E-scooter accidents in Orange County are becoming more common as riders share busy streets and sidewalks with drivers and pedestrians. Along dense traffic corridors in Little Saigon or West Garden Grove, a collision involving an e-scooter and a car or truck driver can lead to serious injuries for scooter riders. Anyone who suffers a personal injury from this type of collision should understand their legal rights and options.
When Is Someone at Fault for an E-Scooter Collision?
The rate of e-scooter collisions has risen drastically over the past several years, with 2022 seeing 56,847 collisions compared to only several thousand five years earlier. In 2023, Orange County saw 17,809 collisions involving automobiles, and injuries and deaths from those numbers include pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of small electric vehicles.
Someone is at fault for an e-scooter collision when their negligence or careless actions create unsafe conditions that lead to a crash. This can include drivers who fail to yield, speed, or drive while distracted, as well as riders who ignore traffic laws or operate scooters recklessly. Fault may extend to property owners who allow dangerous conditions to exist.
What Are My Rights When Riding an E-Scooter?
E-scooter riders have the same right to use public roads and bike lanes in accordance with local traffic laws. In California, riders are generally expected to follow the same rules as bicyclists, including obeying traffic signals and yielding when required. Riders also have the right to expect that drivers will avoid actions that could jeopardize the safety of e-scooter riders.
If a collision occurs due to another party’s negligence, injured riders have the right to pursue compensation for their losses. An injury claim can be filed with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier or through a civil court claim. If the insurance carrier does not act in good faith and in accordance with the terms of their policy, they can be held liable. The civil courts also afford plaintiffs the right to pursue fair compensation from a negligent driver.
Steps to Take Following an E-Scooter Collision
Whether your e-scoot collision occurs in Little Saigon, Balboa Peninsula, Downtown Santa Ana, or elsewhere in Orange County, your first priority should be your safety. Move to a secure location if possible and call 911 to report the incident. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries don’t seem major. Some symptoms may appear later. If you are able, document the scene of the collision by taking photos or videos of the vehicles and road conditions.
Exchange insurance and contact information with all involved parties and gather names and statements from any witnesses. Avoid talking about fault or making assumptions about what may have caused the collision. When speaking with police, provide clear and accurate information to facilitate the process of making an official report.
Keep records of your medical treatments, expenses tied to the collision, and any missed time from work. These forms of documentation can prove important later on. Take the time to contact an experienced injury lawyer to manage your claim so your case is handled by someone who understands the injury claims process and how to protect your interests and right to pursue compensation.
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“I got rear ended at the worst possible time — I had just got out of the hospital after blowing out my knee in the biggest football game I ever played when I was rear ended by car that pushed another car into mine. It seemed like such a lound impact but I thought I might be okay at first. That turned out to be way off because my body just felt like I was run over by a dump truck when I woke up the next day. Right after the crahs, I didn’t feel to badly but as the first couple days went, I got worse and worse. Even though I was going to the chiropracter, I just wasn’t getting better.
Thankfully my attorneys Aaron Sinfield and John S. Oney IV stepped in. They made sure the other driver had to pay for what happened to me and even helped get my truck out of impound so it would stop racking up storage fees. They handled everything when the insurance company wouldn’t.” Jude O.
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Why You Should Hire an E-Scooter Accident Lawyer
Con 9,661 e-scooter and e-bike docking stations being located across the country as of mid-2025, there are many users of these small and convenient modes of transportation. If you were struck by a negligent driver while riding an electric scooter, your top priority should be to hire an E-scooter accident attorney who understands California’s E-scooter accident laws.
An E-scooter accident attorney manages E-scooter accident cases, so they understand the burden of proof that must be met before their client can secure a fair settlement or favorable court verdict. Their focused support can play a key role in guiding the injury claims process with a focus on seeing that you are financially restored for the harm you endured.
Preguntas frecuentes
What Laws Govern Electric Scooters in California?
Electric scooters in California are regulated under the Código de Vehículos de California. Riders must generally be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license or permit. Helmets are required for riders under 18. Scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph and are typically allowed on roads that have speed limits of 25 mph or less, and in bike lanes. Riding along a sidewalk is usually prohibited unless allowed by local ordinance.
What Injuries Are Common in Electric Scooter Accidents?
Common injuries after an electronic scooter accident include cuts, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma. If the rider was not wearing a helmet, that could lead to a traumatic brain injury. Internal organ damage could also result from a collision. Not all symptoms are readily apparent in the aftermath of a crash, which is why seeking medical attention is crucial.
Who May Be Liable in an Electric Scooter Accident?
When a driver hits an electric scooter rider, the operator of the vehicle is often at fault. Common forms of driver error include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and driver fatigue. Complex cases may involve multiple shared liabilities. Liability is often established through a careful analysis of the evidence, including photos, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
How Long Do You Have to File an Electric Scooter Injury Claim in California?
The amount of time injured parties generally have to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the incident. This is known as the statute of limitations, and these deadlines are strictly enforced by the courts. Waiting too long to file an injury claim can also lead to challenges when it comes to gathering the right types of evidence.
Injured in an E-Scooter Accident? Contact Easton & Easton Today
E-scooters continue to be a popular mode of transportation in California. When a negligent driver causes an injury, the e-scooter rider may be eligible to pursue compensation by filing an injury claim. Easton & Easton brings more than a century of combined legal experience to these matters.
Our law firm has represented injured clients for decades, and we bring a track record of positive outcomes to these types of cases. Póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina to schedule your consultation so we can get to work helping you reclaim what you deserve.