The streets of Santa Ana have seen a sharp rise in electric scooters over the last few years. With popular e-scooter services like Bird, Lime, and other rental apps making quick transportation more accessible, these devices have become a common sight in downtown areas, college campuses, shopping districts, and residential neighborhoods.
But along with convenience has come a new wave of risks—particularly for pedestrians.
As e-scooter usage increases, so do the number of accidents involving pedestrians and scooters. From sidewalks crowded with scooter riders to crosswalk collisions and improperly parked scooters causing trip hazards, pedestrians in Santa Ana face growing dangers from negligent or inexperienced scooter users. These accidents often lead to serious injuries and confusion about who should be held responsible.
If you’ve been hit by a scooter while walking in Santa Ana, you may be wondering:
These are valid questions—and the answers depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Liability in pedestrian-scooter accidents isn’t always straightforward, especially when multiple parties (like the scooter company or even the city) may share responsibility.
That’s why it’s essential to have legal guidance from a firm that understands the nuances of personal injury law and local scooter regulations.
In most pedestrian-scooter accidents, the rider’s behavior is the first area to examine. Scooter riders are required to follow California traffic laws and operate safely, especially around pedestrians.
A rider may be liable if they were:
If the scooter involved in the accident was rented through an app like Lime, Bird, or Spin, the scooter company may share liability—especially if:
These companies often try to shift blame by claiming riders assume all risk. However, if the company’s negligence contributed to the crash, they can be held responsible through a product liability or negligence claim.
Sometimes, dangerous public infrastructure or private property hazards play a role in pedestrian-scooter collisions. In such cases, the City of Santa Ana or a private property owner may be liable if:
Claims against public entities like the city have strict filing deadlines (often within six months), so it’s essential to act quickly and consult an attorney who knows how to navigate government claims.
California is a comparative negligence state, meaning that if the pedestrian was partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionally. For example, if a pedestrian:
...they may still have a valid claim, but their damages could be adjusted based on their level of fault.
That’s why it’s crucial to not assume blame at the scene and to let an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate the facts before speaking with insurers.
Your health and safety come first. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, call 911 so first responders can:
Some injuries, like head trauma or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical treatment also creates a record linking your injuries to the incident, which is essential for your case.
If you’re able (or can ask someone nearby), gather as much evidence as possible:
This documentation may be crucial in determining how the accident occurred and who is at fault—especially if city infrastructure or defective equipment played a role.
Exchange information with the person who was operating the scooter, just as you would after a car accident:
If they used an app like Bird or Lime, note the time of the incident so your attorney can request usage logs later.
If the scooter was rented from a company like Lime, Bird, Spin, or another operator, file a report directly through the app or company website. Some scooter companies log ride activity and maintenance issues, which may become important evidence in your case.
Be factual, but avoid discussing fault or admitting anything without legal advice.
After the incident, you may be contacted by:
Do not agree to a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer. These parties are primarily interested in protecting their liability—not in covering your full medical costs or lost wages. Let a pedestrian injury attorney speak on your behalf to protect your rights.
Scooter-related accidents are rarely straightforward. Liability may fall on the rider, the rental company, the city, or even a private property owner. We begin every case with a thorough investigation to determine:
Identifying all sources of liability helps us pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our team works quickly to collect and preserve vital evidence, including:
We also consult with experts when necessary to reconstruct the accident or evaluate defective scooter parts or infrastructure issues.
Scooter companies and insurers are often quick to deny fault or offer low settlements. We step in to handle all communication and negotiation on your behalf, so you can focus on healing—not fighting adjusters.
We’ll demand full compensation for:
If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, we don’t hesitate to take your case to court.
Some pedestrian-scooter cases require more than a claim—they require legal action. Our team is fully prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit when necessary to:
With Tim D. Wright Law, you’ll have a legal team that’s not afraid to fight aggressively on your behalf, inside and outside the courtroom.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian by a scooter in Santa Ana, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether the rider was careless, the scooter malfunctioned, or unsafe city infrastructure contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
These cases are often legally complex and time-sensitive. Evidence can disappear quickly, and scooter companies or insurers may already be working to limit their liability. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
Personal Injury Office:
📍 1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
✉️ Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: https://www.timwrightlaw.com
