Washington, DC Scooter Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Scooter Accident in DC?

Are you seeking compensation after being injured in a scooter accident in the DC Metro area? Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC scooter accident lawyers will protect your rights and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. For more than 30 years, we have championed the rights of injured people, winning large settlements and verdicts, such as a $7.5 million settlement for a client who suffered a spinal cord injury and a $1.6 million settlement for a motorcycle rider who suffered a traumatic amputation after being struck by a vehicle.

With almost 200 years of combined experience, our attorneys are leaders in their field. They’re routinely honored by various organizations for their unwavering commitment to client advocacy, trial excellence, and justice. Lawdragon named all six partners to its 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list.

E-scooter accidents can leave you with serious injuries, and dealing with them on your own can be difficult. Our Washington, DC scooter accident lawyers will investigate the incident, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you won’t pay a fee unless we win your case.

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What Should You Know About E-Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC?

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are two-wheel personal mobility devices propelled by electric motors. The scooter rider stands on a platform and steers using handlebars. Electric scooters can be rented from the docking station or an app on your phone.

 

E-scooters have become popular in recent years, especially in metro areas such as DC. However, while fun and convenient, electric scooters can be dangerous to riders and pedestrians sharing the walkways. According to ERideHero, in 2024, U.S. e-scooter injuries rose by 80%, jumping from about 64,312 in 2023 to 115,713 in 2024. The 15 to 24 age group suffers the most e-scooter injuries (23.24%). In terms of gender, 67.70% of e-scooter injury victims were males. 

What are the Most Common Types of E-Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC?

E-scooter accidents can range from car accidents to collisions with pedestrians or cyclists. Some of the most common types of accidents include:

 

  • Single Scooter Crashes: According to a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, most scooter accidents are single-vehicle accidents in which the rider loses control, either making a turn too quickly or misjudging the road conditions.
  • Auto Accidents: Driver negligence causes most car accidents with e-scooters. Additionally, e-scooters can be difficult for drivers to see, particularly at night or during inclement weather.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Since e-scooters are allowed on many sidewalks, there is a constant risk of getting into an accident with a pedestrian.
  • Accidents with Another Scooter: Inexperience handling the equipment paired with inexperience navigating sidewalks or bike lanes greatly increases the chance of an accident with another scooter.

 

Regardless of the type of e-scooter accident in which you were injured, our award-winning lawyers will investigate it, assess your claim, and pursue justice on your behalf.

Washington, DC scooter accident

What Are Common Causes of DC E-Scooter Crashes?

Like other collisions, electric scooter accidents are commonly caused by negligence. Negligence includes:

 

  • violating traffic laws
  • distracted driving
  • poor scooter maintenance
  • faulty scooters
  • poorly designed or maintained roads and infrastructure

Heavily populated areas are magnets for all kinds of accidents, including electric scooter accidents. In Washington, DC, these hot spots include the National Mall and the Central Business District. Scooters are not allowed on the sidewalks in these areas.

 

If you were involved in an electric scooter accident, schedule your free consultation with Regan Zambri Long today.

Washington, DC Electric Scooter Laws

The rise in e-scooters forced Washington, DC, to implement new laws for e-scooter riders and companies. These laws are strictly enforced and are meant to keep the streets as safe as possible for all users.

 

According to § 50–2201.04a. of the Code for the District of Columbia, the laws for e-scooter riders include: 

 

  • Scooters are allowed on sidewalks, except where prohibited, and in bike lanes.
  • Scooter speed limit is 10 mph.
  • Riders must be 16 or older.
  • Riders may not use headphones, headsets, or earphones on roads or sidewalks unless the device is medically necessary to assist with hearing or is worn in only one ear.
  • Riders must obey traffic signals and laws, such as DC Code § 50-2201.04d., which covers crossing at intersections.
  • Only one person is allowed on a scooter at a time.
  • Riders will be fined $150 if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Riders must yield to pedestrians.
  • Riders must not operate the scooter with a passenger or package that keeps them from gripping the handlebars with both hands.
  • Riders are not required to have a driver’s license or carry insurance.
  • Helmets are required for all riders under 18 years old and strongly recommended for everyone.
  • Scooters must be appropriately locked up at designated racks or other objects and maintain at least three feet of unobstructed walkway.
  • Companies must offer 24-hour hotlines to report complaints.
  • Companies must offer free, virtual safety classes for new riders.
  • Shared scooters may not be parked or left within 300 feet of an elementary school, middle school, or senior center, unless it’s on the same block as a Metro station entrance.

As scooter use continues to grow, new e-scooter laws will likely become effective to promote the safety of all road users.

How Can the DC Law Affect Your Personal Injury Claim?

Laws are in place to protect scooter riders and everyone who shares the roads and sidewalks. Breaking traffic or scooter laws can hurt your chances of getting full compensation in a personal injury claim.

 

Violations constitute negligence in most cases. A negligent motor vehicle driver may try to say you violated scooter laws, thereby avoiding paying compensation. If you did violate a scooter law, you may still be able to file a claim. If you are unsure about your rights under DC’s scooter laws, consulting with a lawyer is your best bet. Regan Zambri Long will help you clarify your legal position and take appropriate action.

How is Liability Determined in Washington, DC E-Scooter Accidents?

Several parties may be responsible for an e-scooter accident. You need a Regan Zambri Long Washington, DC, scooter accident lawyer by your side to determine liability. Your lawyer will gather evidence and make sure all parties are held accountable for their actions.

 

The possible parties liable for your e-scooter accident are:

 

  • A motor vehicle driver: Drivers cause accidents by driving distracted, drowsy driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
  • Electric scooter companies: If you rented a faulty scooter, then the e-scooter company could be liable for your accident. It is the responsibility of the company to properly maintain the scooters before each and every trip.
  • The e-scooter manufacturer: Sometimes, even with proper maintenance, there is a flaw in the design of the scooter. If your accident was caused by a design flaw, the scooter manufacturer may be responsible.
  • A government entity: Sidewalks and roadways need to be properly maintained, especially with many of its residents now using e-scooters. If your accident was caused by a dangerous pothole, debris on the road, malfunctioning traffic lights, or uneven and poorly kept sidewalks, you may have a claim against Washington, DC.

Proving fault in any personal injury case requires showing that the liable party violated their duty of care and directly caused the accident and your injuries. Your Washington DC personal injury lawyer will investigate your case, reviewing witness statements, police reports, and any camera footage to determine who violated their duty of care.

What are the Main Challenges in Establishing Liability?

Establishing liability can be difficult. No one wants to take responsibility for an accident. Multiple parties may be at fault for an accident. Or the liable party may claim that you share responsibility and are excluded from compensation under DC’s contributory negligence standard. Our experienced Washington, DC, personal injury lawyers will make sure that all liable parties are held accountable, while you are protected from false liability claims. If you are unsure who may be liable for your electric scooter accident, consult with Regan Zambri Long today.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Washington, DC Scooter Accident Lawyer

What are Common Injuries in Electric Scooter Accidents in Washington, DC?

Scooter crashes cause injuries ranging from superficial to severe. A study from the JAMA Network found that the top three injuries in scooter crashes are:

 

  • Head Injuries: The JAMA Network study confirmed that only about 4% of e-scooter riders wear helmets when riding. Head injuries can range from concussions to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries. ERideHero found 18.42% of all e-scooter injuries in 2024 were head injuries (20,960), while there were 15,435 facial injuries.
  • Fractures: Studies show that arm and leg fractures are common scooter accident injuries. A Journal of the American College of Surgeons study found that half of scooter accident victims underwent major surgeries.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries are the third most common injury in scooter accidents. These injuries affect the victim’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Though they are sometimes overlooked, they can cause chronic pain and take years to fully recover.

Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even broken bones can have permanent consequences and complications. With scooter insurance being far from guaranteed, injuries may not always be properly attended to, leading to a higher risk of complications and consequences.

 

You should always seek medical attention immediately after an electric scooter accident, even with no visible injuries. Your medical record will establish a connection between the accident and your injuries, which is critical to seek compensation. Once you have received medical treatment, hire Regan Zambri Long to fight for your rightful compensation.

 

What Insurance Coverage is Available for DC Electric Scooter Riders?

DC electric scooter users should be aware that while scooter rental companies carry liability insurance, the digital rental agreement that riders sign before taking a scooter usually relieves the company of liability for accidents not caused by company negligence. A Regan Zambri Long electric scooter accident attorney will help you navigate insurance claims. In general, coverage is situational.

 

  • Personal health insurance: Your health insurance will help cover your medical costs related to the scooter accident. However, your insurance will not cover the medical expenses of anyone else involved.
  • Auto insurance: Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover electric scooters as vehicles. However, if you were the victim of a scooter accident involving a motor vehicle, your insurance will cover your injuries sustained. Some insurance companies are starting to offer electric scooter coverage under specialized mobility insurance policies.
  • Homeowners or renters insurance: Most policies exclude scooters, but there are exceptions to motorized vehicles if they are being used to help maintain your property or assist you with a disability.
  • Personal Liability Umbrella Policies (PLUP): This protection could cover other people’s property damage or medical costs if the accident were your fault. It will not cover the cost of your scooter injuries.

Insurance after an accident can be confusing. During your consultation, Regan Zambri Long will help you understand your legal options.

 

What Steps Should You Take After a Washington, DC E-Scooter Accident?

Step 1: The first thing you should do is call 911. Emergency services will assist in initial medical treatment and advise you of further care. Injuries are not always visible immediately and can develop or worsen with time.

 

Step 2: Follow the instructions of responding officers, and do not leave the accident scene until you are told to do so. According to DC Code § 50–2201.05c., anyone who leaves the scene of an accident may be fined or incarcerated.

 

Step 3: After your immediate medical needs are addressed, start documenting the accident scene. Take photos and video of your scooter and the vehicle or scooter you collided with. If witnesses are present, take down their information, including their names and phone numbers. Your lawyer will use this information to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

 

Step 4: Finally, contact our Washington, DC, scooter accident lawyers as soon as possible. Do not speak with anyone’s insurance company, sign any documents, or agree to any settlements before speaking with a lawyer. You can schedule your case evaluation with Regan Zambri Long immediately after your accident to receive guidance.

 

Compensation in Washington, DC E-Scooter Accident Cases

Washington, DC’s contributory negligence laws state that if the plaintiff (the person making the claim) is responsible for the accident, they cannot recover damages. However, the Vulnerable Collision Recovery Amendment Act of 2019 states that “vulnerable users” (an individual using a bike, scooter, motorcycle, skateboard, or other similar mode of transportation) only have to prove that they are less than 50% at fault for the accident to collect compensation, including:

 

  • Medical bills: Medical expenses include emergency transportation, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, and follow-up visits.
  • Loss of income and future wages: If you cannot return to work following your accident because of your injuries, your claim can include the lost wages you would have earned.
  • Pain and suffering: Chronic physical pain and emotional distress, such as PTSD, are serious effects of scooter accidents.

Compensation can be impacted by the severity and longevity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the negligence involved.

Once your lawyer has all the facts, they will demand a settlement from the liable party and begin settlement negotiations. If negotiations fail, they will take your case to trial. Regan Zambri Long’s experienced legal team can maximize your compensation. Call us today at 202-960-4596.

 

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long as Your Washington, DC Scooter Accident Lawyer?

If you suffered injuries while riding an e-scooter in Washington, DC, or a scooter rider injured you, let Regan Zambri Long handle your claim. Our experienced Washington, DC injury attorneys have been helping victims maximize their compensation for decades.

 

President and senior partner, Patrick Regan is a nationally respected trial lawyer with decades of experience in fighting for justice for accident victims. He has helped clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars in personal injury, wrongful death, and other cases. Known for his dedication to justice and strong trial skills, Patrick has been named to the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC by Super Lawyers and as Lawyer of the Year for Mass Tort Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law by Best Lawyers. He’s also a member of the American Association of Justice’s Board of Governors and a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

 

Our team is familiar with DC scooter laws and will ensure you are protected from false negligence claims. We have recovered thousands of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our injury clients and will do the same for you. Our clients are our top priority. Our contingency fee structure means you don’t pay anything until we make a recovery in your favor.

 

When you or a loved one are suffering injuries from an electric scooter accident in DC, you need the specialized knowledge of Regan Zambri Long. Schedule your free case evaluation with our Washington, DC, scooter accident lawyers today by calling 202-960-4596.

 

Washington, DC scooter accident lawyer

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