E-Scooter Accidents
New Jersey E-Scooter Accident Lawyer
E-scooters — whether privately owned or rented through apps — are a common sight in cities across New Jersey. When an accident happens because of someone else's negligence, you need an attorney who understands the unique legal issues involved.
Understanding E-Scooter Accident Claims in New Jersey
Electric scooters have become a popular way to get around in New Jersey cities and towns — especially in areas like Cherry Hill, Camden, Hoboken, and Jersey City. Riders use them to commute, run errands, and get to public transit.
But e-scooter accidents can happen in an instant, and the injuries are often serious. Unlike car occupants, scooter riders have no steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts to protect them in a collision.
E-scooter accidents raise unique legal questions: Was the scooter properly maintained by the rental company? Did the driver see the rider? Was the roadway safe? Blair C. Lane, Sr. helps injured riders navigate these issues and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents
Driver Inattention
Car and truck drivers who don't check for scooter riders before turning or changing lanes.
Failure to Yield
Drivers who cut off scooter riders at intersections, crosswalks, and driveways.
Dooring
Parked car occupants opening doors into a scooter rider's path — a leading cause of serious injury.
Rental Scooter Defects
Brake failures, throttle malfunctions, and poorly maintained rental fleet scooters.
Road Hazards
Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, wet leaves, and debris causing a rider to lose control.
Impaired Drivers
Drunk or drugged drivers who fail to see or react to scooter riders on the road.
Common E-Scooter Accident Injuries
Scooter riders are exposed and vulnerable. Injuries often include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Broken arms, wrists, and collarbones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Knee and leg injuries
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death
Who May Be Liable for an E-Scooter Accident?
Negligent Drivers
Car, truck, and SUV drivers whose carelessness caused the collision.
Rental Scooter Companies
Companies like Lime or Bird that may have provided poorly maintained or defective scooters.
Municipalities
Government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks.
Property Owners
Owners whose unsafe property conditions contributed to the crash.
Scooter Manufacturers
Companies that designed or built a scooter with dangerous defects.
Other Third Parties
Delivery companies, rideshare drivers, or employers of at-fault drivers.
What Compensation May Cover
Medical Expenses
Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages
Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional trauma, scarring, and reduced enjoyment of life.
Property Damage
Replacement or repair of your scooter, phone, and damaged personal items.
What to Do After an E-Scooter Accident
Seek Medical Care
Get checked out even if you feel okay — some injuries take hours or days to appear.
Document Everything
Take photos, save the scooter, get witness info, and request the police report.
Contact a Lawyer
Before speaking with any insurance company, get legal advice about your rights.
E-Scooter Accident FAQs
Are e-scooters legal in New Jersey?
Yes, e-scooters are legal in New Jersey, but they are regulated by a combination of state and local laws. Different municipalities may have different rules about where scooters can be ridden, speed limits, and helmet requirements.
Who pays if I'm hurt on a rental scooter?
It depends on how the accident happened. If a driver caused the crash, their auto insurance may cover your injuries. If the scooter was defective, the rental company or manufacturer may be liable. An attorney can investigate all possible sources of compensation.
What if I signed a waiver when I rented the scooter?
Rental scooter companies often include waivers in their user agreements, but these waivers do not automatically bar you from recovering compensation — especially if the company was negligent in maintaining the scooter or if another party caused the accident.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Some claims — especially those involving government entities — may have much shorter notice deadlines.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
While wearing a helmet is always the safest choice, not wearing one does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. New Jersey's comparative negligence rules allow recovery even if you were partially at fault. An attorney can explain how this applies to your case.
Request a Free Consultation
Tell us about your e-scooter accident. No cost, no obligation.