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Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Bicycle Cases We Handle
- Dooring Accidents
- Right Hook Accidents
- Left Hook Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Crosswalk Accidents
- Road Rage Incidents
- Hit and Run Incidents
- E-Bike Crashes
- E-Scooter Crashes
- Bus Collisions
- Truck Collisions
- Rideshare Collisions
- Taxi Collisions
- Failure to Stop Accidents
- Underinsured Motorist Collisions
- Product Liability Claims
- Delivery Worker Accidents
- Messenger Accidents
- Bike Share Incidents
E-Scooter Bicycle Accidents
Helping Victims of E-Scooter Accidents Seek Financial Compensation
Our Chicago bike crash attorney team has a proven record of securing compensation for injured cyclists in Chicago. Electric scooter accident injuries leave victims with medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. We have a strong track record of helping injured scooter riders in Chicago recover compensation, securing millions in bike crash settlements, including:
- $2,250,000 – A commuter suffered a head injury after being struck while riding to work.
- $1,000,000 – A 26-year-old woman sustained a torn rotator cuff in a dooring accident.
- $250,000 – A rider required arthroscopic knee surgery after a driver failed to yield on a busy intersection during rush hour.
Common Types of Electric Scooter Accidents and Injuries
E-scooter accidents occur in various ways, often leading to serious injuries for riders, pedestrians, and others on city streets. Common accident scenarios include:
- Collisions with motor vehicles – Many riders are struck by cars due to distracted driving, failure to yield, or speeding.
- Collisions with pedestrians – E-scooter riders who don’t follow traffic laws or ride on sidewalks may collide with pedestrians, resulting in injuries.
- Collisions with bicycles or other e-scooters – In crowded bicycle lanes, riders may crash into cyclists or other e-scooters, causing falls and injuries.
- Single-scooter accidents – Potholes, uneven surfaces, road hazards, or wet pavement can cause riders to lose control, leading to falls.
- Accidents caused by defective e-scooters – Malfunctioning brakes, battery fires, or faulty throttles can lead to serious crashes.
Common injuries from electric scooter accidents include head injuries, fractures, lacerations, road rash, spinal injuries, and internal trauma.
E-Scooter Accidents Statistics
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 169,300 emergency department visits related to electric scooter accidents from 2017 to 2022.
The surface type played a significant role in accidents, with 74% of injuries on paved roads, 23% on sidewalks, and 3% in driveways. Poor visibility was also a contributing factor, as 23% of injured electric scooter riders reported that darkness or difficult lighting conditions affected their ability to see.
Distractions were another common factor, with 11% of accidents involving e-scooter riders using a cell phone, listening to music, or otherwise distracted. Additionally, 32% of injured riders were carrying an object, such as a bag, purse, or backpack, at the time of the accident, which may have impacted balance and control.
Regarding safety gear, only 13% of riders wear helmets, while 42% had blinking lights or a headlamp for visibility. Protective equipment such as knee and elbow pads was used in 3% of cases, while 51% of e-scooter riders did not report wearing any safety gear.
The data also shows 111 fatalities linked to electric scooter accidents, with motor vehicle collisions being the primary cause, leading to 75 deaths.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
E-scooter accidents happen for many reasons, often leading to serious injuries for riders and others. Common causes include:
- Rider inexperience;
- Road hazards;
- Vehicle collisions;
- Defective scooters;
- Distracted riding;
- Lack of protective gear.
Illinois Law and E-Scooter Regulations
Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, as amended by Public Act 103-0899, e-scooters are considered similar to bicycles and must follow traffic laws, including obeying stop signs and signals. Riders must use designated lanes or the right side of the road when available. E-scooters cannot be operated on highways or roads with speed limits over 35 mph unless allowed by local law.
The City of Chicago rules allow electric scooters in bike lanes and streets but prohibits riding on sidewalks. Some areas, such as parks and pedestrian zones, may have restrictions. Other Illinois cities may have additional regulations, and some require permits for rental e-scooter companies.
Illinois does not have a statewide helmet law for e-scooter riders, but wearing a helmet is strongly recommended to prevent serious head injuries. Some cities require protective gear for rental scooters.
Under Amendment SB2930, most Illinois cities require riders to be at least 18 years old, or 16 with parental consent, to operate an electric scooter legally.
Determining Liability in E-Scooter Accident Cases
Liability in electric scooter accidents is determined by negligence, meaning someone acted carelessly and caused harm. To prove negligence, four key elements must be established:
- Duty – The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely, such as following traffic laws and yielding to scooter riders.
- Breach – They failed to meet that duty, like a driver distracted by a cell phone or a scooter company failing to maintain its fleet.
- Causation – Their actions directly caused the electric scooter accident, such as a car running a red light or a pothole causing a crash.
- Damages – The victim suffered e-scooter injuries, leading to medical treatment expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses.
What Electric Scooter Riders Should Do After an Accident in Chicago
Taking the right steps after an electric scooter accident can protect your health and legal rights.
Collect the driver’s contact and insurance details, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene, injuries, and road hazards. If police respond, request a copy of the accident report.
Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical treatment immediately. Some e-scooter injuries may not show symptoms right away but can have lifelong consequences.
Notify the scooter company or rental company about the accident. They may document the incident, investigate potential malfunctions, or be held responsible for defective e-scooters.
Avoid apologizing or making statements that could be used against you. Speak with a Chicago scooter accident lawyer before discussing the crash with insurance companies or other parties.
Investigation Process for E-Scooter Accidents
A thorough investigation is crucial to building a strong electric scooter accident case and proving liability. One of the first steps is obtaining the police report, which can provide key details about the crash, including statements from those involved and any citations issued.
Examining the e-scooter and accident scene is another important part of the investigation. Photos of the scooter, road conditions, vehicle damage, and injuries can help establish the cause of the crash. If the accident involved a rental e-scooter, checking for malfunctions or defective components may reveal whether the scooter company shares responsibility.
In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be needed to analyze the evidence and determine whether road hazards, a defective scooter, or another party’s negligence contributed to the crash.
Compensation Recovered in Electric Scooter Accident Cases
E-scooter accident victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity;
- Property damage;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Reduced quality of life.
Why You Need a Chicago Scooter Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced Chicago scooter accident attorney increases your chances of securing the maximum recovery through a settlement or personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify negligent parties, such as motor vehicle drivers, e-scooter companies, or government entities.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an attorney can handle negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Legal representation can strengthen a case and improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Consult a Chicago Scooter Accident Attorney Near You!
Our Chicago scooter accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these legal claims and fighting for the rights of injured riders.
If you suffered injuries in an electric scooter car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and take legal action to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
Our Illinois bicycle accident lawyer team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We offer a free consultation so you can discuss your case with a knowledgeable Chicago scooter accident attorney at no cost.
