Electric scooters are a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel through Pasadena. While they offer an affordable alternative for short trips, they are not without risks. Scooter malfunctions can cause severe injuries, leaving victims facing medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress.
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, our experienced Pasadena scooter attorneys are here to help if you’ve been injured due to a defective or malfunctioning electric scooter. We are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Call our Pasadena scooter attorneys at (626) 642-9302 today for a free consultation and fight for the compensation you deserve!
Common Electric Scooter Malfunctions
Electric scooters, like Bird, Lime, Jump, and Lyft models, rely on their design and components to operate safely. However, malfunctions can occur for various reasons, putting riders at significant risk. The most common electric scooter malfunctions that result in injuries include:
Brake Failures: Defective brakes make it impossible to stop in time, leading to collisions or falls.
Handlebar Issues: Loose, detached, or collapsing handlebars make it difficult to steer and maintain control.
Throttle Stuck at Full Speed: A stuck throttle can cause sudden, uncontrollable acceleration, putting riders in danger.
Unexpected Speed Changes: Malfunctions where the scooter speeds up when brakes are applied or abruptly stops mid-ride.
Structural Failures: Faults such as cracked or broken baseboards can cause accidents during a ride.
Wheel Lockups: Malfunctioning wheels that lock up during use can throw riders off balance.
Battery or Electrical Problems: Scooters shutting down mid-ride or catching fire due to battery defects can pose serious hazards.
High-profile recalls, such as Lime’s removal of scooters with unsafe baseboards or battery fire risks, highlight the dangers posed by malfunctioning scooters. When injuries result from these malfunctions, it’s essential to consult a knowledgeable electric scooter accident lawyer to understand your rights and legal options.
Determining Liability When a Scooter Malfunction Causes an Accident
When an electric scooter malfunctions and causes an accident, identifying the liable party can be challenging. Liability often falls into one of three categories:
Manufacturer Liability:
Defective components such as faulty brakes, unstable handlebars, or weak frame structures may cause sudden accidents.
Manufacturers may be held responsible if their product design or production process leads to these dangerous defects.
Scooter Company Liability:
Companies like Bird, Lime, and Lyft are responsible for maintaining their fleet of scooters.
If an accident occurs due to inadequate maintenance, such as failing to replace worn tires or not updating faulty software, the company could be held accountable.
Third-Party Liability:
In some cases, another party—such as a motorist or pedestrian—may contribute to the accident.
Poor road conditions maintained by local government agencies can also be a factor.
Building a strong case requires gathering evidence, such as accident reports, maintenance records, and expert inspections. With a skilled Pasadena scooter attorney on your side, you can identify all liable parties and maximize your chance of receiving compensation.
California’s Electric Scooter Regulations
California has specific laws governing electric scooters to promote safety for riders and pedestrians alike. Understanding these regulations is vital to protecting yourself and resolving liability in the event of an accident.
Key points of California’s scooter regulations include:
Helmet Use: Riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets. While not mandatory for adults, helmets provide necessary protection in the event of a crash.
License Requirement: Riders must hold a driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate an electric scooter legally.
Speed Limits: Scooters are restricted to a maximum speed of 15 mph.
No Sidewalk Riding: Riding on sidewalks is prohibited unless the purpose is to park the scooter.
Restricted Roads: Scooters can only be ridden on roads with speed limits under 25 mph unless a designated bike lane is available.
Violating these regulations can complicate your accident claim and may reduce your compensation. A knowledgeable electric scooter accident lawyer will ensure these laws are understood and leveraged in your case.
How McGee Lerer Ogrin Can Help
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we understand the devastating impact a scooter malfunction injury can have on your life. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation. Here’s how we can help:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We assess the circumstances of your accident, identifying all potential sources of liability.
Evidence Collection: Our legal team gathers crucial evidence, including maintenance records, manufacturer reports, and witness statements.
Negotiation with Insurers: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. We negotiate aggressively to secure maximum compensation.
Litigation: If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact McGee Lerer Ogrin for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a malfunctioning electric scooter in Pasadena, don’t wait to take action. Time is critical for collecting evidence and building your case. Contact McGee Lerer Ogrin today for a free consultation. Our experienced Pasadena scooter attorneys will fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery. Call us or fill out our online form now to get started.
Call our experienced Pasadena scooter attorneys today at (626) 642-9302 for a free consultation and get the justice and compensation you deserve!
