Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer in New York

Electric scooters are now a common sight throughout the boroughs of New York City and across New York State. As more New Yorkers and tourists seek fast, eco-friendly ways to move around Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, electric scooter accidents have surged. 

For those injured in a scooter crash caused by someone else’s negligence, the physical, financial, and emotional consequences can be overwhelming. Medical bills, missed work, chronic pain, and uncertainty about your legal rights make recovery challenging. The experienced New York electric scooter accident lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP are here to fight for your full compensation and help you reclaim your future.

Understanding the Growth and Risks of Electric Scooters in New York

E-scooters have exploded in popularity in New York in recent years. Personal electric scooters now legal in New York, residents and visitors alike use rental services like Lime, Levy Electric Scooters, and others to avoid subway slowdowns, traffic jams, and parking hassles. However, the rise of e-scooters has also led to a dramatic increase in accidents and injuries.

According to the latest city data, several hundred reported injuries occur annually in New York City alone, with deaths and serious injuries rising in step with increased e-scooter usage.

Unfortunately, electric scooter accidents are on the rise. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the rate of injuries resulting from the usage of micro-mobility devices rose almost 21% in one recent year compared to the prior year. In 2022 alone, 21 fatalities involving electric scooters and similar mobility devices occurred in NYC.

Scooter accidents can involve other motor vehicles, trucks, cyclists, pedestrians, and even stationary hazards such as uneven pavement or construction debris. The risk of catastrophic injury is high due to the lack of protection for scooter riders, since there is no steel frame, airbags, or “crumple zone” to absorb the force of impact. Understanding your rights after one of these crashes is critical to bringing legal action to recover your losses.

Key Takeaways About Electric Scooter Accidents in NYC

Riders’ lack of physical protection, combined with city congestion, distracted drivers, and infrastructure not designed for micro-mobility devices, makes scooter accidents different from car wrecks. New York traffic laws and insurance rules further complicate cases.

• Electric scooters are generally not allowed on NYC sidewalks.
• Riders must use designated bike lanes or city streets with a maximum speed limit of 30 mph; the scooters themselves should not exceed 15 mph.
• Riders ages 16 and 17 must wear helmets, but helmets are recommended for everyone.
• Not all scooters qualify as “motor vehicles” under New York insurance rules, making insurance claims and compensation complex.
• Rental companies, drivers, manufacturers, and even the city may share liability in a single crash.

These variables make it vital to choose a New York electric scooter accident lawyer who fully understands city ordinances, insurance law, and the practical realities of scooter operation, especially when dealing with electric scooter injuries.

Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents in New York

While each accident is unique, certain factors are frequently at play:

• Motorists are failing to yield or check for scooter operators, especially when turning or merging.
• Distracted driving by car or truck drivers, or distracted riding by scooter users.
• Opening car doors into the paths of scooters, causing “dooring” accidents.
• Speeding or reckless riding, either by other scooter operators or other road users.
• Road hazards such as potholes, debris, construction zones, or poorly marked obstacles.
• Defective scooter design or malfunction, leading to sudden loss of control.
• Inexperienced or intoxicated riders are making poor decisions in city traffic.
• Negligent maintenance of city infrastructure results in unsafe riding conditions.

Many scooter crashes are preventable and occur because a person, company, or municipality failed their duty of care. Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate your situation to identify every contributing factor and liable party, including a negligent scooter company.

What are the Typical Injuries Seen in NYC Electric Scooter Accidents?

Unlike in cars, scooter riders have no physical barrier from the impact of a collision. This leads to high rates of:

• Head and brain injuries, especially among riders not wearing helmets.
• Broken arms, wrists, and hands from bracing falls.
• Road rash and deep abrasions requiring medical intervention.
• Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or serious back trauma.
• Leg, ankle, and foot fractures.
• Dental injuries and facial lacerations.
• Internal organ injuries and bleeding, some of which can be life-threatening.
• Psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Some victims face months or years of recovery, while others may need lifelong care. Fast, thorough medical attention is always recommended—even if injuries seem minor at first—since adrenaline can mask symptoms, and it is wise to hire an attorney to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

What Compensation Can Electric Scooter Accident Victims Request in New York?

Personal injury law in New York allows accident victims to pursue full financial compensation. Damages typically fall into two major categories:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills related to your accident (emergency care, surgeries, follow-up treatment, medication, physical therapy).
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (if your injuries prevent you from returning to work, now or in the future).
• Property damage, including damaged scooters, cell phones, or other personal belongings.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering for ongoing physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, or trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life or changes in daily activities.
• Disfigurement or disability resulting from permanent injuries.

An experienced New York electric scooter accident lawyer from Hach & Rose, LLP can help estimate the full value of your claim, including projected future expenses and long-term impacts on your quality of life.

How New York Insurance and No-Fault Law Applies to Scooters

New York’s no-fault rules generally require injured motorists or pedestrians to turn to their own insurance for medical treatment and lost income, regardless of fault. However, these laws don’t always neatly apply to scooter accidents:

• Some scooters qualify as “motor vehicles” under the law. If the scooter can exceed 20 mph, traditional car insurance may be required, but most shared electric scooters are capped at much lower speeds.
• If a car or truck caused your injury, the at-fault driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may cover your losses. If you were using a rental scooter, additional rules may apply.
• If you were a pedestrian hit by an e-scooter, you may have access to your own PIP benefits or the responsible party’s policy.
• Victims who do not have qualifying insurance may need to pursue a lawsuit or other forms of compensation.

The details of no-fault coverage for electric scooter accidents are evolving, and working with an experienced scooter accident attorney in NYC ensures you do not miss out on compensation you are entitled to recover.

Who Can Be Liable for an Electric Scooter Crash in New York?

Scooter accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, such as:

• Negligent motorists who struck the scooter or failed to yield.
• E-scooter rental companies with faulty or poorly maintained equipment.
• Manufacturers of defective scooters or safety equipment.
• The City of New York or other government entities may be responsible for dangerous roads.
• Truck or bus companies whose drivers contributed to the crash.
• Other scooter, bike, or pedestrian users whose actions caused the collision.

Proper investigation can make the difference between full recovery and an unresolved claim. Our team at Hach & Rose, LLP knows how to identify and pursue all responsible parties.

Evidence Crucial to Your NYC Scooter Accident Claim

To build the best case, the following evidence is extremely helpful:

• Police reports detailing the scene and witnesses.
• Photos or videos from bystanders, traffic cameras, or your own phone.
• Medical records connecting your injuries directly to the accident.
• Statements from eyewitnesses, including nearby drivers and other scooter riders.
• Documentation of your financial losses, such as pay records and medical bills.
• Scooter rental or transaction records showing the circumstances of the ride.
• Maintenance logs from rental companies or city repair departments.
• Expert testimony about accident reconstruction or scooter safety defects.

Gathering and preserving evidence quickly strengthens your claim and protects your legal rights.

What to Do After a New York Electric Scooter Accident

Many injured riders and pedestrians are unsure of their next step after a crash. Here’s what to do, and your attorney should know how to guide you through each step to protect your rights and build a strong claim.

• Prioritize your health: Seek medical care right away, even for minor symptoms.
• Report the accident: Call the police and make sure an accident report is filed.
• Gather evidence: Take photos, collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and document the scooter’s condition and surroundings.
• Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit blame or speculate with drivers, witnesses, or insurance adjusters.
• Don’t give formal statements to an insurer before speaking with an attorney.
• Contact an experienced New York electric scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible for a full evaluation of your legal rights.

Strict Deadlines Apply: What are New York’s Statute of Limitations?

Under New York law, you generally have three years from the date of a scooter injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are suing a city or government agency, notice requirements may apply within as little as 90 days. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from financial recovery.

How Does Comparative Negligence Apply to New York Scooter Crashes?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means even if you were partly at fault for your scooter crash, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. A skilled attorney helps counter overblown claims of rider negligence often raised by insurance companies.

Why Hach & Rose, LLP? Our Experience in Personal Injury Accident Cases

When you partner with Hach & Rose, LLP, you get a legal team with decades of experience handling complex personal injury and micro-mobility cases across New York. We have successfully represented clients around the state, taking on insurance giants, manufacturers, municipalities, and more. Our mission is clear: fight for maximum compensation, transparency, and peace of mind for every client.

We help with all paperwork, evidence collection, negotiations with aggressive insurance adjusters, and—if needed—litigation. There are no upfront fees; we work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: New York Electric Scooter Accident Claims

Contact a New York Electric Scooter Accident Attorney Today

Your injuries after an electric scooter wreck may be quite serious. As you recover, you don’t have to burden yourself with the task of pursuing compensation.

At Hach & Rose, LLP, a New York electric scooter accident lawyer can provide the representation you deserve. Peruse our client testimonials, case results and settlement awards. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online today or calling us at (212) 779-0057 for a free case review.