing so, we identify all potential defendants (the driver, the scooter company, the city, etc.) and pursue all avenues for compensation. You shouldn’t have to bear the cost of an injury that someone else (or some company) caused through negligence. If you were injured due to a reckless driver or unsafe conditions, our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys can help you build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Injuries and Consequences of Scooter Accidents

E-scooter crashes often result in serious injuries, even at moderate speeds. Riders have little protection (usually just a helmet, if that), and pedestrians hit by a fast-moving scooter can be caught completely off guard. Some common electric scooter accident injuries include:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are unfortunately common, especially if the rider or pedestrian wasn’t wearing a helmet. A UCLA study found head trauma to be the most frequent injury in e-scooter ER visits, highlighting how dangerous a fall or collision can be. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can lead to lasting cognitive issues, headaches, and mood changes.
• Bone Fractures: Broken arms, wrists, ankles, and collarbones often occur when riders are thrown off a scooter or when pedestrians are knocked down. Fractures can require surgery and months of rehabilitation. In scooter accidents studied, about 40% of injured riders sustained fractures or dislocations​, underscoring the force of impact these small vehicles can deliver.
• Sprains and Soft Tissue Injuries: Not all injuries are broken bones – many victims suffer sprains, strains, and deep bruises (contusions). Severe sprains or torn ligaments (for example, a torn ACL in the knee or wrist ligament damage) can be painful and limit mobility for a long time. Whiplash and other soft tissue neck/back injuries are also possible, particularly if a vehicle collision is involved.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Because e-scooter accidents often involve skidding on pavement or hitting objects, victims may get serious cuts, road rash, or lacerations. These wounds might require stitches and can leave permanent scars. In some cases, deep lacerations can damage nerves or tendons.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Though less common, high-impact crashes (for example, a scooter rider hit by a car at speed) can result in back and spinal cord injuries. This can range from herniated discs to, in severe instances, partial paralysis. Such life-altering injuries demand significant compensation for long-term care, and they highlight why safety is so critical.
• Emotional Trauma: It’s worth noting that beyond the physical injuries, many scooter accident victims suffer emotional and psychological trauma. Being struck unexpectedly or involved in a violent crash can lead to PTSD, anxiety about traveling, and other mental health challenges. These non-physical injuries are real and compensable under the law as part of “pain and suffering.”

The consequences of these injuries can be devastating. You may face steep medical bills for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and follow-up treatments. You might have to miss work for weeks or months, losing income and straining your finances. The pain from your injuries and the inconvenience of being unable to walk or use an arm can greatly reduce your quality of life. We’ve seen clients struggle with everyday tasks, and families having to adjust their routines to care for an injured loved one.

If you’re dealing with any of these outcomes after a scooter accident, know that you’re not alone and that legal help is available. Our role as your attorneys is to help you recover not just financially, but also to give you peace of mind so you can focus on healing. Next, we’ll discuss the legal avenues for seeking compensation for all these consequences.

Navigating Insurance Claims After a Scooter Accident

One of the most confusing aspects of an electric scooter accident is dealing with insurance. Unlike car accidents, where the at-fault driver’s auto insurance is clearly involved, scooter accidents can involve multiple insurance policies – and sometimes none that readily apply. Here’s a breakdown of how insurance claims might work in these cases:

• Auto Insurance (for Vehicle Drivers): If a car or other vehicle hit you while you were riding a scooter (or hit you as a pedestrian because of a scooter), the at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover your injuries. California law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which can compensate injured victims up to the policy limits. However, insurance companies often try to deny or minimize these claims – they might argue the scooter wasn’t following the rules, or that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Tip: Never accept a quick settlement or give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer without getting legal advice. We can communicate with the auto insurer on your behalf to protect your rights.
• Homeowners or Renters Insurance (for Negligent Riders): If you were a pedestrian hit by a scooter rider, you might wonder how to get compensated since scooters themselves usually aren’t insured like cars. Often, a claim can be made against the rider’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance (if the rider has one), because those policies sometimes cover personal liability for injuries caused by the policyholder’s negligence. For example, if a scooter rider was recklessly zipping through a crowded sidewalk and hit you, your attorney can explore a claim through that rider’s personal insurance. If no such insurance is available, the rider can be held personally liable, though their ability to pay might be limited – which is why we investigate all possible sources of coverage.
• Scooter Company Insurance: Companies like Bird, Lime, or Spin typically have insurance for their business, but they often try to avoid liability for rider-caused incidents by arguing riders accept the risk (per the user agreement). However, if the accident was partly due to the scooter malfunctioning or a maintenance issue, the rental company’s insurance could come into play. These situations are complex – scooter companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters to protect their interests​. Having our legal team on your side evens the playing field. We understand the fine print of user agreements and product liability law to push back when a company is responsible.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If you were on a scooter and a car driver hit you who has no insurance or not enough insurance, your own auto insurance’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage might cover your injuries (yes, even though you were on a scooter at the time – UM coverage in California can apply when you’re a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car). We will review your insurance policies to see if this safety net applies. Many people don’t realize they have this coverage that could help in a hit-and-run or low-insurance scenario.
• Medical Insurance and Liens: In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your health insurance (if you have it) will often pay for your medical treatment. But if you later get a legal settlement, your health insurer might claim reimbursement out of your compensation (this is called a lien). Part of our job is negotiating any medical liens to ensure that you keep as much of your settlement as possible. If you don’t have health insurance, we can also help arrange medical care on a lien basis (where the doctors wait to be paid from the eventual settlement).

As you can see, insurance claims after a scooter accident can be a maze. It’s easy to say the wrong thing to an adjuster or miss a source of recovery. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling these claims in Sherman Oaks and throughout Los Angeles. We will manage all the insurance paperwork and negotiations for you, working to get every dollar you deserve. Bottom line: Don’t go it alone against the insurance companies – our knowledge can make the difference in securing a fair outcome.

Compensation for Electric Scooter Accident Victims

A primary goal after any accident is to make sure you are fully compensated for all your losses. In legal terms, this means pursuing damages from the at-fault party (or parties). Electric scooter accident victims in Sherman Oaks may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all medical bills related to your injury – emergency room treatment, ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you’ll need. Even seemingly small injuries can add up to large bills (for example, MRI scans, casts, and follow-ups for a fractured arm). We work to recover the full value of your past and future medical costs.
• Lost Wages and Earnings: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim lost income for the days or weeks you couldn’t earn a paycheck. For more severe injuries that impact your ability to work long-term or leave you with a disability, we also pursue compensation for loss of future earning capacity. For instance, if a spinal injury means you can only work part-time or have to take a lower-paying job, that future loss should be factored into your settlement.
• Pain and Suffering: This category covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured due to the accident and injuries. There isn’t a bill or receipt for these, but they are very real damages. Factors include the severity of pain, the inconvenience, any scarring or disfigurement, and the overall impact on your life (unable to enjoy hobbies, travel, or even perform daily tasks without pain). Our attorneys will compile evidence – medical notes, personal diaries, even testimonies from loved ones – to demonstrate how profoundly the injury affected you, which helps justify a higher pain and suffering award.
• Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you can claim repair or replacement costs. For scooter riders, this might include a damaged phone, glasses, or backpack you had on you. If you owned the e-scooter (not a rental), you can claim its value if it was destroyed. Pedestrians might have torn clothing or broken personal items from the collision.
• Rehabilitation and Miscellaneous Costs: Serious injuries often come with extra expenses – for example, the cost of rehabilitation equipment (crutches, wheelchair, braces), retrofitting your home (installing a ramp or shower bars), or hiring help for chores you can’t do while recovering. Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket costs related to the injury; these can be added to your claim.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the unfortunate event that a loved one was killed in an electric scooter accident, close family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This would seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship and love that the deceased would have provided. While no amount of money can heal that pain, it can help secure the family’s financial future and hold the responsible party accountable.

Our legal team’s aim is to maximize the compensation you receive. We do this by thoroughly documenting every aspect of your loss and building a persuasive case for why you deserve the amount we’re demanding. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for a low figure – but we won’t let them shortchange you. By preparing each case as if it may go to trial, we show the other side that we mean business and that they need to offer a fair settlement or face us in court.

What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident

If you or someone you care about is involved in an e-scooter accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a quick guide on what to do after a scooter accident in Sherman Oaks:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. If you’re seriously hurt, call 911 or have someone do it for you. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries (like concussions or internal injuries) might not be obvious right away. Prompt medical records also document that your injuries were caused by the accident, which is important for any claim.
2. Call the Police: In many scooter accidents (especially those involving vehicles or significant injuries), it’s wise to have a police report. The LAPD or local Sherman Oaks traffic police can come to the scene, secure it, and take statements. A police report will record key details (names, contact info, insurance of drivers, etc.) and often notes initial observations about fault. Even if the driver fled or it was a single-scooter crash, reporting it creates an official record.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are able, try to document the scene. Take photos or videos of the accident location, the scooter, any vehicles involved, skid marks, street signs or signals, and your injuries. If there were witnesses, get their names and phone numbers – their testimony could be valuable later. In Sherman Oaks, there may be security cameras on businesses or traffic cams; note any nearby cameras as they might have caught footage.
4. Report the Incident to the Scooter Company: If a rented electric scooter (Bird, Lime, etc.) was involved, report the crash through their app or customer service. Do not sign any statements or waivers from them at this point – simply notify them for the record. They might ask for details; it’s okay to provide basic facts, but avoid admitting any fault. This notification can help if there was a product issue and also prevents others from using a potentially damaged scooter.
5. Do Not Negotiate with Insurers Alone: You may get a call from the other party’s insurance adjuster soon after the accident. It’s usually best not to give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer until you’ve gotten legal advice. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but their goal is to minimize what they pay you. Politely tell them the matter is under investigation or refer them to your attorney once you have one.
6. Consult an Electric Scooter Accident Attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks as soon as you can. A lawyer will protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and start investigating your case properly. Most injury lawyers (including us) offer a free consultation, so it costs nothing to learn your options. And if we take your case, we work on a contingency fee – meaning we only get paid if we recover money for you. Reach out to us before evidence disappears or memories fade; the sooner we get involved, the stronger your case can be.

Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your position if you decide to pursue an injury claim. We know it’s a lot to handle, especially when you’re hurt and shaken up. If you hire our firm, we’ll guide you through each step, handling the heavy lifting of the legal process while you focus on healing.

Why You Need a Sherman Oaks Scooter Accident Attorney

You might be wondering, “Do I really need a lawyer for this?” After all, some scooter accidents might seem straightforward. But experience shows that having a skilled attorney on your side can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why working with our Sherman Oaks electric scooter accident attorneys is so important:

• Proving Fault Can Be Complicated: As discussed, liability in scooter accidents isn’t always clear-cut. We have the expertise to investigate and prove fault, even in complex scenarios. Our team will gather the evidence and expert opinions needed to show exactly how the accident happened and who should pay. We know the nuances of California traffic laws and scooter regulations, which helps in countering any arguments that you were to blame. For example, if an insurance company tries to claim you were riding improperly, we can cite specific California e-scooter laws (like where scooters are allowed to ride, helmet rules, etc.) to bolster your case.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: An insurance company’s first offer is often far below what you truly deserve. They might pay your medical bills but ignore your pain and suffering, or not account for future expenses. Our attorneys have handled many cases like yours and understand the true value of your claim. We won’t let insurers undervalue things like your lost future earnings or the emotional toll of the accident. Our negotiation skills and reputation as tough litigators mean we push for a full and fair settlement – and we’re not afraid to take the case to court if the insurance won’t budge.
• Handling the Legal Heavy Lifting: After an accident, you should be focused on recovery, not wrangling with paperwork or legal deadlines. When you hire us, we manage every aspect of your case: filing legal documents, communicating with insurance adjusters, negotiating hospital liens, and if necessary, filing a lawsuit and litigating it. California law has statutes of limitation (deadlines) for injury claims – generally two years for personal injury – and even shorter deadlines if a government entity is involved. We make sure no deadlines are missed and all procedural requirements are met, so your right to compensation is protected.
• Experience with Similar Cases: Our legal team has specific experience with scooter and pedestrian accidents in the Los Angeles area. We understand the common tactics that defendants and insurers use in these cases (for instance, claiming the scooter rider assumed the risk by riding, or arguing that a pedestrian “stepped in front of” the scooter). We stay up-to-date on relevant case law and emerging issues (like new e-scooter ordinances or litigation against scooter companies). This knowledge allows us to craft effective strategies tailored to your situation. In short, we’ve been down this road before and know how to navigate it successfully.
• No Upfront Costs: We believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of finances. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket – our fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment we win for you. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours: we’re motivated to get you the maximum compensation as efficiently as possible.

Choosing the right attorney can bring you peace of mind during a stressful time. When you work with us, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re gaining a support system. We pride ourselves on being responsive and compassionate. Clients often tell us they appreciate that we take the time to answer questions in plain English, keep them updated on the case progress, and genuinely care about their well-being. Our goal is to relieve your burden by handling the legal fight while you focus on getting back on your feet.

Your Trusted Advocate in Sherman Oaks, CA – Here to Help

Electric scooter accidents can upend your life in an instant. Injuries, medical bills, and insurance hassles create a whirlwind of stress. During such a challenging time, having a trusted legal advocate can make all the difference. Our firm has helped many accident victims in Sherman Oaks and the greater Los Angeles area, and we’re ready to help you too. We combine local expertise (knowledge of Sherman Oaks streets, intersections, and courts) with the resources and skill of a proven personal injury practice.

When you choose us, we commit to fight tirelessly for your rights. From the moment you reach out, we will listen to your story with compassion and give you an honest assessment of your case. If we move forward together, know that we will treat your case with the utmost dedication and attention to detail – because we understand that behind every case is a person whose life has been impacted. Our mission is not just to win your case, but to help you rebuild and recover.

Ready to take the next step? We are here to answer your questions and explain your options. Contact our Sherman Oaks electric scooter accident attorneys today to discuss your situation. You don’t have to navigate this ordeal on your own. Let us put our experience to work for you and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call to Action: Get a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident in Sherman Oaks, don’t wait – get the help and advice you need now. Time is of the essence in preserving evidence and strengthening your claim. Call us today at (877) 659-9223 or send us a message to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team. We’ll review the details of your accident, answer any questions you have, and outline the next steps to protect your rights.

When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you need is additional stress. Let our dedicated scooter accident attorneys handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims and are ready to fight for you. Don’t face this journey alone – let us help you obtain the compensation and justice you’re entitled to.