Electric scooters are no longer a novelty. They’re everywhere—on city sidewalks, in bike lanes, and increasingly, in emergency rooms. As convenient as they are, scooters bring risk. If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a scooter, you already know how quickly everything can change. One moment, you’re commuting or cruising—and the next, you’re in pain, confused, and unsure about your rights.
This guide walks you through what you need to do after being hit while riding a scooter, including how to protect your health, your legal rights, and your future. Whether you need a scooter accident lawyer, scooter injury lawyer, or electric scooter accident attorney, here’s what matters most.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, go to the emergency room or urgent care. Some injuries—especially head trauma, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—can take hours or days to fully show symptoms.
Medical records also serve as legal evidence. If you plan to file a claim later, documentation from your initial evaluation will be a key part of your case.
Don’t downplay your injuries. If you delay care, insurers will argue that you weren’t really hurt or that something else caused your symptoms.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
You need an official record of what happened. Don’t leave the scene without calling law enforcement—even if the driver wants to “settle it privately.”
When officers arrive, give them a clear, factual account. Don’t guess or exaggerate. Be honest about what you know and what you don’t.
Make sure your version of the events is included in the police report. If you can’t get a copy at the scene, ask how to request it later.
Police reports are often critical in proving fault—especially when drivers deny responsibility.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, document everything:
- Photos of your scooter, the vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area
- The driver’s name, license plate, and insurance info
- Contact details for any eyewitnesses
- Notes about the time, weather, traffic signals, and any security cameras nearby
The more details you collect, the stronger your claim will be later. Evidence fades fast—cars drive off, conditions change, and memories get fuzzy. Your smartphone is your best tool right now.
Step 4: Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company
You might get a call from the driver’s insurance adjuster. Their job is to save the company money—not to help you.
Don’t give a recorded statement. Don’t agree to anything. Don’t say you’re “fine.”
Even offhand comments can be used to reduce your settlement or deny your claim entirely. Politely decline to speak until you’ve hired a scooter injury lawyer.
Step 5: Understand What Determines Fault
Like car and bike accidents, liability in scooter accidents often boils down to negligence—who acted carelessly.
Here are common factors that help determine fault:
- Right of way violations: Was the driver turning across a bike lane or crosswalk you were legally using?
- Speeding: Was the driver going too fast for conditions?
- Distraction: Was the driver texting or not paying attention?
- Impairment: Was the driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
- Scooter use: Were you riding legally—on the right side of the road, obeying traffic signals?
States differ in how they handle shared fault. In contributory negligence states, you may be barred from recovering compensation if you’re even 1% at fault. In comparative negligence states, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of blame.
An experienced electric scooter accident attorney can help interpret how fault laws apply to your case.
Who Are the Potentially Liable Parties?
The driver may be the obvious party, but not the only one. A thorough investigation may reveal other responsible parties:
1. The Vehicle Driver
This is often the person at fault—especially if they hit you while turning, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
2. The Scooter Company
If a defect in the scooter caused the crash—like brake failure or a battery issue—the manufacturer or rental company could be liable.
In 2020, Consumer Reports found that many electric scooter models had persistent design flaws that led to crashes and injuries.
3. City or State Government
Poor road conditions, lack of proper signage, potholes, or dangerous intersections can create hazards. If the city failed to maintain safe conditions, they could be partially liable.
Keep in mind: claims against public entities often have shorter filing deadlines, sometimes as little as 60–90 days after the crash.
4. Other Road Users
Sometimes a third party—another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian—may trigger a chain reaction that causes your accident.
Uncovering all potential sources of liability requires investigation, resources, and legal experience.
Step 6: Talk to a Scooter Accident Lawyer
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Permanent disability
But to get fair compensation, you’ll need legal support. Insurance companies aren’t going to offer a fair deal upfront. That’s not how they operate.
A scooter accident lawyer does more than file paperwork. They build your case, work with medical experts, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and—if needed—take your case to court.
They know how to argue liability, assess the value of your injuries, and push back on lowball settlement offers.
Why Call Mike Slocumb Law Firm
At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we’ve handled thousands of injury claims—many involving scooters, bikes, and pedestrian accidents. Our attorneys know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and maximize your financial recovery.
When you call us, you’ll speak with a real scooter injury lawyer, not just a case manager. We’ll listen to what happened, review your options, and let you know exactly what your next steps should be.
No legal jargon. No pressure. Just real answers.
And we don’t get paid unless you win.
What’s the Deadline to File a Claim?
Each state has a statute of limitations—a legal deadline for filing injury lawsuits.
In most states, that window is between one and three years. But some claims (like those against government entities) may need to be filed in just a few months.
Waiting too long can mean losing your right to any compensation at all.
Don’t risk that. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, it costs nothing to talk to a lawyer.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a scooter, the steps you take next matter.
Your health, your financial future, and your peace of mind are on the line.
Start by getting medical help. Then document everything. Don’t deal with insurers on your own.
Instead, reach out to the experienced team at Mike Slocumb Law Firm. We’ll explain your rights, evaluate your case, and help you decide how to move forward—with confidence.
You didn’t ask to be hit. But you can take control of what happens next.
Call Mike Slocumb Law Firm today. Talk to a scooter accident lawyer who’s ready to fight for you.