Electric scooter accidents are becoming more common as electric scooters grow in popularity across South Carolina. People use scooters for short trips, college campuses, downtown areas, and beach towns because they are affordable and easy to ride. Unfortunately, many riders do not realize how dangerous these vehicles can be. When drivers, scooter riders, or companies fail to act safely, serious accidents can happen.
At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we understand how life-changing these crashes can be. Victims may face painful injuries, lost income, expensive medical bills and the loss of a loved one. Knowing your legal rights after electric scooter accidents is important for protecting yourself and your family.
Why Electric Scooter Accidents Are Increasing
Electric scooters have become more popular in cities and tourist areas throughout South Carolina. Riders often use them on roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and bike lanes. While scooters may look simple to operate, they can be difficult to control, especially in busy traffic or poor weather.
Many electric scooter accidents happen because scooters travel close to larger vehicles. Drivers may fail to notice scooter riders when changing lanes, turning at intersections, or opening car doors. Since scooters are smaller and quieter than motorcycles or cars, they can easily end up in a driver’s blind spot.
Distracted driving is another major problem. Drivers who text, speed, or ignore traffic laws put scooter riders at risk every day.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents
There are many reasons electric scooter accidents happen. Some of the most common causes include:
Road hazards can be especially dangerous for scooter riders. A pothole or crack in the road that might not affect a car could cause a scooter rider to lose control immediately.
Scooter riders are also more exposed than drivers inside cars or trucks. Without seat belts or airbags, riders often suffer direct impact injuries during a crash.
Common Injuries in Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter accidents can lead to severe injuries, even at lower speeds. Riders may be thrown from the scooter onto the pavement or hit by another vehicle. Some injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term medical care.
Common injuries include:
Head injuries are one of the biggest concerns after scooter crashes. Even riders wearing helmets may suffer concussions or brain trauma during and after an accident.
Some victims recover within weeks, while others may deal with pain and disability for years.
Who May Be Liable for Electric Scooter Accidents?
Determining fault in electric scooter accidents can sometimes be complicated. More than one party may be responsible for causing the crash.
Possible liable parties may include:
For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits a scooter rider, the driver may be responsible. However, if faulty brakes caused the scooter to malfunction, the scooter manufacturer could also share liability. If the at fault driver had left a bar drunk, the bar could be liable.
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine who may be legally responsible.
What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident
The steps you take after electric scooter accidents can affect both your health and your legal claim. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it is important to take the situation seriously.
After an accident, you should:
Medical records are often important evidence in personal injury cases. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so getting checked by a doctor is always a smart idea.
Photos of the accident scene, damaged scooter, injuries, and road conditions may also help support your case later.
Compensation Available After Electric Scooter Accidents
Victims of electric scooter accidents may be able to recover compensation for their losses. The value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries and the circumstances of the crash.
Compensation may include:
Serious injuries can create financial stress for victims and their families. A personal injury claim may help accident victims recover the money they need to move forward.
South Carolina Laws Pertaining to Electric Scooters
Under South Carolina Code of Laws (§ 56-5-3310), most standard electric scooters are classified as Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDs). Some of the restrictions on e-scooters are as follows:
To be street-legal in South Carolina, a scooter must be equipped with the following:
City by City Breakdown of E-Scooter Laws in SC
How South Carolina Law May Affect Your Case
South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule. This means an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partly at fault for the accident. However, compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the injured person. If the scooter driver is over 50% at fault, unfortunately, they probably won’t be successful in bringing a lawsuit in South Carolina.
For example, if a scooter rider was not paying attention but a driver was speeding, both parties may share responsibility.
Because insurance companies often try to blame victims, it is important to speak with an attorney who understands electric scooter accidents and how state law applies to these cases.
Safety Tips for Scooter Riders
While not every accident can be prevented, riders can take steps to lower their risk of injury.
Important scooter safety tips include:
Defensive riding can help reduce the chance of serious accidents. Riders should always assume drivers may not see them.
Contact a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today
Electric scooter accidents can leave victims with painful injuries, emotional stress, and financial hardship. Whether the accident involved a distracted driver, dangerous road conditions, defective equipment or drinking, you may have legal options available.
Why Choose The Law Offices of David L. Hood?
Attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team have experience helping injury victims throughout South Carolina. Our team understands the challenges people face after serious accidents, including medical bills, missed work, the loss of loved ones and dealing with insurance companies.
We are committed to fighting for fair compensation for our clients. Our law firm has earned positive client reviews and recognition for helping injured victims across the state.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an electric scooter accident in SC, you do not have to handle the legal process alone.
The Law Offices of David L. Hood is ready to help injured victims understand their rights and pursue compensation. Contact our office today by phone at one of our 18 locations, or by chat, text or email for a free consultation and learn how our legal team may assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric scooters legal in South Carolina?
Yes. Electric scooters are legal in South Carolina, but riders must follow both state laws and local city ordinances. Some cities may have additional rules about where scooters can be ridden, speed limits, or age requirements.
What should I do immediately after an electric scooter accident?
After electric scooter accidents, you should call 911, seek medical attention, report the accident, take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and contact a personal injury attorney. Even injuries that seem minor at first can become serious later.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Possibly. South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation could be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Who pays for injuries after an electric scooter accident?
The responsible party’s insurance may cover damages. Depending on the circumstances, liability could fall on a negligent driver, scooter company, property owner, government agency, bar, restaurant or scooter manufacturer.
Do I need a helmet to ride an electric scooter in South Carolina?
South Carolina law does not always require helmets for adult riders, but wearing one is strongly recommended. Helmets can reduce the risk of serious head injuries during electric scooter accidents.
Can I sue a scooter rental company after an accident?
In some situations, yes. If poor maintenance, defective parts, or unsafe rental practices contributed to the crash, the scooter rental company may share responsibility.
What types of injuries are common in electric scooter accidents?
Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, facial injuries, death and internal bleeding. Some victims may suffer permanent disabilities.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an electric scooter accident in South Carolina?
In most cases, South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.
What if poor road conditions caused the scooter accident?
Dangerous road conditions like potholes, uneven pavement, missing signs, or debris may contribute to electric scooter accidents. In some cases, a government agency or property owner may be held responsible.
