Los Angeles Bird, Lime, and Lyft Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys

All over Los Angeles County, electric scooters from companies such as Bird, Lime, and Lyft, have become a common mode of transportation. They are advertised as sustainable, economical, and convenient, modes of transportation; however, with each use, is consequently, an increased injury risk to pedestrians, other motorists, and to the riders themselves. Determination of the party responsible in an electric scooter accident may be difficult, however with proper legal representation, the process will be less daunting.  

MKS Law Group handles personal injury claims resulting from electric scooter accidents throughout the entire state of California. Our firm is well versed in the relevant provisions of California’s Vehicle Code regarding motorized scooters. We use this knowledge to our advantage as we fight to protect the rights of injury victims. We strongly believe that no one should suffer because of another’s negligence but the reality is accidents do happen, and when they do, MKS Law Group will obtain you the compensation you deserve.  

What is an Electric Scooter? 

An electric scooter is a device with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, which is powered solely by an electric motor. Electric scooters may travel up to 15 miles per hour. Under the California Vehicle Code, riders must wear a helmet if they are under 18 years old, use bike lanes when available, stay off the sidewalks, have a valid driver’s license or permit, dismount and walk for left hand turns, and follow crosswalk and traffic rules like a motor vehicle. In addition, it is forbidden by law for E-scooter riders to ride with a passenger on the scooter, also known as a tandem ride.  

How Do Scooter Share Programs Operate? 

Scooter share programs are operated through a smartphone app. The E-scooter rider uses the app to locate nearby, available scooters, and once the rider selects a scooter, unlocks it by scanning a code on the scooter, rides the scooter to their destination, and relocks the scooter for the next available rider.  

Electric Scooter Accidents 

Electric scooters may be involved with many types of accidents, such as: 

• Crashes due to potholes, road hazards, debris, or fallen branches 
• Accidents where a pedestrian was struck by an electric scooter 
• Accidents where a pedestrian sustained an injury by avoiding being struck by an electric scooter 

• Riders avoiding other riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles, or obstacles 
• Dooring accidents 
• Left turn accidents 

Liability in an Electric Scooter Accident 

Determining who is liable in an electric scooter accident and recovering compensation can be difficult. Electric scooter riders are not required to carry liability insurance. If an E-scooter rider hits a pedestrian, it may be determined that the rider is legally responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries; however, liability may be reliant on whether or not the rider has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. 

If the rider is injured due to the electric scooter malfunctioning, the electric scooter company or the manufacturer may be held liable. In a scenario like this, it is vital to determine if the company was aware of the defect and failed to take corrective action. Many electric scooters are manufactured by companies based in China. Obtaining compensation from these foreign companies may pose a challenge.  

When an electric scooter rider is injured in an accident involving a collision with a motor vehicle, such as cars or trucks, compensation may be pursued from the driver if it can be proven that the driver was at fault. To prove that the driver may be at fault in a scenario like this for negligence, it must be shown: 

• The driver had a duty to operate the vehicle in a safe manner 
• The driver breached that duty 
• The actions of the driver caused the accident  
• The accident directly caused the electric scooter rider’s injuries and losses 

Liability may be possibly obtained from the responsible government agency if the accident occurred due to poorly maintained roads, sidewalks, curbs, or traffic signals. No matter the scenario in an accident involving an electric scooter, the attorneys at MKS Law Group can help you determine who is the party at fault and assist you in receiving compensation for your losses. 

Contact MKS Law Group If you were Injured in an accident involving a Bird or Lime or any other electric scooter. 

If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving an electric scooter anywhere in California, our legal team of personal injury attorneys can help. Our firm has experience pursuing personal injury claims on behalf of injured victims. We will fight to protect your rights and we will do everything in our power to fight for your right to compensation. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our law firm today at (310) 904-9222 for a free consultation.