Siefman Law LLC Logo
Call For A Free Consultation
(503) 395-2135

Portland Electric Scooter Accident Attorney

Working Tirelessly to Protect Your Rights

Electric scooters are turning into a popular form of transportation for many people, especially in busy cities like Portland. But with e-scooters popularity, the number of related accidents has also increased, and riders have suffered major injuries in some cases. These injuries can be painful and costly to treat, especially if you’re struck by a car or larger vehicle while riding a scooter.

An electric scooter accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Jeff Siefman and his team at Siefman Law LLC have more than a decade of experience defending accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Oregon electric scooter accident lawyer.

Compensation for an Electric Scooter Accident in Oregon

If you were injured in an electric scooter accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Oregon law makes it possible for you to pursue compensation for the injuries and related losses you’ve suffered:

Medical Expenses

This covers all costs related to treating injuries sustained in the e-scooter accident. It includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed due to the accident.

Lost Wages

If injuries from the scooter accident prevent the victim from working, they may recover compensation for lost income. This can include both lost wages and potential future earnings if your injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

This non-economic damage compensates victims for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. While more challenging to calculate than medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering can be a significant part of compensation.

The amount of compensation in an electric scooter accident case can vary depending on the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim's life, and the specific circumstances of the accident. An experienced Portland electric scooter accident lawyer can help accident victims understand the value of their claims and work for fair compensation.

Oregon Electric Scooter Laws

Electric scooters are defined as two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicles with speed and power limitations.

Under state law, e-scooter riders are not allowed to go over 15 mph. There are electric scooter laws in Oregon, including:

  • Electric scooter riders must be at least 16 years old
  • All electric scooter riders are required to wear helmets
  • Electric scooter riders are not allowed to carry passengers
  • Electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks
  • Electric scooter riders can be cited for DUI if riding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • In Portland, electric scooters are not allowed on most parks or trails
  • Electric scooter riders should park their vehicles in designated scooter parking area

Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents in Oregon

Some of the most common causes of electric scooter accidents include:

Dangerous road conditions

Potholes, uneven road surfaces, debris in the roadway, and other road hazards can all cause electric scooter accidents. E-scooter riders who lose control after hitting a road hazard can end up crashing with a pedestrian or another vehicle. In other cases, the e-scooter rider might be tossed from their vehicle and suffer major injuries.

Visibility issues

Electric scooters are considerably smaller than most other vehicles, even when you compare their size against motorcycles. This means it can be hard for pedestrians and people in other vehicles to see an electric scooter if there’s a lot of traffic.

People opening doors into traffic without looking

A major safety hazard for bicyclists is people opening car doors into traffic without looking, and the same is true for electric scooter riders. If someone opens their door without checking to see if an electric scooter rider is approaching, the rider could end up running into the door, injuring themselves, and damaging the vehicle as well.

Common Types of E-Scooter Accidents

Electric scooters have become very popular in Portland. Despite their lower speeds and power, e-scooters can still get involved in all sorts of accidents. Here are some of the most frequent scenarios:

Car Vs. E-scooter Accident

A crash between a scooter and a car accident is super common and often leads to complicated injuries for scooter riders. These collisions typically happen when:

  • Cars fail to yield the right of way to e-scooters in bike lanes or at intersections
  • Drivers open car doors without checking for approaching scooters
  • Distracted drivers veer into bike lanes or areas where e-scooters are
  • Cars make sudden turns without signaling or checking for e-scooters

Motorcycle Vs. E-scooter Accident

While less common than car-scooter collisions, accidents between e-scooters and motorcycles can still happen. These accidents often happen due to:

  • Confusion over right-of-way at intersections
  • Motorcycles unexpectedly entering bike lanes
  • Both riders misjudge each other's speed and distance

In these cases, determining liability can be complex, as both e-scooter riders and motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road users under Oregon law. An experienced electric scooter accident attorney can help with the legal considerations and ensure fair compensation for victims.

Truck Vs. E-scooter Accident

Collisions between e-scooters and trucks are some of the most dangerous scooter accidents. The size difference between these vehicles frequently results in catastrophic injuries for scooter riders. Common scenarios include:

  • Trucks making wide turns and failing to see e-scooters in their blind spots
  • Trucks encroaching on bike lanes or designated scooter areas

Given the kinds of injuries in these accidents, it's important for victims to seek immediate medical care and consult a Portland electric scooter accident lawyer to understand their options and how to file a claim.

Bus Vs. E-scooter Accident

Accidents involving e-scooters lead to severe injuries and huge medical bills for victims. Here are common situations we see happen all the time:

  • Buses merge into a bike lane without signaling or checking for e-scooters
  • Buses make sudden stops, causing e-scooter riders to collide with the rear

In cases involving public transportation, there may be additional legal considerations and shorter deadlines for filing claims. An experienced scooter accident attorney can help.

Common Injuries Sustained After E-Scooter Accidents

Electric scooter accidents in Portland can result in a number of injuries:

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious consequences of e-scooter accidents. Even minor head impacts can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The impact of falling from an e-scooter or a collision with a vehicle can easily result in broken bones. Wrist and arm fractures are common as riders instinctively try to break their fall.

Road Rash

When riders are thrown from their scooters and slide across the pavement, they often suffer painful skin burns, known as road rash. While sometimes small, other cases can lead to infections and scarring.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls or collisions that hit your back can cause spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries have long-lasting effects on a victim's life.

Internal Injuries

The force of an impact during an e-scooter accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Facial Injuries

Without a lot of face protection, riders are at risk of facial fractures, dental injuries, and eye damage in the event of an accident.

Contact a Portland Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hurt in an electric scooter accident in Oregon, you deserve a chance to recover fair compensation for your injuries.

A Portland electric scooter accident lawyer from Siefman Law LLC can help with your case, so contact us today for a free initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after an electric scooter accident in Portland?

If you're involved in an electric scooter accident, prioritize your safety first. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. Report the accident to the police and the scooter rental company. Gather what evidence you can and consult a Portland electric scooter accident lawyer to understand your legal options.

Do electric scooter riders have to follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles?

Electric scooter riders in Oregon must comply with most of the same traffic laws as other vehicles. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians.

Can I seek compensation for injuries sustained in an electric scooter accident?

Absolutely. If you've been injured in an electric scooter accident due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced electric scooter accident attorney can help with the legal system and pursue a personal injury claim.

Who can be held liable in an electric scooter accident?

Liability in electric scooter accidents can be tough to define. Potentially liable parties include:

  • A negligent driver (their insurance company)
  • Other scooter riders or pedestrians
  • The scooter rental companies (if there was a malfunction or maintenance issue)
  • The city (if poor road conditions contributed to the accident)

Given the complicated task of determining fault, it is recommended that victims work with an experienced personal injury law firm.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after an electric scooter accident in Oregon?

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for electric scooter accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Always consult an electric scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected, and you don't miss important deadlines.

What if the accident was partially my fault?

Under the modified comparative negligence rule, people may still receive compensation even if they were partially at fault for an accident, as long as they're not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How can a Portland electric scooter accident lawyer help me?

A skilled electric scooter accident attorney can:

  • Investigate your accident and look for evidence
  • Determine liability and identify potentially responsible parties
  • Handle negotiations with insurance companies and insurance adjusters
  • Calculate the extent of your damages, including future medical expenses
  • Represent you in court if a fair settlement can't be reached

At our personal injury law firm, we have a track record of helping accident victims secure fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Free Consultation

Call us now at (503) 395-2135 or fill out the form below and we’ll contact you as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.
Contact Form