⚠️ E-scooter injuries increased 222% from 2017-2022. CDC and JAMA research show 40% of e-scooter ER visits involve head injuries, with average medical costs exceeding $15,000. Lime, Bird, and other operators can be held liable.
E-Scooter Accident Lawyer: Holding Lime, Bird & Operators Accountable
Electric scooter accidents have exploded as Lime, Bird, Spin, and other operators flood cities with rental scooters. Unlike car accidents with clear insurance, e-scooter crashes create a complex liability maze involving the scooter company, the rider, the city, and sometimes the scooter manufacturer.
The E-Scooter Injury Epidemic: CDC & JAMA Research
Multiple peer-reviewed studies document the e-scooter injury crisis:
- 222% Injury Increase: CDC MMWR data shows e-scooter injuries more than tripled since 2017
- 40% Head Injuries: JAMA Network Open study found 40% of e-scooter ER visits involve head trauma
- <5% Helmet Use: Despite severe injury risk, less than 5% of riders wear helmets
- $15,000+ Average Costs: Moderate injuries average $15,000 in medical bills; TBI cases exceed $100,000
- 2.2 per 10,000 Miles: E-scooters have 22x the accident rate of cars (0.1 per 10,000)
Austin Public Health Pilot Study: Real-World Data
The 2019 Austin Public Health/CDC pilot study examined e-scooter injuries over 3 months:
- 190 Injuries in 87 Days: More than 2 injuries per day during the study period
- 45% Severe Injuries: Nearly half required significant medical intervention
- 33% Head Injuries: One-third of injuries affected the head or face
- Rider Falls: 80% of injuries from rider falls, not vehicle collisions
- First-Time Riders: 37% were injured on their first ride
Who Is Liable for E-Scooter Accidents?
- Scooter Companies (Lime/Bird): Product liability for defects, negligent maintenance, inadequate warnings
- City/Municipality: Dangerous road conditions, inadequate infrastructure, negligent permitting
- Scooter Manufacturers: Design or manufacturing defects in brakes, throttle, frame
- Third-Party Drivers: Motorists who hit scooter riders
- Property Owners: Dangerous conditions (potholes, uneven pavement) on private property
Common E-Scooter Defects & Malfunctions
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented numerous e-scooter defects:
- Brake Failure: Sudden loss of braking capability
- Throttle Malfunction: Unexpected acceleration or failure to disengage
- Handlebar Collapse: Folding mechanism failures during rides
- Battery Fires: Lithium-ion battery thermal runaway
- Wheel Lock-Up: Front wheel suddenly stopping, causing rider ejection
- Steering Failure: Loose or broken steering columns
Breaking Lime & Bird's Liability Waivers
Before riding, you clicked "I Agree" to terms designed to eliminate liability. However, these waivers have limits:
- Product Defects: Waivers cannot eliminate liability for defective products
- Gross Negligence: Knowingly deploying dangerous scooters voids waivers
- Third-Party Claims: Waivers don't apply to pedestrians hit by scooter riders
- Unconscionability: Courts may void overly one-sided adhesion contracts
- State Consumer Laws: Some states prohibit certain liability waivers
E-Scooter Settlement Values
- Road Rash/Bruises: $5,000 - $25,000
- Fractures (Wrist, Arm, Leg): $25,000 - $100,000
- Facial Injuries: $50,000 - $250,000
- Concussion/Mild TBI: $75,000 - $300,000
- Severe TBI: $500,000 - $5,000,000+
- Spinal Cord Injuries: $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+
- Wrongful Death: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000+
✅ Injured in an e-scooter accident? Call Quick Claim at (773) 839-6086. We connect victims with attorneys who sue Lime, Bird, and scooter operators for injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Lime if I fell off their scooter?
Yes, if the fall was caused by a scooter defect (brake failure, wheel lock-up) or Lime's negligence (poor maintenance, deploying damaged scooters). The waiver you signed has significant exceptions.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Comparative fault may reduce your damages, but it doesn't eliminate the scooter company's liability for defects. Many states don't require helmets for adult scooter riders. The company still owes you a safe product.
Who pays for e-scooter pedestrian injuries?
If a scooter rider hits you while walking, claims may be made against the rider, the scooter company (for negligent operations), and potentially the city (for unsafe scooter deployment). The waiver the rider signed doesn't protect them from injuring third parties.