Electric scooters are transforming how Texans commute in their cities, providing a convenient way to travel short distances. However, as more people use electric scooters, the number of serious injuries is also increasing. Riders are especially vulnerable, facing dangers from inattentive motorists and hazardous sidewalks. If you’re hurt in an electric scooter accident and have medical bills, you need to know your legal rights to get the compensation you deserve.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, we bring over 65 years of experience handling serious personal injury cases throughout Texas. As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, we have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal representation to individuals who have been injured. We understand the specific challenges electric scooter accident victims face and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
What Are Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents?
Understanding how electric scooter accidents occur helps you establish liability and build a stronger claim. Pedestrian and scooter accidents share many risks, as both groups are exposed to traffic dangers.
Electric scooter accidents often result from several preventable causes, including:
- Driver negligence when motorists fail to check mirrors before turning or opening doors
- Defective equipment, such as brake failures, steering malfunctions, or battery issues
- Poor road maintenance, including potholes, uneven pavement, or debris
- Inadequate lighting that reduces visibility during evening or early morning rides
- Rental company negligence when scooters are not properly maintained or inspected
Severe injuries from these accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. The lack of protective equipment and the exposed position of riders both increase the severity of injuries.
How Do Texas Laws Apply to Electric Scooter Accidents?
The Texas Transportation Code requires riders to follow traffic laws, stay in designated areas, and maintain reasonable speeds. However, municipalities establish their own rules governing where scooters can operate and what safety equipment riders must use.
Liability in electric scooter accidents depends on establishing negligence. If another party’s careless actions caused your accident, you have grounds for compensation. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing you to recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, micromobility devices, including electric scooters, are involved in thousands of emergency room visits each year, highlighting the serious injury risk these devices pose.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Electric Scooter Injuries?
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation of the accident circumstances. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries.
Potential liable parties include:
- Motorists who fail to yield to the right of way or drive distracted
- Scooter rental companies that provide defective equipment
- Manufacturers, when product defects cause accidents
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe sidewalks or pathways
- Government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions
To establish liability, use accident reconstruction, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert testimony. In motorcycle crashes, you must also prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Electric Scooter Accident?
Texas law allows injured victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Your damages reflect the full impact of the accident on your life and future.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
In cases involving gross negligence (a severe lack of care) or intentional harm, you may also pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Can an Attorney Help With Your Electric Scooter Accident Claim?
Electric scooter accident cases require experienced representation to overcome unique legal challenges. Insurance companies minimize payouts by blaming riders or disputing the severity of injuries.
An attorney provides critical assistance through an investigation to gather evidence, consultation with medical experts, negotiation with insurance adjusters, and trial representation if settlement negotiations fail. Our firm’s trial experience means insurance companies recognize our willingness to litigate when fair settlements are not offered.
What Should You Do Immediately After an Electric Scooter Accident?
The actions you take immediately following an accident significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Even if injuries seem minor initially, some symptoms develop gradually. Keep the following steps in mind after an electric scooter accident:
- Seek medical attention, as some injuries may not present obvious symptoms right away
- Document the scene with photos of the accident location, vehicle positions, and visible injuries
- Obtain contact info from witnesses, drivers, and property owners
- Report the accident to the police and, if applicable, the scooter rental company
- Preserve evidence by keeping the scooter, helmet, clothing, and other relevant items
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation
Texas law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. The statute of limitations generally provides two years from the accident date, but exceptions exist.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP
Electric scooter accidents can result in devastating injuries that affect every aspect of your life. Understanding your legal options and pursuing fair compensation requires knowledge of Texas personal injury law and experience handling these specific cases. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP has spent over six decades fighting for injured Texans and holding negligent parties accountable.
As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm with a 98% success rate and over $100 million recovered for clients, we bring unmatched trial experience to your case. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help after an electric scooter accident. Call our office at (512) 253-3948 or complete a contact form to schedule your free consultation today.