If you’ve walked the streets of Burbank lately, chances are you’ve seen electric scooters from companies like Bird or Lime zipping by. These scooters have become a popular, convenient way for locals and visitors alike to navigate the city—whether commuting to work, running errands, or just enjoying a ride through downtown. But as their use has skyrocketed, so too have the number of accidents involving scooters.
While scooters are marketed as an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to cars, they also come with serious risks. Riders are often exposed to heavy traffic, distracted or speeding drivers, uneven pavement, and malfunctioning equipment. Many streets and sidewalks in Burbank were not designed with scooters in mind, which increases the chances of crashes and injuries. Add to that the lack of helmet use and minimal rider protection, and the consequences of a scooter accident can be devastating.
Determining who is legally responsible after a scooter accident in Burbank is a key part of filing a personal injury claim. Liability depends on the specific facts of the incident, and in many cases, more than one party may share responsibility. Here are the most common liable parties in scooter injury cases:
Motorists are one of the leading causes of scooter accidents. A car or truck driver may be held liable if they:
When a driver's negligence causes a collision, their auto insurance policy may cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If you were riding a rented scooter from a company like Bird or Lime, the company may be at fault if the accident was caused by:
These companies have a duty to regularly inspect and maintain their fleets. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries.
In some cases, a scooter accident may occur due to unsafe road or sidewalk conditions, such as:
If a government agency was responsible for maintaining the area where the accident occurred, they may be liable. However, claims against public entities require special notice and must be filed within six months, so time is critical.
If your scooter accident happened on private property, the property owner might be responsible. This includes:
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe and free of hazards. Failing to fix known dangers or warn visitors can open them up to a premises liability claim.
Third Parties
Other individuals or businesses may also be liable in some cases. For example:
Your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay,” it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.
Always contact the Burbank Police Department or local law enforcement to report the accident.
Use your phone to document the scene while it’s still fresh. Important visuals include:
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their:
If you were using a rental scooter, do not immediately return it to the company.
Start by notifying all relevant parties about the incident:
Keep thorough and organized records of your injury-related care. This includes:
Before you file anything, speak to a qualified Burbank scooter accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can:
In California, scooter accident victims typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If the claim involves a government entity (like the City of Burbank), you may have just six months to file a notice of claim.
Filing involves:
Once your claim is filed, there are generally two outcomes:
You can seek reimbursement for both current and future medical costs related to your injury, including:
If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to:
Pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional anguish you’ve endured as a result of your injuries. This is considered a non-economic damage and may include:
Scooter accidents can damage more than just your body. You may also recover the cost of replacing or repairing personal property, such as:
A serious accident can leave emotional scars. You may be entitled to compensation for:
If the accident results in a life-changing injury—such as a spinal cord injury, amputation, or facial disfigurement—you may pursue compensation for:
If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Burbank, you don’t have to face the legal and financial aftermath alone. Whether your crash involved a negligent driver, a defective scooter, or dangerous road conditions, you have rights—and a path to recovery.
At the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, we are proud to serve the Burbank community with honest, experienced, and compassionate legal representation. We’re here to help you understand your legal options, pursue full compensation for your injuries, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront costs—we don’t get paid unless you win.
📍 Burbank Office:
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com