Illinois Scooter Accident Lawyers

5-Star Rated Injury Attorneys For Victims of Electric Scooter Crashes in Chicago and Throughout Illinois

Since their introduction, electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, have transformed urban mobility. In cities like Chicago, shared e-scooter programs have been implemented to provide residents with alternative transportation options. However, the rapid integration of e-scooters into cityscapes has outpaced the development of comprehensive safety regulations and infrastructure, leading to increased accident rates.​

At John J. Malm & Associates, we know how serious e-scooter accidents can be. Our top-rated Illinois injury lawyers represent victims of scooter crashes and help them get the compensation they deserve.

Electric Scooter Accident Statistics

National Trends

Nationally, e-scooter-related injuries have seen a significant uptick. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), injuries associated with micromobility devices, including e-scooters, increased nearly 21% in 2022 compared to 2021. From 2017 through 2022, there were an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits related to these devices. ​

Illinois-Specific Data

In Illinois, while comprehensive statewide data on e-scooter accidents is limited, available reports indicate a concerning trend. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported that in 2023, there were 87,573 people injured in motor vehicle crashes, with 8,846 sustaining A-injuries, which are considered the most severe. Although this data encompasses all motor vehicle incidents, the inclusion of e-scooter accidents is implicit, given their classification as vehicles on public roadways. ​

In Chicago, the situation is particularly pressing. A report highlighted that e-scooter injuries have surged, with emergency departments noting a significant increase in related visits. The lack of a centralized tracking system for e-scooter accidents in the city hampers efforts to address safety concerns effectively.​

Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents

Understanding the primary causes of e-scooter accidents is crucial for understanding their serious nature.

• Rider Falls: The majority of e-scooter injuries result from riders losing control and falling. Factors contributing to falls include uneven road surfaces, sudden stops, and inexperience.​
• Collisions with Objects: Approximately 11% of injuries are due to collisions with stationary objects like curbs or poles.​
• Vehicle Collisions: About 9% of e-scooter injuries involve collisions with moving vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers for scooter riders.​
• Pedestrian Incidents: E-scooters operating on sidewalks can pose risks to pedestrians, leading to accidents and injuries for both parties.​

Common Injuries in E-Scooter Accidents

E-scooter accidents can lead to a range of injuries, varying in severity.​ Common injuries include:

• Fractures: Fractures are among the most common injuries in scooter crashes, particularly in the arms and wrists, as riders instinctively use their hands to break falls.​
• Head Injuries: Despite the risks, helmet usage among e-scooter riders remains low. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are prevalent among accident victims.​
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, lacerations, and sprains are also frequently reported, often resulting from falls or minor collisions.​
• Internal Injuries: In more severe accidents, riders may suffer internal injuries, including organ damage, which can be life-threatening.​

Liability in E-Scooter Accidents

Determining who is at fault in a scooter accident can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be determined to be at fault:

• Motor Vehicle Drivers: If you were struck by a car, the driver may be liable for failing to yield, distracted driving, speeding, or other negligent behavior.
• E-Scooter Companies: If the scooter was defective — for example, malfunctioning brakes or electrical systems — the rental company or manufacturer might be held responsible under product liability laws.
• Municipalities: If poor road conditions, such as potholes or unmarked hazards, contributed to the accident, the city or local government could be liable for negligent road maintenance.
• Pedestrians or Cyclists: In some cases, a pedestrian or cyclist may act unpredictably or unlawfully, leading to a collision.
• The Rider Themselves: Not all accidents are someone else’s fault. If the scooter rider was distracted, under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they may share responsibility.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were partly at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance Coverage and Compensation for E-Scooter Injuries

One of the most confusing aspects of e-scooter accidents is insurance coverage. E-scooter companies may have liability waivers that protect them from certain lawsuits, and they often do not provide insurance coverage for riders. Here’s how different types of insurance may apply after an electric scooter accident:

• Auto Insurance: If a car hits a scooter, the driver’s auto liability insurance typically covers the scooter rider’s injuries.
• Health Insurance: If you’re injured and no other insurance applies, your own health insurance may cover your medical treatment.
• Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: These may provide liability coverage if you injure someone while riding a scooter, though coverage is not guaranteed.
• Umbrella Policies: If you have a personal umbrella liability policy, it may provide additional protection, depending on the policy language.

Because of these complications, having an experienced Illinois e-scooter injury lawyer can make a significant difference in identifying all possible sources of compensation.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in an E-Scooter Accident

If you are injured in a scooter accident, take the following steps to ensure your health and protect your legal rights:​

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.​
2. Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to file an official accident report. This documentation can be vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.​
3. Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including witnesses. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.​
4. Preserve Evidence: Keep any damaged equipment or clothing as they may serve as evidence. Avoid repairing or disposing of these items until advised by your attorney.​
5. Consult an Attorney: An experienced Illinois scooter accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, help determine liability after the crash, and work to secure you compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.​
6. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident promptly. Provide them with all necessary documentation, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting any settlements until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, and early settlement offers may not fully compensate you for your injuries and long-term losses.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Scooter Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident in Illinois, it’s crucial to understand the statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the defendant is a city or government entity, special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply.

It’s also critical to preserve all evidence related to your e-scooter accident, including:

• Medical records and bills
• Photographs of the scene and injuries
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• The scooter itself (if possible)
• Communications with insurance companies or scooter companies

E-Scooter Regulations in Illinois

As of now, Illinois has no statewide law specifically governing electric scooters. Instead, regulation is largely left to local jurisdictions.

In Chicago:

• E-scooter sharing programs have been introduced through pilot programs.
• Scooters are generally not allowed on sidewalks.
• Riders must follow traffic laws similar to those for bicycles.
• Helmets are recommended but not legally required for adults.
• There is a maximum speed limit of 15 mph.

The patchwork nature of scooter regulation adds another layer of complexity to accident claims. If you were injured in an area with ambiguous or underdeveloped e-scooter laws, liability and negligence determinations can become more challenging.

Tips for E-Scooter Riders

While legal support is important after an injury, prevention remains key. Here are safety tips for riders:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Avoid riding at night unless the scooter has adequate lighting.
• Don’t wear headphones — stay alert to your surroundings.
• Don’t ride under the influence.
• Follow traffic rules, including stopping at red lights and using bike lanes.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars and avoid carrying heavy loads.

E-scooters are reshaping how people travel in Illinois cities, offering convenience and environmental benefits. But as usage increases, so do the risks — especially when cities and riders aren’t fully prepared for the legal and safety challenges that come with these vehicles.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Scooter Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident, you may be dealing with medical bills, time off work, and uncertainty about who will pay. Don’t try to navigate this process alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, we help injury victims throughout Illinois understand their rights, deal with insurers, and pursue fair compensation after an accident.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a scooter accident, contact our top-rated Illinois e-scooter attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you get the compensation you deserve.