Electric scooters are everywhere in Minneapolis. Lime and Bird have turned downtown sidewalks and bike lanes into a moving obstacle course, and while most rides end without incident, accidents do happen.
If a scooter hit you, or a rider lost control and knocked you down, you have every right to ask who is responsible and what you can do about it.
The answer is not always simple. Luckily, knowing who to file a claim is the first step to a successful claim. The rest is handled by your personal injury attorney in Minneapolis.
Here’s everything you need to know about rideshare liability and how a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis can help you.
Who Is Liable When a Scooter Accident Happens?
Liability in scooter accidents depends on who caused the crash and how it happened.
Three parties could be responsible, and in some cases, more than one shares the blame.
The Scooter Rider
Riders are required to follow Minnesota traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians and always staying in control of their scooter. Sidewalk riding is also prohibited in most parts of Minneapolis. If a rider ran a red light, rode recklessly, or was not paying attention when they hit you, they can be held personally liable for your injuries.
Lime or Bird (the Companies)
Many people assume the companies behind these scooters are off the hook because riders sign terms and conditions before using them. That is not always true.
If a scooter had a defective brake, a mechanical problem, or was poorly maintained, the company that owns and operates it could share responsibility for your injuries.
Claims against Lime or Bird are more complex, but they are possible depending on the facts of your accident. To ensure the best possible outcome, speak with a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis.
One conversation can help you determine where the company’s liability is and how much you can be compensated for.
The City or a Third Party
Sometimes the accident is caused by a poorly designed bike lane, a damaged road surface, or unclear signage. In those cases, you may have a claim against a government entity or another third party. These types of claims have shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements in Minnesota, so acting quickly matters.
What Injuries Do Scooter Accidents Cause?
Electric scooters travel at speeds up to 15 to 20 miles per hour. A rider hitting a pedestrian at that speed can cause serious harm. Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, knee and ankle damage, and back or neck injuries.
Even a fall that seems minor in the moment can result in chronic pain or long-term mobility problems.
If you were hurt, get checked by a doctor right away, even if you feel okay. Your medical records will be a key part of any personal injury claim.
What To Do After a Scooter Accident in Minneapolis
The steps you take in the first hours and days after the accident matter a great deal.
First, call 911 and get a police report filed. Doing this creates an official record of the accident.
Second, document the scene thoroughly. You’ll need photos of:
- The scooter
- The accident scene
- Your injuries
- The rider’s contact information
Third, note the scooter’s ID number, which is usually printed on the handlebar or frame. This helps identify which company owns it.
Fourth, write down what happened while the details are still fresh.
Finally, contact a lawyer before you speak with any insurance company. Adjusters are trained to reduce what they pay out, and anything you say can be used against your claim.
Does Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance Apply to Scooter Accidents?
Minnesota is a no-fault state for car accidents, which means your own auto insurance typically covers your medical bills first regardless of who caused the crash.
Whether that coverage extends to scooter accidents depends on your specific policy and the details of how the accident happened. A personal injury attorney in Minneapolis can review your coverage and tell you exactly where you stand before you make any decisions.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Scooter accident cases involve multiple potential defendants, corporate insurance teams, and questions about city liability. That is a lot to navigate while you are also trying to recover. A personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis will build your case from the ground up.
We handle your claim from start to finish, including:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering sufficient evidence
- Negotiating with insurers on your behalf
- Fighting for compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
At Osterbauer Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.
Our team has helped people hurt in pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and other situations where someone else’s carelessness caused real harm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Start Your Recovery with the Right Legal Help
Getting hit by a scooter can turn your life upside down fast. Medical appointments, missed work, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies pile up quickly. You do not have to handle it alone.
We’re a call away if you’ve been in a scooter accident.
If you need legal representation that gets you the compensation you deserve, contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.