Burbank Scooter Accident Lawyer
California is home to beautiful, vibrant weather. More than ever, residents and tourists are enjoying nature by riding electric scooters and push scooters. Scooters are more accessible than ever in large cities as companies are making them readily available to the public, including the greater Los Angeles area. We have all seen them, and they come in a variety of colors and brands such as Bird, Lime, Scoot, Jump (owned by Uber) Lyft, Spin, Sherpa & Bolt. Although these scooters can be cost efficient and convenient by means of avoiding traffic, they can also be hazardous.
They are also sometimes referred to as “dockless scooters,” meaning they have multiple locations throughout a city or town where they can be dropped off and picked up.
Like cyclists, e-scooter riders understand the need to look out for their own safety. Some accidents however are not the rider’s fault and is caused by negligent automobile drivers. Across America, there are reports of more scooter riders sustaining injuries that are no fault of their own.
If you suffered a serious injury or your loved one was killed in a scooter accident, a Burbank scooter injury lawyer experienced in personal injury cases can be your best resource.
Burbank Lawyers for Scooter and E-Scooter Accidents, CA
Yarian & Associates, APC is here to ensure your safety is taken seriously. Though scooter and scooter accidents are relatively new compared to other personal injury cases, we have decades of experience representing people who have suffered from an array of personal injuries including bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents and car accidents.
The Burbank personal injury attorneys at Yarian & Associates, APC can evaluate your claim and see if you are eligible for compensation. Since most scooter riders are not anticipating getting into a crash, few riders wear the protection necessary to prevent serious injury if they are hit by an automobile or motorcycle. A scooter accident can cause serious health issues. You should not have to suffer alone if you have been struck. We represent clients throughout California including Long Beach, Visalia, Burbank, Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
Not sure what to do if you have been hit while riding a scooter? We can be your guide. Call (844)291-1911 or schedule an appointment online today.
Overview of scooter accidents in California
- Types of scooters
- Cities in the greater Los Angeles area where scooters can be found
- Causes of scooter accidents
- Injuries caused by scooters
- Determining liability in scooter accidents
- Additional resources
Types of Scooters
- Kick scooter – This scooter requires no charge or gas to operate. To move, the user kicks their foot along the ground, propelling the scooter forward.
- Electric scooter – Also known as an e-scooter, electric scooters are powered by a small engine that propels it forward. The engine is charged with electricity. Riders stand on the scooter and typically power it through a mechanism on the handles. E-scooters can have two or three wheels. The speed of an e-scooter can vary but a wide array of online sources state these scooters can be as low as 5 mph to a little more than 20 mph.
- Seat scooters – These are e-scooters that have a seat the rider can sit on. Some seat scooters resemble kick scooters that have the addition of a seat while others can appear to be similar to motorcycles in design.
Any of these types of scooters can be found in cities all over the country, depending on what that city’s tourism goals are. Before riding any scooter, riders should familiarize themselves with the equipment. Riders should also be knowledgeable of local laws and restrictions – are the scooters not allowed on sidewalks? Are riders required to use bicycle lanes only? Similar to bicycles and motor vehicles, it is the responsibility of the scooter rider to know the rules of the road.
Cities In The Los Angeles Area Where Scooters Can Be Found
- Los Angeles
- Altadena
- East Pasadena
- Venice
- Santa Monica
- Beverly Hills
- Culver City
- Long Beach
Scooters and e-scooters may become more available in other cities around Los Angeles in the near future as their popularity grows.
Causes of Scooter Accidents
The most common cause of scooter and e-scooter injuries and fatalities involves being struck by a car, truck, or any other motor vehicle. Riders can also be injured if the scooters are faulty. Though these crashes can occur in many ways, some injuries or fatalities can stem from:
- Striking or being struck by a car pulling out of an alley, driveway, or small street;
- Collisions at intersections, with or without traffic controls such as stop signs;
- Unsafe roadway conditions;
- Vehicles merging and changing lanes;
- Having a car door opened into the rider’s path (known as “dooring” accidents);
- A car making a turn into the scooter or e-scooter rider, or the biker’s path (known as a “right hook” or “left cross”);
- Motorists not giving scooter riders enough room on roadways; and
- Being rear-ended by a motor vehicle.
Injuries Caused by Scooters
Like bicycles, scooter riders should wear helmets and other protective gear like elbow pads and knee pads. Without these protective pieces, a scooter or e-scooter rider can sustain serious injuries in a crash. The Austin Public Health Department in Austin, Texas partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations to study the most common scooter injuries. Researchers found the most common scooter injuries include:
- Bone fractures to the lower and upper limbs, chest and head
- Nerve, tendon, or ligament injuries
- Severe bleeding
- Sustained organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury including concussions
Determining Liability in Scooter Accidents
Drivers can cause injury to scooter riders in many ways, including:
- Not seeing scooter riders due to not paying attention to the road;
- Driving too fast and having the proper control of their vehicle;
- Turning to quickly in front of a scooter rider, cutting them off;
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and
- Not giving scooter riders the proper amount of space on the road
Injuries can also be sustained to the user if the scooter is defective such as having faulty turning handles or broken wheels. In these instances, the company owning the scooters could be liable for injuries.
It is possible for scooter riders to be the cause of the crash. Even if you are at fault, however, a practiced personal injury attorney can help you get a settlement for your injuries. Under California law, an injury victim may recover in proportion to the other party’s fault, even if he or she bears most of the responsibility.
If you have been injured or someone you know has been killed in a scooter crash, you may still be able to recover damages.
Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
The attorneys at Yarian & Associates, APC can help you recover with the compensation you deserve. Our team of attorneys has filed many accident-related claims with uncompromising results. Attorney Yarian has secured million-dollar settlements for accident injury cases. With our experience and skill we will:
- Understand your legal options;
- Conduct an investigation into the accident;
- Challenge the police report’s findings, if it is not in your favor;
- Help prevent insurance companies from settling too soon;
- Ensure that your long-term medical, psychological and financial needs are identified and the cost fairly calculated; and
- Fight for maximum compensation
Recovering from a scooter injury can be a long, hard road. It is a road you should not head down alone. Call (844)291-1911 or schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Burbank personal injury attorneys today.
Additional Resources
Dockless Electric Scooter-Related Injuries Study – Read the full study conducted by the Austin Public Health Department in Austin, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations to learn more about scooter-related injuries.
Los Angeles Department of Transportation Dockless Mobility – Read the full rules on dockless scooters in Los Angles on the city’s website.
