Motorized scooters have become an incredibly popular form of transportation across the country. This is particularly true in urban neighborhoods and cities. In Los Angeles, scooters are even available for rent. Scooters offer an alternative to large vehicles while also providing speed. Most scooters can reach up to 15 MPH. Unfortunately, scooter accidents have become problematic in Los Angeles. Doctors in the emergency department at Los Angeles Cedars-Sinai report that there has been a sharp rise “in patients seeking treatment for head, wrist, elbow and hip injuries related to scooter use.”
Scooters themselves may be no more dangerous than a motorcycle or bike. However, there are reasons that the number of scooter accidents in Los Angeles has outpaced accidents with similar vehicles in recent months.
No License Required: If you want to operate a motorcycle or moped in California, you need a special driver’s license. In order to get this license, you have to demonstrate that you know how to operate the vehicle safely. Scooters are essentially small mopeds. In fact, experts say that the differences between the two vehicles are quite limited. However, you don’t need a license to ride a scooter. As a result, many inexperienced and unqualified individuals are operating these scooters on Los Angeles roads.
No Mandate for Safety Equipment: Motorcyclists, cyclists, and moped users are encouraged, and sometimes even required, to wear certain safety gear. Scooter riders are not. In fact, most scooter riders hit the open road without so much as a helmet or safety pad. When an accident happens, the risk of a serious or fatal injury increases.
Distractions: Scooter riders also tend to be distracted. Hospital officials note that scooter riders are “prone to wearing earbuds.” As a result, they are less likely to be aware of their surroundings. Earbuds limit the ability to hear traffic and others around them.
Riding on Sidewalks: Scooters are typically operated on sidewalks. This poses a threat to pedestrians. Distracted scooter operators are likely to run into and hurt pedestrians. If scooters operate on the road, they are more likely to be struck by a car.
Abandoned Scooters: When you rent a scooter in Los Angeles there is no specific docking station. As a result, many scooters are simply abandoned along the streets and sidewalks. This creates a hazard for other scooter riders and everyone else on the road.
If you are injured in a Los Angeles scooter accident it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence contributed to your accident. Negligence occurs when someone owes you a duty of care but does something to put you in jeopardy. You may be able to file a scooter accident lawsuit against:
A successful lawsuit can allow you to recover monetary damages for the harm you have suffered. Damages can include money for:
At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation even if you share fault for your scooter accident. In California, fault is not necessarily a bar to recovery. You can get money as long as someone else was also to blame.
However, your recovery will be reduced if you share fault. For example, if you are 25 percent to blame, your damages will be reduced by 25 percent. If someone else was also injured, you may be liable for 25 percent of their damages.
As your attorneys, we will work to reduce your role in the accident. A thorough investigation can help to uncover evidence that proves others are mostly to blame. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Have you been injured in a Los Angeles scooter accident? Contact Glotzer & Leib, LLP to learn about your legal rights and options. Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are here to help you get the money you deserve. Call to schedule your free case evaluation today.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
Helpful information, news about the firm and latest updates
December 14th, 2023
Being involved in a car crash can be a jarring and disorienting experience. It's not just the immediate physical impact; the aftermath of a car accident can bring a slew...
August 27th, 2023
Uber, the popular ride-sharing service, has revolutionized the way people travel. While it offers convenience and accessibility, it also presents certain risks, includin...
August 26th, 2023
Personal injury claims arise when individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. In these legal cases, plaintiffs seek compensation for the...
