E-scooters are now a familiar sight in UK towns and cities. But as their popularity grows, so too do the number of accidents – often resulting in serious injuries for riders, pedestrians and drivers alike.
If you’ve been hurt in an electric scooter incident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. At Injury Lawyers 4u, we offer expert legal advice and handle all e-scooter accident claims on a no-win, no-fee basis. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
What are e-scooter accident claims?
Whether you’re a driver, cyclist or pedestrian, if you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident, you may be able to claim compensation through an e-scooter accident claim — provided someone else was at fault.
In most cases, this means the accident was caused by negligence, such as:
- Poorly maintained roads or pathways
- Irresponsible riding or driving
- Failure to give way or follow the Highway Code
All road users have a legal duty of care to each other. If that duty is breached and you’re injured as a result, you could be entitled to compensation.
Who can make an e-scooter accident claim?
E-scooter accident claims aren’t just limited to riders. You may be eligible to make a claim if you were injured in an accident involving an e-scooter, including if you were:
- An e-scooter rider that has been injured due to another road user’s negligence
- A pedestrian struck by someone riding an e-scooter
- A cyclist or driver involved in a collision with an e-scooter
- A family member claiming on behalf of a loved one who has passed away or is unable to claim themselves
Types of e-scooter accident claims
E-scooter accident claims can fall into several categories, depending on how the incident happened and what type of scooter was involved:
- Rental e-scooter accidents — Some UK cities run rental schemes where riders are insured. If you’re injured by a rented scooter, you may be able to claim against the operator’s insurance.
- Privately owned e-scooter accidents — While private e-scooters aren’t legal on public roads, claims may still be possible, depending on the circumstances.
- Pedestrian and cyclist injuries — If an e-scooter rider collides with a pedestrian or cyclist, the injured person may be able to make a claim depending on the circumstances.
- Defective e-scooters — If a mechanical fault or poor maintenance caused the crash, the manufacturer or rental company could be held responsible.
Whatever the situation, if you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, speak to Injury Lawyers 4u for expert legal advice and support.
Who is liable in an e-scooter accident?
In personal injury cases, liability is determined by finding who was at fault. Like other road traffic accidents, this usually involves proving that someone breached their duty of care.
Claims against rental e-scooter operators
Most rental schemes in the UK require riders to be insured. If your injury involved a rented e-scooter, it may be possible to claim against the operator’s insurance policy.
Claims against private e-scooter riders
Privately owned e-scooters are illegal on public roads. So, if you’re injured by a private rider, claims will likely be made against their personal insurance if they are insured.
Claims against local authorities
If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, defective cycle lanes or missing signage, you might be able to bring a claim against the local council for failing to maintain a safe public space.
Common injuries from e-scooter accidents
E-scooter accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, particularly due to the lack of protection for riders and the potential for collisions with larger vehicles or hard surfaces. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage
- Psychological trauma such as anxiety, PTSD, or a fear of travelling
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention. A formal diagnosis not only protects your health but also provides vital evidence if you decide to pursue an e-scooter accident claim.
How much compensation can you receive?
As with all personal injury claims, the amount of e-scooter compensation you can claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, any medical expenses or rehabilitation costs and the overall pain, suffering, and emotional distress you’ve experienced. Compensation is typically divided into two categories:
- General damages – for the injury itself and the physical and emotional impact it has had on your life
- Special damages – for the financial effects of the accident, such as lost income, treatment costs, or ongoing care needs
To get an idea of how much your e-scooter accident claim could be worth in general damages, try our compensation calculator. It uses guidance from the Judicial College to provide an informed estimate.
How do you start an e-scooter accident claim?
If you’ve decided to pursue compensation after an e-scooter accident, starting your claim is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Get in touch with one of our specialist solicitors at Injury Lawyers 4u. We’ll assess your case and explain your options.
- Gather supporting evidence, such as medical records, CCTV footage, witness statements and any other relevant documentation.
- We’ll submit your claim to the responsible party and handle the legal process on your behalf.
- We’ll negotiate on your behalf, aiming to reach a fair settlement without the need to go to court.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes, you may still be able to make a claim even if you were partly responsible for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence. In these cases, your compensation may be reduced based on the level of responsibility you share.
Do I need a driving licence to make a claim?
No. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, pedestrian or an e-scooter rider, you can still make an e-scooter accident claim regardless of whether you hold a driving licence.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Yes. You usually have three years from the date of your accident, or from the date you became aware of your injury, to start a claim. There may be exceptions, such as for children or those who lack mental capacity.
What evidence do I need for an e-scooter accident claim?
There are all sorts of evidence that will strengthen your e-scooter claim, these include:
- Photos or videos of the scene
- Police reports
- Medical reports and diagnosis
- CCTV footage, if available
- Witness statements
Start your no-win, no-fee e-scooter accident claim today
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ve been helping people make successful personal injury claims for over 20 years. Our team has specialist experience in handling personal injury claims for e-scooters, pedestrian injury claims, cycling related injury claims, and road traffic accident claims.
With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, there’s no financial risk to you. You won’t pay a penny unless your claim is successful. If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch today and let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.