Injured by a Defective Electric Scooter in Fort Lauderdale? Know Your Legal Options

Electric scooters have surged in popularity across Fort Lauderdale as an affordable and convenient transportation alternative. Companies like Bird, Lime, and Bolt make scooters widely accessible through user-friendly apps. But as their popularity rises, so do scooter-related accidents—especially those caused by defective or malfunctioning scooters.

If you’ve been injured by a defective electric scooter in Fort Lauderdale, understanding your legal options is crucial. Manufacturers and rental companies have a responsibility to provide safe products, and failing to do so can lead to serious injuries. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries and related losses.

Electric scooters may seem safe, but manufacturing defects, poor maintenance, or mechanical failures can cause sudden, unexpected accidents. Common scooter defects include:

Brake malfunctions can cause riders to lose control, leading to severe accidents, especially on busy Fort Lauderdale roads like Las Olas Boulevard or Federal Highway.

Faulty or defective batteries may cause scooters to lose power abruptly or, in extreme cases, catch fire.

Defective or loose handlebars make steering difficult, often causing riders to crash or lose control unexpectedly.

Poorly maintained or defective tires can lead to blowouts, rapid deflation, or complete wheel detachments during operation.

Scooters that accelerate unexpectedly or fail to accelerate properly can put riders in dangerous situations, especially in traffic.

Injuries resulting from defective electric scooters can range from minor to life-changing. Riders injured due to mechanical defects frequently experience:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Severe lacerations and bruises
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Sprains, strains, and other orthopedic injuries

These injuries often require immediate medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and can significantly disrupt everyday life.

After a defective scooter injury, taking immediate action can safeguard your health and strengthen your claim:

Visit a hospital or emergency facility promptly, even if your injuries appear minor initially. Medical records are critical evidence in your claim.

Photograph or video the scooter, your injuries, and any specific defect that caused your accident. Note scooter identification numbers or other markings.

Report your injury to the scooter rental company (such as Bird, Lime, or Bolt) through their app or customer service line. Keep a record of any interactions.

Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident or observed the scooter malfunction.

If safe and practical, keep or securely store the scooter, as it can serve as critical evidence demonstrating the defect.

Early legal guidance is essential. Your attorney can ensure your rights are protected from the beginning and begin an immediate investigation.

Determining liability is vital for your claim. Depending on the defect or malfunction, several parties could be held responsible, including:

• Scooter Manufacturers: Companies producing defective or poorly designed scooters are liable under Florida product liability laws.
• Rental Companies: Scooter rental services may be responsible if they fail to properly maintain, inspect, or recall defective scooters from use.
• Component Manufacturers: If your injury was caused by a specific defective part (such as a battery or brakes), the component manufacturer may be liable.
• Maintenance Providers: Third-party companies responsible for scooter upkeep or repairs could also share liability if negligent maintenance contributed to your accident.

Your attorney will conduct a detailed investigation to determine exactly who is at fault for your scooter injury.

Victims of defective scooter accidents in Fort Lauderdale may recover compensation to cover:

• Medical Bills: Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost Wages: Income lost during your recovery and potential future earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries
• Property Damage: Replacement or repair of items damaged during the accident, such as phones, clothing, or other personal belongings
• Future Medical Expenses: Costs related to future medical treatment or lifelong care for permanent injuries

In cases of severe negligence or dangerous defects, punitive damages may also be sought to punish the responsible companies and prevent future harm.

Filing a product liability claim for scooter injuries can be complex. Scooter rental companies and manufacturers typically have robust legal teams and insurance providers determined to minimize their financial responsibility. A local attorney can level the playing field by:

• Conducting a comprehensive investigation and securing evidence quickly
• Consulting with industry specialists and accident reconstruction experts
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
• Pursuing maximum compensation through settlement negotiations or trial, if necessary

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be, since key evidence can disappear or degrade over time. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident is strongly advised.

If your electric scooter ride resulted in unexpected injuries due to a malfunction or defect, you deserve experienced legal support. The team at Wolfson & Leon is dedicated to protecting the rights of scooter injury victims across South Florida.

Whether your injuries stem from poor design, negligent maintenance, or manufacturing errors, our team is ready to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served accident victims across Florida:

Miami
Orlando
Tampa
Jacksonville
Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach
Fort Myers
Cape Coral
Sarasota
Clearwater
Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.