Electric scooters have become a common sight across Florida—especially in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando. While scooters offer convenience and affordability, they also come with serious risks. Scooter riders are largely unprotected, and accidents often result in severe injuries.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a scooter accident, Florida law may allow you to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. Understanding who can be sued—and what evidence matters—can make all the difference.
Common Causes of Scooter Accidents in Florida
Scooter crashes often happen because of negligence, not bad luck. Common causes include:
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Car drivers failing to yield or checking blind spots
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Distracted or impaired driving
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Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement
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Defective scooters, including brake failures or sudden acceleration
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Poorly maintained rental scooters
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Improperly parked scooters causing trip-and-fall injuries
In many cases, more than one party may be legally responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Florida Scooter Accident?
Florida personal injury law allows injured scooter riders—and sometimes pedestrians—to pursue claims against several potential defendants.
Negligent Drivers
Drivers who strike scooter riders may be liable if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or violated traffic laws. Even low-speed collisions can cause catastrophic injuries to scooter users.
Scooter Rental Companies
Companies like Lime, Bird, Spin, and others may be liable if:
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The scooter was defective or poorly maintained
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Brakes, tires, or throttles malfunctioned
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The company failed to remove unsafe scooters from service
While rental companies often rely on liability waivers, those waivers do not automatically block all injury claims under Florida law.
Cities or Government Entities
If a crash was caused by dangerous road conditions, missing signage, or improper maintenance, a city or county may be partially responsible. Claims against government entities involve strict notice requirements and damage caps, making early legal action critical.
Property Owners
When accidents occur on private property—such as parking garages, apartment complexes, or shopping centers—property owners may be liable for unsafe conditions.
Florida Laws That Affect Scooter Injury Claims
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Insurance Issues
Scooter accidents often involve complicated insurance questions:
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The at-fault driver’s auto insurance
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A rental company’s liability policy
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Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Scooter riders are not always covered by PIP, unlike traditional car accidents, making lawsuits especially important.
Statute of Limitations
Most Florida scooter injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities may have even shorter deadlines.
Common Injuries in Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents frequently result in serious, life-altering injuries, including:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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Broken bones and fractures
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Facial injuries and dental damage
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Road rash and permanent scarring
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Spinal cord and back injuries
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Internal organ damage
Medical documentation is crucial in proving both the severity and long-term impact of these injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A Florida scooter accident lawsuit may allow recovery for:
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Medical bills and future treatment
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
In fatal scooter accidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.
Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident in Florida
To protect your legal rights:
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Seek immediate medical care
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Report the accident to police or property management
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Photograph the scene, scooter, and injuries
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Preserve the scooter if possible
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Avoid recorded statements to insurers
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Consult a Florida personal injury attorney promptly
Early investigation often determines whether a case succeeds or fails.
Do You Have a Scooter Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Scooter accident cases are not simple. They involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate defendants, liability waivers, and evolving Florida law. If negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to significant compensation—but only if your claim is properly handled.
Speaking with a Florida personal injury lawyer experienced in scooter accident litigation can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Contact Florida Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
