As electric scooters become a more popular way to get around Ontario, CA, especially near downtown areas, college campuses, and local parks, accidents involving these devices are on the rise. Riders are drawn to scooters for their convenience and affordability, but the increase in use has also led to a spike in collisions with cars, bikes, pedestrians, and even fixed hazards like potholes or construction zones.
Ontario’s busy streets and intersections—like those near Euclid Avenue, the Ontario Mills shopping area, and local schools—can be particularly dangerous for scooter riders. Many accidents are caused by distracted or aggressive drivers, poor road maintenance, or even malfunctioning scooters from rental companies like Bird and Lime. Unfortunately, because riders are largely unprotected, these crashes often result in serious injuries.
Being involved in a scooter accident can leave you in pain, overwhelmed, and unsure of your rights. That’s where we come in.
Your safety comes first. If you're able to move, get out of the street or away from traffic to avoid further injury. Stay as calm as possible and check yourself for visible injuries.
Always report the accident to local authorities—even if it seems minor at first. The Ontario Police Department or California Highway Patrol will respond, assess the scene, and file an official accident report, which will be important for your legal claim.
Scooter crashes often lead to injuries that aren’t immediately visible, like concussions or internal trauma. Let emergency responders examine you at the scene, and follow up with a doctor as soon as possible. Your medical records will serve as key evidence if you decide to pursue compensation.
If a vehicle or other party was involved in the crash, gather the following:
Be polite, but don’t admit fault or discuss the cause of the accident—even if you’re feeling shaken.
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and phone number. Witnesses can provide unbiased accounts that help establish what really happened.
Use your phone to capture as much evidence as possible, including:
Visual evidence can be a powerful tool in proving liability and damages later on.
Motorists often cause scooter accidents by failing to notice riders or refusing to yield the right of way. A driver may be held liable if they were:
In these cases, the driver’s auto insurance policy may be responsible for covering your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you were riding a rental scooter from a company like Bird, Lime, Spin, or Razor, that company may bear responsibility under certain conditions. Common issues include:
Scooter companies have a duty to maintain safe equipment and provide reasonable instructions for use. If their negligence contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against them.
Sometimes, scooter crashes are caused by dangerous road conditions, including:
If a city agency or private contractor failed to maintain safe roadways, they could be held legally responsible. However, these claims involve special rules and shorter deadlines—as little as six months—so it’s crucial to contact a lawyer right away.
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one party can share fault for an accident. If you’re found partially responsible—for example, riding outside of designated areas or not following traffic laws—you can still recover compensation, but your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If your damages total $50,000 and you're found 20% at fault, you would still be eligible to receive $40,000.
California law requires scooter riders under age 18 to wear a helmet. While not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically disqualify you from compensation, it may affect the case if your injuries involved head trauma. Additionally, riders must typically be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate electric scooters on public roads.
Violating these rules may factor into how liability is assessed—but they do not eliminate your right to seek compensation.
It’s human nature to say “I’m sorry” or try to explain what happened, even if you weren’t at fault. But statements made at the scene can be used against you later. Let the authorities and your attorney determine liability—avoid making any statements that suggest blame.
Even if the crash seems minor, always call the police and wait for them to arrive. A formal police report provides a neutral account of the incident and documents important details, including witness statements, road conditions, and driver behavior. This report will be essential if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. The other party’s adjuster may try to get you to say something that weakens your case or pressures you into accepting a quick (and unfair) settlement. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything until you've spoken with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries—like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding—take time to show symptoms. Getting prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
Likewise, the longer you wait to contact a lawyer, the harder it can be to gather evidence and meet legal deadlines. Early legal guidance gives you the strongest chance at full compensation.
Under California law, you have two years from the date of your scooter accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to most claims involving:
If you don’t file your case within this two-year period, the court will likely dismiss your claim—even if your injuries are serious or the other party is clearly at fault.
If your accident involved a government entity—such as a public bus, city vehicle, or poorly maintained public roadway—you face a much shorter deadline:
Claims against public agencies involve specific forms, rules, and procedures. One misstep can get your claim thrown out, which is why legal guidance is so important from the start.
Injured in a scooter crash in Ontario? Let Tim D. Wright fight for your recovery. You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of your accident alone. Whether you were hit by a car, injured by a malfunctioning scooter, or hurt due to hazardous road conditions, you may be entitled to compensation—and we’re here to help you get it.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
📍 Burbank Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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