Who Is Liable for My San Jose E-Scooter Accident?

 Posted on September 11, 2024 in Car Accident

Since 2018, e-scooters have provided convenient transportation in San Jose. Several approved vendors in the city let you rent bikes and e-scooters, encouraging more people to utilize these micro-mobility options. Riders are prohibited from using sidewalks; instead, they must use streets and bike lanes, if available.

Sharing the roads with motor vehicles means there is a higher chance of e-scooter riders being involved in collisions. E-scooter accidents can seriously injure riders, especially if cars are traveling at higher speeds. Determining who is responsible for these collisions is often complicated, but you do not have to do it alone. Call an experienced lawyer from Fuller Law Firm for your free consultation so we can discuss your case and explain how we can help.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in E-Scooter Accidents?

Riders stand on the e-scooter’s platform with no protection if cars hit them. Similar to injuries in pedestrian accidents, riders may experience three separate stages of impact. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones

• Head and facial injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage

• Neck, back, knee, and hip injuries

• Internal bleeding and organ damage

• Bruises and cuts

These and other injuries usually require extensive medical treatment and can cause significant pain. You may be out of work for an extended period during your recovery, often leading to financial troubles. Your injuries may also diminish your quality of life.

What Damages Are Available for E-Scooter Injuries?

You may qualify to receive multiple damages, such as reimbursement and compensation for losses including:

• Medical care

• Property damage

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent disability

• Losing the ability to enjoy life

Fuller Law Firm will calculate each category of available damages to ensure that your settlement reflects the highest possible amount. 

Who Is Liable for Your Damages?

Your legal team needs to investigate your e-scooter accident to find out why it happened and determine who was responsible. This liability is often shared between more than one person. Potentially liable parties in an e-scooter accident include:

• Vehicle drivers

• E-scooter riders

• Pedestrians

• Bicyclists

• The government agency responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred

• The e-scooter company

• E-scooter or parts manufacturers

Accidents can happen for many reasons, and it is impossible to say who is to blame until we investigate. You may even share a portion of the fault. Under California laws, you can obtain a settlement from other at-fault parties, but your percentage of fault will reduce the amount. For example, if you are 15 percent at fault, you may only obtain 85 percent of your total damages.

Call Our Skilled San Jose, CA E-Scooter Lawyer Today

Getting as much compensation as you deserve after an e-scooter accident is not easy if you handle your case alone. Fuller Law Firm will work diligently to protect your best interests and achieve a favorable case outcome. Call us now at 408-234-7563 for your free consultation with our determined Palo Alto, CA personal injury attorney.