E-Scooter Lawsuits in Los Angeles: How to File, Fees, and What Your Case Could Be Worth
Electric scooters have become a fixture on the streets of Los Angeles, but this convenience has come at a cost. A sharp rise in e-scooter accidents has left countless riders and pedestrians with serious, life-altering injuries. After a crash, victims are often overwhelmed by pain, medical bills, and confusion about their rights. The good news is that you can hold the responsible parties accountable.
Figuring out who is liable—a negligent driver, the scooter company, or even the City of Los Angeles—is a complex legal challenge. At Walch Law, we specialize in helping injury victims navigate this process. Our consultations are always free and confidential. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely no fees unless we win a financial recovery for you and your family.
Do I Have an E-Scooter Accident Case?
If you were injured, you may have a valid legal claim. A case is built by proving another party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. In e-scooter accidents, this can involve several different parties and legal theories.
- Negligent Drivers: A driver who hits a scooter rider is often the primary at-fault party.
- Dangerous Condition of Public Property: If you crashed because of a hazardous road or sidewalk (like a massive pothole or broken pavement), the responsible government entity could be liable. This type of claim has a strict six-month deadline.
- Product Defects: The scooter company could be responsible if your accident was caused by a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes or a sudden power loss.
- Negligent Riders: If you were a pedestrian hit by a reckless scooter rider, you have a claim against that individual.
California uses a “comparative fault” system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
How to File an E-Scooter Lawsuit in LA: A Step-by-Step Guide
The legal process can seem daunting, but an experienced attorney will manage it for you. Here are the typical steps involved:
- Get Immediate Medical Care & Document Everything: Your health is the first priority. Go to an ER or urgent care clinic right away. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. At the same time, gather evidence: take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the scooter ID number. Get witness contact information and save your ride data from the scooter app.
- Hire the Best Los Angeles EScooter Attorney Quickly: Time is critical. Your lawyer will immediately send preservation letters to secure video footage and scooter telemetry data before it is deleted. We will also begin the process of identifying all at-fault parties and their insurance carriers.
- File a Government Claim (If Applicable): If a public entity like the City or County of LA is potentially at fault, we must file a formal Government Tort Claim on your behalf within six months. This is a non-negotiable deadline. For all other defendants, the general deadline (statute of limitations) to file a lawsuit is two years.
- Pre-Lawsuit Investigation & Negotiation: While you focus on healing, your legal team will build your case. We gather medical records, police reports, and expert opinions. We will then submit a formal claim to the insurance companies and begin negotiations.
- File a Complaint in Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the next step is to file a lawsuit (a “complaint”) in the Los Angeles Superior Court. This begins the formal litigation process, known as discovery, where we exchange information and take depositions.
- Mediation, Settlement, or Trial: Most cases are resolved through a settlement, often reached during a formal negotiation session called a mediation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial.
How Contingency Fees Work
Worries about cost should never prevent you from seeking justice. We handle all e-scooter cases on a contingency fee basis.
- No Upfront Fees: You pay absolutely nothing to hire us.
- You Only Pay If We Win: Our fee is a percentage of the financial recovery we secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
- We Advance All Costs: We cover the upfront costs of litigation, such as expert witness fees, court filing fees, and the cost of obtaining records. These costs are then reimbursed from the settlement or verdict at the end of the case, after the attorney’s fee is calculated.
- Clear Written Agreement: Everything is explained in a clear, written fee agreement so there are no surprises. This ensures you can get top-tier legal representation without any financial risk.
What Can an E-Scooter Case Be Worth?
Disclaimer: Every case is unique, and the following are only general estimates to illustrate how different factors impact value. There is no guarantee of a specific outcome.
The value of your case is driven by several key factors:
- Injury Severity: The more serious your injury and the more extensive your treatment, the higher the potential value. Surgery, a TBI, or permanent scarring will significantly increase case value.
- Economic Losses: This is the foundation of your claim and includes all your medical bills, lost wages, and the projected cost of any future medical care.
- Clarity of Liability: A case with clear video evidence of the other party’s fault is stronger than one based solely on conflicting witness testimony.
- The Insurance Stack: We work to identify all available insurance policies, including the at-fault driver’s policy, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and any commercial or government policies.
Illustrative Payout Ranges:
- Broken Wrist (No Surgery): A case with a fracture requiring only casting and physical therapy could range from the tens of thousands to the low six-figures, depending heavily on lost wages and the clarity of imaging.
- Leg Fracture with Surgery (ORIF): When a crash causes a severe leg fracture requiring surgery with plates and screws, and months off work, a case can be worth into the mid-to-high six-figures if liability and insurance coverage are strong.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A case involving a TBI with persistent cognitive deficits or one requiring multiple surgeries can potentially reach the high six-figures or low seven-figures when the evidence, future care needs, and insurance coverage align.
Evidence You Must Preserve
- Photos and videos of the scene, scooter, and your injuries
- Police reports and 911/CAD logs
- Scooter app data and telemetry (ride history screenshot)
- All medical records, bills, and imaging studies
- Employment records to prove lost wages
- Your damaged helmet and clothing
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the 6-Month Government Claim Deadline: This is the #1 mistake that can end your case before it starts.
- Believing the App Waiver Bars Your Claim: These waivers are not always enforceable, especially against third parties or for gross negligence.
- Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Do not give a recorded statement. They are trained to use your words against you.
- Gaps in Medical Treatment: Follow your doctor’s orders. Gaps in care give insurers an excuse to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
- Posting on Social Media: Insurers will monitor your accounts for any photos or posts that contradict your injury claims.
How Walch Law Fights for E-Scooter Victims
You don’t have to face this fight alone. Our family will fight for yours. We will:
- Launch a rapid investigation to preserve critical evidence.
- Identify all defendants and all layers of insurance coverage.
- Engage our network of top experts in accident reconstruction, neurology, and life care planning.
- Aggressively negotiate your medical liens to maximize the money that goes into your pocket.
- Provide clear, compassionate updates every step of the way.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in an e-scooter accident in Los Angeles, your time to act is limited. Contact Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. 1-844-999-5342
