Electric scooters have become a popular way to get around downtown Chattanooga, but they also come with real risks. Riders often share the road with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, and that mix can lead to serious injuries when something goes wrong. If you were hurt in an electric scooter accident, our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers at Dennis & Winningham can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Scooter accident liability is not always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, the responsible party could be a negligent driver, the scooter company, the city, or even another pedestrian. Below, we break down how these cases typically work in Tennessee.
How Tennessee Law Treats Electric Scooters
Electric scooters fall under Tennessee’s rules for “personal mobility devices” or, depending on speed and design, may be treated similarly to bicycles under Tennessee Code § 55-8-188. Riders are generally required to follow many of the same rules of the road as cyclists, including riding with traffic, obeying traffic signals, and using designated lanes or paths where available.
Because scooters share the road with much larger and heavier vehicles, even a minor mistake by a driver can result in catastrophic injuries to a scooter rider. Common injuries include fractures, head trauma, road rash, and spinal injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Scooter Accident in Chattanooga
Determining fault after an electric scooter accident requires looking closely at the facts. Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers. A driver who fails to yield, runs a red light, or is distracted by a phone can be held liable if they strike a scooter rider.
- The scooter rental company. If the scooter itself malfunctioned, had faulty brakes, or was poorly maintained, the company that owns and rents out the scooter could share responsibility.
- The City of Chattanooga or another government entity. Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or dangerous potholes can contribute to scooter accidents, and a government entity may be liable in some circumstances. Claims against the city come with strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so do not delay if this applies to your case.
- The scooter rider. In some accidents, the rider’s own conduct, such as riding against traffic or ignoring signals, contributes to the crash.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule under Tennessee Code § 29-11-101. This means that if you are found partially at fault for your own scooter accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover damages at all if you are found 50 percent or more at fault. This makes it especially important to have an attorney investigate your accident thoroughly and present the facts in the best possible light.
What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident
If you are involved in a scooter accident, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal claim:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like concussions, do not show symptoms right away.
- Call the police and request that an officer respond to the scene to create an official report.
- Take photos of the scooter, the accident scene, any vehicles involved, and your injuries.
- Get the contact and insurance information of any driver involved.
- Note the scooter’s brand and identification number, since this may be needed if the company is a liable party.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media, since insurance companies and opposing parties can use your own statements against you.
- Speak with an electric scooter accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.
Why Hire an Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Scooter accident cases often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, and rental companies frequently include liability waivers in their rider agreements. These waivers do not always hold up, especially in cases involving a defective scooter or a negligent third party, but sorting through these issues takes legal experience. An electric scooter accident lawyer can investigate your accident, identify every liable party, and negotiate on your behalf so you do not have to deal with insurance companies alone.
Reach Out to Us Today for Guidance
Dennis & Winningham represents injured scooter riders throughout Chattanooga, including the 37402, 37403, 37411, and 37415 zip codes. Whether your accident happened downtown, on the Riverwalk, or near a busy intersection like Broad Street, we understand the local roads and the companies operating scooters in our area.
If you were hurt in an electric scooter accident, do not wait to get help. Contact Dennis & Winningham today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review the facts of your case and help you understand your rights moving forward.
