If you’re seeking personal injury compensation in an e-scooter accident claim, this guide can help. Although e-scooters offer a fun and convenient way to get around some towns and cities in the UK, a collision can cause serious and far-reaching injuries. If you were hurt because of the actions of others, this guide offers practical guidance on personal injury claims.
Electric scooter accident claims require certain eligibility criteria to be met. We examine these, the laws governing road users, and specific regulations for e-scooter riders.
To help illustrate when you could be eligible to claim compensation, some examples of e-scooter accidents are looked at. After this, we explain how compensation could be awarded for a successful road traffic accident claim. To finish the guide, we explain how one of our personal injury solicitors might be able to help you start a claim using a type of No Win No Fee agreement.
Why not see if your e-scooter accident claim qualifies now? Or for any questions about how to claim for injuries suffered in an e-scooter accident simply:
- Call our advisors on 0800 073 8801
- Contact us online.
- Start a conversation with us through the live chat.
Browse Our Guide
- What Is An E-Scooter Accident Claim?
- How Could An E-Scooter Accident Happen?
- How Is E-Scooter Accident Compensation Calculated?
- What Could Help Me Make An E-Scooter Accident Claim?
- Can I Claim For An Electric Scooter Accident Using A No Win No Fee Solicitor?
- More Resources About Road Traffic Accident Claims
What Is An E-Scooter Accident Claim?
An e-scooter accident can be any type of collision with another road user, such as a car driver. As the rider of an e-scooter, you may have good grounds to claim compensation if you suffered injury in the accident and you can prove a breach in the duty of care caused it.
All road users have an obligation to drive their vehicles and travel the roads in a safe and responsible manner to avoid damage and injury to themselves and others. To fully meet their duty of care obligation, road users must comply fully with both the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the rules and regulations outlined in the Highway Code. With this in mind, three points are used to determine road user negligence:
- At that moment, was a duty of care applicable?
- Did another road user breach that duty of care?
- Can you prove you were injured as a direct consequence of this?
An eligible claim for personal injury compensation needs to show all three points to move ahead. Why not take a moment to chat with an advisor now to see if your claim for a scooter accident qualifies?
What Is My Duty of Care As An E-Scooter Rider?
E-scooter riders also have obligations to the safety of other road users while riding their scooters. The Government identifies several ways that they are required to do so:
- Riders need to have a Category Q Entitlement on their driving licences to use an E-Scooter. This includes both full and provisional licences.
- Riders should wear a helmet and light-coloured or reflective attire (but it is not a legal requirement).
- E-scooters can be ridden on the road and in cycle lanes, but not on the pavement or motorways.
- The scooter should be used within the designated hosting area.
- E-scooters should be ridden by only one person at a time.
- They must not be used to tow anything.
- Mobile phone use is forbidden while riding an e-scooter.
- Any handbags or small items need to be safely stowed and not hung over the handlebars.
- The rules regarding intoxication and careless or dangerous use of a vehicle apply fully to e-scooter users in the same way as all other road users.
Additionally, privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public land. Importantly, if you are deemed to be responsible for causing the accident and your injuries, a claim cannot be made. Call an advisor to discuss whether you could have a valid e-scooter accident claim.
How Could An E-Scooter Accident Happen?
Next, we look at some ways that e-scooter accidents could happen:
- An intoxicated driver collides with the e-scooter rider causing them serious head injuries. This would give rise to a claim against a drunk driver.
- A motorcyclist was speeding above the legal limit and hit the e-scooter rider from behind. As a consequence, they suffered a dislocated shoulder.
- A bus driver failed to check mirrors and observe an e-scooter rider. This caused the e-scooter rider to be hit and suffer a head injury.
All these examples involve a breach of the duty of care. If you feel confident that your injuries were the result of someone else failing to appropriately safeguard you, call our team to discuss your potential e-scooter accident claim.
What Are The Types of Injuries From Accidents Involving E-Scooters?
Numerous types of injuries can result from an e-scooter accident. Also, a collision whilst in motion or at speed can increase the risk of serious injury. Some examples include:
- Cuts and bruises.
- Concussion and head injuries.
- Fractures and dislocations.
- Broken kneecaps.
- Spinal damage.
- Whiplash.
- Multiple injuries.
- An e-scooter accident might also prompt psychological injuries such as anxiety or more serious issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
All of these can greatly impact your health and well-being. Speak to our team about starting an e-scooter accident claim.
How Is E-Scooter Accident Compensation Calculated?
The compensation amount in a successful personal injury claim can comprise two heads of loss. Firstly, general damages compensate for the physical injuries themselves, alongside any psychological harm suffered because of the event. Therefore, it may be an important part of the claims process to sit for an independent medical assessment to get a clear picture of this.
The medical exam will generate a full report about the extent and severity of the injury. Those responsible for the calculation of general damages can use this alongside publications like the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to determine a general damages value.
The JCG offers a list of award guidelines for injuries and we’ve compiled an excerpt below to illustrate:
Compensation Guidelines
| INJURY AREA | HOW SEVERE? | NOTES | AWARD GUIDELINES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple types of severe harm and amounts for Special Damages. | Severe | Settlements may include compensation for various serious injuries and related costs. | Up to £1 million plus. |
| Head | (a) Very Severe | Brain damage in this category causes severe cognitive and physical disabilities that require full time nursing care. | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Neck | (a) Severe (i) | These injuries are associated with incomplete paralysis, permanent spastic quadriparesis or little to no neck movement with severe headaches. | In the region of £181,020 |
| Foot | (c) Very Severe | Permanent severe pain and really serious permanent disability, such as the traumatic amputation of the forefoot. | £102,470 to £133,810 |
| Knee | (a) Severe (i) | Considerable pain, loss of function, development of osteoarthritis and lengthy treatment from joint disruption and gross ligamentous damage are likely. | £85,100 to £117,410 |
| Severe Leg | (ii) Very Serious | Permanent mobility problems from leg injuries. | £66,920 to £109,290 |
| Wrist | (a) Complete Function Loss in One Wrist. | These injuries result in the complete loss of wrist function. | £58,110 to £73,050 |
| Back | (a) Severe (iii) | Disc lesions, fractures or soft tissue injuries resulting in continuing severe pain, discomfort impaired agility and sexual function, depression and arthritis risk despite treatment. | £47,320 to £85,100 |
| Pelvis | (b) Moderate (i) | Despite a significant injury, there isn't any permanent major disability. | £32,450 to £47,810 |
| Shoulder | (b) Serious | Dislocation and brachial plexus damage that cause pain in the shoulder and neck, aching elbow, and sensory symptoms in the hand and forearm. | £15,580 to £23,430 |
These award amounts are strictly guidelines, as claims always vary based on individual circumstances. Also, our top-line entry does not come from the JCG.
Can I Claim For Treatment Costs As Part of My Compensation Claim?
Under the second head of loss called special damages, you might be able to claim for medical treatment and other financial losses. You are required to submit documented proof of the financial harm. This could include:
- Wage slips that show how your income suffered because you were absent from work.
- Evidence of medical costs, such as a bank statement showing how much you paid in private healthcare.
- Prescription charges.
- Receipts or invoices for amounts paid to any carers.
- Proof of travel costs to essential appointments.
Why not consult with our advisors about your e-scooter accident claim? You can contact us by phone, online or through the live chat option below to discuss special damages and any other points raised.
What Could Help Me Make An E-Scooter Accident Claim?
Evidence is an important part of any personal injury claim. So it’s important to gather together as much proof as possible that shows how the other party breached their duty of care and caused your injury. With this in mind, the following could help support your e-scooter accident claim:
- Any CCTV footage, dashcam, video or helmet-camera images that caught the accident.
- The contact information of others who witnessed the accident. Should you decide to work with a solicitor on your claim, they will approach these people for a supporting statement as the claim progresses.
- Request copies of your medical records. You can use GP notes, hospital admission details, X-rays and scans that support your claim of injury.
- Take photos of the injuries you can see, as well as photos of the cause of the accident.
- Keep a record of important dates and the treatments you had to receive.
Can I Claim For An Electric Scooter Accident Using A No Win No Fee Solicitor?
A skilled personal injury solicitor offers a wealth of advantages when they handle a claim:
- Firstly, they will assist with the collecting of evidence to strengthen the claim.
- Ensure that court deadlines and correspondence are promptly dealt with.
- Use their expertise to ensure your compensation request is fully calculated.
- Present a strong argument for compensation on your behalf.
- Explain all the legal jargon.
Our solicitors can help people start their personal injury claim in a way that avoids upfront and ongoing fees. They will also not ask for payment for finished work if the claim is unsuccessful.
By using a version of the No Win No Fee contract called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), they require only a small success fee from the compensation awarded to you if the claim wins. The percentage to be paid is capped by law. This means you receive the bulk of the compensation.
Why not discover if your e-scooter accident claim could be eligible to benefit from their help? If they can, our advisors will connect you to a No Win No Fee solicitor to take you through the claims process together:
- Call our advisors on 0800 073 8801
- Contact us online.
- Start a conversation with us through the live chat.
More Resources About Road Traffic Accident Claims
As well as guidance and information on e-scooter accident claims, you might find these extra resources from our website helpful:
- Here is a case study about a 4 million pound brain damage payout after a road traffic accident.
- Information on road traffic accident solicitors and how to make a claim.
- Also, here we look at how long you have to claim compensation in a typical personal injury claim.
External resources to help:
- Here are some E-Scooter guidance for users from GOV.UK.
- Also, information for local authorities and rental operators hosting E-Scooter schemes.
- Lastly, read a useful way to check your symptoms from the NHS.
In conclusion, thank you for your interest in our guide about making an e-scooter accident claim. For further help and free information, reach out to advisors on the contact options above.
