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Scooter Accident Lawyer in San Fernando Valley, CA

Electric scooters have rapidly become a popular way to navigate the San Fernando Valley. From Burbank and Van Nuys to North Hollywood, Reseda, and surrounding neighborhoods, residents and visitors alike are using scooters from companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin to commute, run errands, and enjoy local attractions. But with this convenience comes increased risk—and scooter-related accidents are on the rise throughout the Valley.

Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, scooter riders have very little physical protection. In areas like Ventura Boulevard, Magnolia Park, or near major intersections in NoHo or Sherman Oaks, riders are exposed to congested traffic, distracted drivers, unsafe roads, and a general lack of protected lanes or signage. All of these conditions make scooter accidents more likely—and more dangerous.

When a crash occurs, injuries can be severe, and insurance companies aren’t always eager to help. That’s why having the right legal support is critical.

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents

Distracted or Reckless Drivers

Many scooter accidents are caused by motorists who are texting, speeding, or simply not paying attention. Because scooters are smaller and less visible than cars or motorcycles, distracted drivers often fail to see riders until it’s too late—resulting in dangerous collisions, especially at intersections or while turning.

Dooring Incidents from Parked Vehicles

“Dooring” happens when someone in a parked car suddenly opens their door into the path of an oncoming scooter. It’s a frequent problem in business districts and residential neighborhoods throughout the Valley, and often leads to high-impact crashes that throw riders into the street or other vehicles.

Unsafe or Defective Rental Scooters (Bird, Lime, Spin)

Scooter companies have a duty to maintain safe equipment, but in many cases, their fleets are not properly serviced. Faulty brakes, unresponsive throttles, worn-out tires, or electrical issues can all cause riders to lose control—even when operating the scooter safely. These companies may be liable if poor maintenance or a manufacturing defect caused your crash.

Potholes, Poor Lighting, or Street Hazards

Riders in the San Fernando Valley are often forced to travel on roads riddled with potholes, cracked pavement, construction debris, or inadequate lighting—especially at night. A small hazard that wouldn’t affect a car can send a scooter rider crashing to the ground. In these cases, a city or county may be responsible for failing to maintain safe roadways.

Lack of Designated Scooter Lanes or Signage

Unlike bicycles, scooters often have no designated spaces on Valley streets. This forces riders into traffic lanes or onto sidewalks—both of which can be dangerous and, in some areas, illegal. Without clear signage or infrastructure to protect riders, the chances of an accident increase significantly.

What to Do After a Scooter Accident in the San Fernando Valley

Get to Safety and Call 911

Your safety is the top priority. Move to a safe area if you’re able, and call 911 right away. Ask for police and emergency medical assistance. A police report creates an official record of the crash, which is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Document the Scene

If you're physically able, take the time to gather evidence at the scene:

  • 📸 Take photos of your injuries, the scooter, vehicles involved, the roadway, and any hazards
  • 👥 Collect witness names and contact info
  • 🛴 Record scooter details, such as brand (Bird, Lime, Spin), model, and any visible defects
  • 🚗 Note license plates and insurance information from any involved drivers

This documentation will help your attorney establish liability and build a strong case.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it's important to see a doctor right away. Some conditions—like concussions or internal injuries—don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records also serve as critical evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident.

Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance companies often contact victims quickly after an accident—sometimes within hours. Their goal is to limit payouts, not help you. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without speaking to a personal injury lawyer first. You could be giving up far more than you realize.

Contact a Local Scooter Accident Lawyer Right Away

An experienced attorney can handle every aspect of your claim—from investigating the crash and preserving evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.

Tim D. Wright Law offers personalized, local support to scooter accident victims across the San Fernando Valley. We understand the streets, the traffic patterns, and the legal system here—and we’re ready to help you fight for what you deserve.

California Scooter Laws That May Affect Your Case

CVC § 21235 – Key California Scooter Laws

Under California Vehicle Code § 21235, electric scooter riders must follow certain rules, including:

  • 🪖 Helmet Required for Riders Under 18
    Minors must wear a helmet while riding. Adults are encouraged to wear one, though it’s not legally required.
  • 🎓 Age Requirement
    Riders must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
  • 🚦 Street Use Only
    Scooters must be ridden on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less or in designated bike lanes. Riding on sidewalks is prohibited in most areas.

Local Ordinances in Burbank, Van Nuys, and LA County

Beyond state laws, cities across the San Fernando Valley—such as Burbank, North Hollywood, and Van Nuys—may have additional rules that affect where and how scooters can be operated. These can include:

  • No-scooter zones
  • Sidewalk restrictions
  • Time-of-day usage limitations

If you were injured while following the law—but a driver or unsafe condition caused your crash—you may have a strong claim. Even if you may have unknowingly violated a local ordinance, you may still be eligible for compensation under California’s comparative fault laws.

Comparative Negligence in California

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident.

For example:
If you’re found 30% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would still receive $70,000.

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Miss Your Deadline

  • 2 Years: You have two years from the date of your scooter accident to file a personal injury claim in California.
  • 🏛️ 6 Months: If your claim involves a government entity—such as a city or county responsible for roadway maintenance—you must file a government claim within 6 months of the accident.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s critical to act quickly.

How Tim D. Wright Law Helps Scooter Accident Victims

Investigating the Crash and Identifying All Liable Parties

We begin by launching a detailed investigation into the cause of your accident. This includes:

  • Reviewing police reports and crash scene photos
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Obtaining surveillance or traffic camera footage
  • Examining scooter maintenance records and road conditions

We determine every party that may be responsible—whether it’s a careless driver, a scooter company, a city agency, or a property owner.

Working with Experts to Strengthen Your Case

We collaborate with top professionals to build a strong case:

  • Accident reconstruction experts can explain exactly how the crash happened
  • Medical specialists help document the extent of your injuries and long-term impact
  • Vocational experts assess how your injury affects your ability to work

These expert insights allow us to maximize the value of your claim.

Managing All Communication with Insurers and Scooter Companies

You should never have to negotiate with insurance companies or scooter providers alone. We handle all interactions so you don’t have to worry about:

  • Lowball settlement offers
  • Pressure to accept blame
  • Complex paperwork or deadlines

Our firm stands up to big insurers and corporate scooter companies to make sure you’re treated fairly.

Pursuing Full Compensation for Your Injuries

We fight for every dollar you deserve, including:

  • 💵 Medical bills: Emergency care, surgery, therapy, prescriptions
  • 💼 Lost wages: Time missed from work or loss of future income
  • 💔 Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, reduced quality of life
  • 🏥 Future care and rehabilitation: Long-term treatment, assistive devices, in-home care

No two cases are the same, and we tailor our legal strategy to reflect your specific injuries and recovery needs.

Free Consultation – Contact Information

Hurt in a scooter crash in the San Fernando Valley? Get experienced legal help today.

If you’ve been injured while riding a scooter in Burbank, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, or anywhere in the Valley, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. At Tim D. Wright Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and start building a strategy for recovery.

You don’t pay anything unless we win your case—no upfront fees, no hidden costs. We’re here to make sure you’re heard, supported, and fully compensated.

Contact Us Today

📍 Burbank Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506

📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com

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I am very satisfied and thankful with Attorney Tim Wright and his whole team for taking care and handling my fathers personal injuries case. Thank you all very much your staff is amazing, very helpful.
Abraham Ortega
The Law Offices of Tim D. Wright were awesome. They were professional, they kept an open communication with me through out the process.  Big shout out to Sergio and Mercedes for being very helpful with my settlement.
Frank Medina

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