Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
June 12, 2025

How to File a Scooter Injury Claim in Burbank: Step-by-Step Guide

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.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Scooter Injury?

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:

Negligent Drivers

Motorists are one of the leading causes of scooter accidents. A car or truck driver may be held liable if they:

  • Failed to yield to a scooter in a crosswalk or intersection
  • Were texting or otherwise distracted
  • Drove under the influence
  • Made unsafe turns or lane changes

When a driver's negligence causes a collision, their auto insurance policy may cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Scooter Rental Companies

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:

  • Brake failure
  • Battery malfunction
  • Loose handlebars or wheels
  • Poorly maintained or defective equipment

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.

City of Burbank or Public Agencies

In some cases, a scooter accident may occur due to unsafe road or sidewalk conditions, such as:

  • Potholes or cracked pavement
  • Lack of proper signage
  • Poor lighting at night
  • Obstructions or debris left in the roadway

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.

Property Owners

If your scooter accident happened on private property, the property owner might be responsible. This includes:

  • Apartment complexes
  • Shopping centers
  • Parking lots or garages

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:

  • Delivery drivers who block sidewalks or bike lanes
  • Construction crews who leave debris or equipment in riding paths
  • Commercial entities that create public hazards

Immediate Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident

Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay,” it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.

  • Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, like internal trauma or concussions
  • Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and hurt your claim
  • Medical records serve as important documentation of your injuries

Call the Police and File a Report

Always contact the Burbank Police Department or local law enforcement to report the accident.

  • An official police report creates a neutral, third-party account of the incident
  • It may include witness names, insurance details, and preliminary fault determination
  • If a vehicle was involved, officers can cite the driver or note any violations

Take Photos and Videos

Use your phone to document the scene while it’s still fresh. Important visuals include:

  • Your injuries
  • The scooter and any damage
  • Vehicle license plates (if a car or truck was involved)
  • Road conditions (potholes, debris, poor lighting, etc.)
  • Traffic signs, signals, and nearby businesses (for surveillance footage possibilities)

Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw what happened, ask for their:

  • Full name
  • Phone number and email
  • Brief description of what they witnessed

Preserve the Scooter (If Possible)

If you were using a rental scooter, do not immediately return it to the company.

  • Try to keep it in your possession or photograph it thoroughly
  • The scooter may need to be inspected for mechanical defects
  • If possible, document its condition, serial number, and the location where the accident occurred

Filing a Scooter Injury Claim: Step-by-Step

Report the Accident to the Appropriate Parties

Start by notifying all relevant parties about the incident:

  • Insurance companies (both yours and the at-fault party’s)
  • The scooter company (such as Bird or Lime, especially if equipment failure is suspected)
  • Property owners if the accident occurred on private property
  • City agencies if unsafe public infrastructure contributed to the crash

Document All Medical Treatment and Expenses

Keep thorough and organized records of your injury-related care. This includes:

  • Emergency room and doctor visits
  • X-rays, scans, or lab tests
  • Prescriptions and over-the-counter medication
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Travel expenses for medical appointments
  • Lost wages from missed work

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Before you file anything, speak to a qualified Burbank scooter accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can:

  • Investigate the accident and determine liability
  • Handle all communications with insurance companies
  • Calculate the full value of your damages
  • Negotiate a fair settlement—or take your case to court if needed

File a Personal Injury Claim

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:

  • Submitting proper legal paperwork
  • Outlining your injuries and damages
  • Providing supporting documentation and evidence

Negotiation or Litigation

Once your claim is filed, there are generally two outcomes:

  • Settlement: Most personal injury claims resolve through negotiation. Your attorney will work to get you a fair offer that covers medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.
  • Lawsuit: If the other side refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Medical Expenses

You can seek reimbursement for both current and future medical costs related to your injury, including:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays or surgeries
  • Doctor appointments and specialist care
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Prescription medications
  • Medical equipment (crutches, braces, etc.)

Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity

If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to:

  • Compensation for the income you lost during recovery
  • Reimbursement for vacation or sick days used
  • Future earnings you can no longer earn due to a long-term or permanent disability

Pain and Suffering

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:

  • Ongoing discomfort
  • Loss of mobility or enjoyment of life
  • Sleep disturbances or chronic pain

Property Damage

Scooter accidents can damage more than just your body. You may also recover the cost of replacing or repairing personal property, such as:

  • Cell phones or smartwatches
  • Helmets and protective gear
  • Clothing or bags
  • Eyewear or medical devices

Emotional Distress

A serious accident can leave emotional scars. You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Anxiety or depression
  • Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
  • Loss of sleep or fear of riding again
  • Impact on personal relationships or mental health

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If the accident results in a life-changing injury—such as a spinal cord injury, amputation, or facial disfigurement—you may pursue compensation for:

  • Long-term care and medical support
  • Necessary home or vehicle modifications
  • Loss of independence or quality of life

Get the Support You Deserve After a Burbank Scooter Accident

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

📱 Stay connected:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter