Electric scooters are everywhere in California, especially in dense cities like San Francisco. They're marketed as a convenient, fun way to get around—but when accidents happen, figuring out who is responsible can be surprisingly complicated.
Unlike traditional car accidents, scooter injury cases often involve multiple potential defendants, each pointing the finger at someone else.
Here's how liability really works.
Electric scooters fall into a gray area between pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles. As a result, scooter accident claims can involve:
Insurance companies often exploit this complexity to delay or deny claims.
Many scooter crashes are caused by factors outside the rider's control, including:
Determining liability requires looking closely at where and why the accident happened.
Drivers owe scooter riders the same duty of care they owe cyclists and pedestrians.
A driver may be liable if they:
Even when a scooter rider is not in a bike lane, drivers are still required to operate safely.
Scooter rental companies may be responsible if the accident involved:
While scooter companies often rely on liability waivers in their apps, those waivers do not automatically protect them from negligence claims, especially involving unsafe equipment.
Cities and public entities may be liable when injuries are caused by:
Claims against government entities follow strict deadlines and procedures. In California, missing these deadlines can permanently bar a claim—sometimes in as little as six months.
Insurance companies often argue that scooter riders:
California uses a comparative negligence system. This means an injured rider can still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault. Fault only reduces recovery—it does not eliminate it.
Because scooters offer little stability or protection, injuries are often serious, including:
Medical treatment, missed work, and long-term effects can quickly become overwhelming.
If you're injured:
Early investigation is critical—especially when government entities or corporations are involved.
Electric scooter accidents aren't "minor" just because the vehicle is small. Liability may rest with a driver, a scooter company, a city, or multiple parties at once.
If you were injured in a scooter accident in California, understanding who can be held responsible is the first step toward protecting your rights and recovering full compensation.
Don't let insurance companies or rental companies minimize your claim. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you navigate complex liability issues and fight for the compensation you deserve.
No fees unless we win your case
Beahm Law is a San Francisco-based personal injury law firm dedicated to helping accident victims throughout California. With extensive experience in complex liability cases, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients.
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