St. Louis Electric Scooter Accident Attorney

A scooter injury lawyer from Sumner Law Group, LLC, is ready to assess your case, explain your options, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We can deal with the insurance companies and take legal action if necessary. Our team can handle all the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about how our St. Louis e-scooter accident lawyers can help you.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Scooter Accident?

Several parties could be liable for injuries and related losses due to an e-scooter crash in St. Louis. Determining who caused the collision matters because that party might owe compensation in a personal injury claim. Below are some examples of parties who might be at fault for an e-scooter accident:

• A car or truck driver – A negligent vehicle driver might hit an e-scooter rider if they fail to check their blind spots, run red lights, or fail to yield when turning.
• A scooter rental company – A scooter rental company could be liable if it leaves a damaged scooter available on the street for rental or rents to an unqualified rider.
• The defective scooter manufacturer – The company that designed, manufactured, and distributed the e-scooter could be liable if a product defect or defective scooter parts led to the victim’s injuries.
• A property owner – A store, homeowner, or business might be at fault if they let sidewalks or driveways on their properties fall into poor condition.
• A local government or contractor – The city or a road crew could be liable if they forget to mark a hazard or clean up a work zone.
• The scooter operator – A rider could cause a crash by ignoring traffic signs, speeding, riding on the wrong side of the road, or using the scooter in a way that breaks local rules.
• Another scooter rider, cyclist, or pedestrian – Someone else using the road or sidewalk could be responsible if they act in a reckless way that forces the scooter rider into a crash.

How Electric Scooter Accident Claims Work in Missouri

In Missouri, electric scooter crash claims follow the state’s fault-based system. That means the party that caused the crash usually has to pay for the damage. If a car hits a scooter, the driver’s liability insurance could cover the rider’s medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses. If the rider caused the crash, though, insurance might not apply unless the rider has special coverage.

Scooter rental companies often deny liability, but some carry insurance that applies in certain cases. If a hazard in a public area caused the accident, a claim against the city or county could be possible, though those claims follow strict rules and deadlines. A product liability claim could be an option if a defective e-scooter caused the claimant’s injuries.

Health insurance could cover injured parties’ medical bills while the claim moves forward, but it will not pay for things like lost income or pain and suffering. Every case works a little differently, so it is best to work with our knowledgeable e-scooter accident attorneys who can support every aspect of your claim.

Electric Scooter Laws and Regulations in St. Louis

Electric scooter riders in St. Louis must follow specific local rules. The law defines a motorized scooter as a two-wheeled device with handlebars that can go up to 25 mph. Riders must follow the same traffic rules as drivers, including not riding under the influence.

Riders must stay close to the right-hand curb while operating on the road unless they need to pass another vehicle or avoid a hazard. They must stop, dismount, and walk their scooters across streets when making left turns. The law also requires riders to wear helmets and be at least 16 years old. Scooters must have working brakes and front and rear lights or reflectors if used at night.

Riding with a passenger or carrying anything that prevents a firm grip on the handlebars is prohibited. Riders cannot leave scooters on their sides or in any other way that blocks sidewalks. They also cannot attach themselves or their scooters to other vehicles.

The citywide speed limit for scooters is 15 mph. All of these rules apply within the city limits of St. Louis. Breaking Missouri electric scooter laws can lead to fines of up to $500 and possible jail time.