Electric scooters have become a common sight in Illinois cities and suburbs, providing a quick and eco-friendly way to travel. However, their increasing popularity has also led to a sharp rise in scooter-related accidents. When a pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver is struck by an electric scooter, the injuries can be serious, and the legal process that follows can feel confusing. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., we’ve represented many victims in these situations and understand how important it is to take the right steps immediately after an accident to protect one’s health, rights, and ability to recover compensation under Illinois law.
The first and most important step after being hit by an electric scooter is to get medical attention. Even if an injury seems minor, conditions such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. Medical documentation also becomes crucial evidence later in a personal injury claim.
Under Illinois law, an injured party has the right to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by another’s negligence. This right is established under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which outlines comparative negligence in personal injury cases. Seeking prompt medical evaluation helps establish a clear link between the accident and resulting injuries, which is essential to proving negligence.
At the same time, victims should follow through with all treatment recommendations and maintain copies of all medical records, bills, and receipts. These documents can support a claim for full compensation.
In many electric scooter accidents, police are not automatically called to the scene—especially when the collision occurs on sidewalks or bike paths. However, contacting local law enforcement is critical. A police report provides an objective record of the incident, including names of witnesses, statements from both parties, and any citations issued.
Under 625 ILCS 5/11-406, Illinois law requires reporting any accident involving injury or property damage. Even if the scooter operator claims they are not at fault, filing an official report ensures that the incident is properly documented and prevents disputes about how it occurred.
When possible, request a copy of the police report. It can serve as valuable evidence when pursuing an injury claim against the scooter operator, a rental company, or another negligent party.
If possible, take photographs or videos of the scene, including the scooter, visible injuries, street conditions, and nearby traffic signals. Gathering this evidence right away can help preserve important details that may otherwise be lost.
If the scooter involved in the collision is part of a rental service such as Lime, Bird, or Spin, capture identifying information like the company name, scooter ID number, and any visible damage. These details can help determine whether the scooter had mechanical defects or maintenance issues that contributed to the crash.
Witness statements can also be invaluable. If anyone saw the collision, record their name and contact information. Testimony from impartial witnesses often helps establish liability and supports the injured person’s version of events.
Determining who is responsible for an electric scooter accident can be complex. Liability may rest with the scooter operator, a vehicle driver, a rental company, or even a municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway.
Under Illinois negligence law, a person who causes injury to another through careless or reckless behavior may be held financially liable. The legal concept of negligence requires showing four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. For example, if a scooter rider ignored traffic signals or operated recklessly, they may be found negligent under 625 ILCS 5/11-1002, which governs pedestrian and vehicular right-of-way laws.
Additionally, Illinois’ comparative negligence rule allows partial recovery even when both parties share some fault. If a victim is found less than 50% responsible for the accident, compensation can still be awarded, reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
After the accident, avoid direct contact or negotiation with the scooter operator, insurance representatives, or company representatives before speaking with an attorney. Statements made early—especially to insurers—can be misinterpreted or used to minimize compensation. Maintain records of all correspondence, insurance forms, and repair or medical estimates. This documentation enables attorneys to build a strong claim on behalf of the injured party, ensuring that all damages are accounted for, including future medical costs and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Because electric scooter accidents are a relatively new area of personal injury law, victims often face challenges determining which insurance policies apply and how to pursue compensation. At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., we understand how Illinois law applies to these evolving transportation issues and how to hold negligent riders or companies accountable.
Our legal team investigates every detail of the incident, from vehicle data and witness testimony to insurance coverage disputes. We aim to secure the maximum recovery possible for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Liability may fall on several parties. The scooter rider may be responsible if reckless or negligent behavior caused the collision. The scooter company may also share liability if maintenance problems or mechanical defects contributed to the crash. In some cases, local municipalities or other drivers could be involved, depending on road conditions and traffic circumstances.
Yes. Electric scooters are classified similarly to bicycles under 625 ILCS 5/11-1502, which means riders must obey all applicable traffic laws. They are required to yield to pedestrians, stop at red lights, and operate safely in designated areas. Failure to do so can result in citations and civil liability if someone is injured.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which allows partial recovery if the victim is less than 50% responsible for the accident. The total damages are reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. For example, if total damages are $100,000 and the victim is found 20% at fault, they may still recover $80,000.
If the scooter was rented from a commercial provider, the company’s maintenance records and user agreements may become key evidence. Many rental companies carry insurance for accidents involving their scooters. An attorney can help determine whether the company’s negligence or product defects played a role in the collision.
Injured victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. In severe cases, long-term rehabilitation or permanent disability costs may also be recoverable. Each case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on the extent of injuries and available insurance coverage.
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, Illinois law provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means legal action must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline can prevent recovery altogether.
At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., we help victims of electric scooter accidents understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. Our experienced personal injury team has represented countless clients in Antioch, Waukegan, and Woodstock, and across the state of Illinois.
To schedule a free consultation, contact our Antioch pedestrian accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. at 847-395-2200 or visit one of our convenient office locations:
Our attorneys are committed to protecting injured victims’ rights and holding negligent parties accountable. Whether the injury was caused by a reckless scooter rider or a negligent rental company, we are here to help Illinois accident victims get justice and move forward.
The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Office, have offices in Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Woodstock and Barrington. We represent clients throughout the communities of Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Barrington, Woodstock, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Round Lake, McHenry, Cary, Crystal Lake, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, North Chicago, Zion, Inverness, Palatine, Wauconda, Island Lake, Fox Lake, Barrington Hills, Spring Grove, Lake Bluff, Lakemoor, Long Grove, Lake Villa, Kildeer, Wadsworth, Indian Creek, Fox River Grove, Lindenhurst and other cities within Lake and McHenry Counties Illinois.
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