What to Know About Electric Scooter Accidents in Los Angeles
Posted on September 25, 2019 Written By: iadminlaw
Motorized scooters are increasingly prominent in the Los Angeles area. They bring a lot of convenience, but also the risk of accident and injury. What does the law say about these scooters, and how can you stay as safe as can be? Get tips from I Accident Lawyer.
What to Know About Electric Scooter Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, like many major metropolitan areas, is in the middle of a transportation revolution. The advent of rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft has fundamentally altered the way people get around. And now, electric scooters are also becoming increasingly popular means of locomotion.
In particular, companies like Bird and Lime have filled Los Angeles with dockless scooters; you can unlock them using your smartphone, and whizz around town until you no longer need them.
This has brought a high level of convenience, but also some very real public safety risks. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the likelihood of electric scooter accidents, and also offer some tips on what to do if you’re ever injured by one of these scooters here in the Los Angeles area.
Defining Electric Scooters
Let’s start with a basic definition. Yes, you probably know what an electric scooter is, but there’s some value in understanding how scooters are defined by the law.
In California, a scooter is legally defined as a vehicle that has handlebars, two wheels, a floorboard, and something riders can stand on. Legislators in the state have advised that 25 mph should be imposed as the maximum speed for these scooters, while many public safety advocates say that this is much too fast, especially in densely populated areas.
What else does the law say about electric scooters? Surprisingly little, actually. For one thing, riders were once supposed to wear helmets any time their scooter was in motion, though this regulation has been dropped. And, unlike cars, electric scooters do not have to be registered in any way with the DMV.
With that said, there are a few statutes currently being enforced:
- It is prohibited to ride electric or motorized scooters on sidewalks.
- The current speed limit is 15 mph.
- You’re supposed to have a driver’s license in order to operate one of these scooters, which means they’re off limits to anyone under 16.
Additional Facts About Electric Scooters in Los Angeles
In addition to those legal points, here are a few additional considerations to make with regard to electric and motorized scooters.
Companies that Provide Electric Scooters
In addition to Bird and Lime, Los Angeles residents also have access to scooters from Lyft and Uber.
Scooter Safety Hazards
There are a number of factors that can cause riders to lose control over their scooters, potentially resulting in accident and/or injury. Some of the most common factors in scooter accidents include high speeds; illicitly riding on the sidewalk; or being thrown off balance by uneven and poorly maintained roads.
Liability in Scooter Accidents
In the event of a scooter accident, it’s always important to prove liability… and there are many parties who could potentially be found to be legally at fault. These parties include riders, pedestrians, scooter companies, and the city itself. Additionally, in accidents involving scooters as well as cars or trucks, drivers can be held legally liable.
Staying Safe and Legal
If you plan on riding one of these electric scooters through Los Angeles, there are a few tips to keep in mind in order to avoid accidents and to stay out of trouble with the law. These tips include:
- Always wear a helmet; even if the law doesn’t require it, it’s a good, basic safety precaution.
- Make sure you don’t use these motorized scooters unless you have a valid driver’s license on you.
- Avoid using these scooters after dark… and if you have to use them, wear reflective clothing and/or make sure your scooter is properly illuminated. Visibility is key for avoiding accidents.
- Avoid having multiple people on a scooter; riding alone is always the safest option.
- As you operate a scooter, be especially mindful around intersections, which is where most accidents tend to happen.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks, and make sure you adhere to the speed limit (15 mph for electric scooters, though this is subject to legal revision).
- Make sure you keep both hands on the scooter at all times; this is definitely not a time to be texting, etc.
- In the interest of being as mindful and attentive as possible, it’s wise to avoid wearing headphones while you’re riding one of these scooters.
- Remember that accidents can occur at any time and involve anyone, including other scooter riders, car and truck drivers, and pedestrians. Always be on alert!
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Scooter Accident
By following the tips outlined above, you can mitigate your risk of accident and injury; yet, even the safest and most careful scooter operators can find themselves involved in collisions. If that happens to you, here are some important steps to take.
- Always seek medical evaluation and care, even if you don’t think you “need” it.
- Avoid admitting fault or saying you’re sorry, even if you honestly do think you’re to blame.
- Make sure you collect the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other party/parties involved.
- Talk with a personal injury attorney who has specific experience with rideshare accidents and scooter accidents.
Why Choose I Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a scooter accident in the Los Angeles area and need someone to represent your legal interests, we welcome you to call I Accident Lawyer, day or night. Here are just some of the reasons to choose our team:
- We have ample experience working with those injured in scooter accidents.
- We only represent those who have been injured in accidents, never insurance carriers or rideshare companies.
- We are available to come talk with you about your case 24/7, and are happy to meet with you at home, in your office, or in the hospital.
- We always fight for our clients to receive the maximum monetary compensation.
- We only get paid if you get paid; we don’t bill our clients until we win their case!
Scooters bring convenience, but they also invite real risk. If you’re injured in an accident, make sure you seek experienced legal counsel. Reach out to I Accident Lawyer to learn more.
