E-Scooter Accident
Shared e-scooters are everywhere in Portland now, and the injuries have followed. A scooter that stops short, a defective throttle or brake, a pothole no one repaired, or a driver who never looked — any one of them can throw a rider onto the pavement at speed. The results are often serious: broken bones, wrist and shoulder injuries, facial trauma, and traumatic brain injuries, even at low speeds. With more than 19 years of trial experience, I know how to hold the right party accountable, whether that is a careless driver, the scooter company, or a government body that let a hazard sit.
These cases move fast and the evidence disappears faster. If you were hurt on or by an e-scooter in the Portland area, I am ready to pursue the full value of your claim — through negotiation when that works, and in front of a jury when it doesn’t.
How Portland e-scooter injuries happen
- Defective brakes, throttles, steering, or wheels on the scooter itself
- Poorly maintained scooters left in service by the rental company
- Cars and trucks that turn across a bike lane or fail to yield
- Doors thrown open in the path of a rider (“dooring”)
- Potholes, broken pavement, streetcar tracks, and other roadway hazards
- Scooters parked or dumped where they block sidewalks and walkways
Who may be responsible for your injury
E-scooter cases often involve more than one at-fault party, and identifying every one of them is where real recovery is won or lost:
- A negligent driver who hit you or forced you to crash.
- The scooter company (such as Lime or Lyft) for a defective or poorly maintained scooter under Oregon product-liability law (ORS 30.900).
- A city or public body that failed to fix a known roadway hazard — but claims against public bodies carry a short tort-claims notice deadline (ORS 30.275).
- A property owner whose premises created the danger.
Oregon’s e-scooter rules and your claim
Oregon regulates “motor assisted scooters,” and these rules often come up when the insurance company tries to blame the rider:
- Helmets. Oregon requires all motor-assisted-scooter riders to wear a helmet (ORS 814.534).
- Where you ride. Riders must use the bike lane where one is available and generally may not ride on sidewalks (ORS 814.514; ORS 814.524).
- Age and speed. Operators must be 16 or older and may not exceed 15 mph (ORS 814.512).
- Comparative fault. Even if the insurer argues you broke one of these rules, you can still recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your share (ORS 31.600).
- The deadline. Most injury claims must be filed within two years (ORS 12.110), and far shorter notice applies when a public body is involved.
Compensation you can recover
- Medical bills — past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Out-of-pocket costs tied to your injury
Act quickly — scooter evidence disappears
E-scooter claims turn on evidence that does not last. The rental company controls the scooter’s ride data, GPS, and maintenance history, and it can put a damaged scooter back into service within hours. Street-camera and doorbell footage is often overwritten within days. The sooner I am involved, the sooner I can send preservation demands, pull the trip data, and lock down the proof before it is gone.
Why a trial lawyer gets you more
Scooter companies and their insurers count on riders giving up. I prepare every case as if a jury will decide it — preserving evidence, building the medical proof, and refusing to be rushed — and that posture is what moves the other side to pay full value instead of fighting.
Frequently asked questions
I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Do I still have a case?
Very possibly. Oregon uses comparative fault, so not wearing a helmet may reduce your recovery but does not automatically end your claim — especially where your injuries were not to your head. Let me evaluate it.
The scooter app made me agree to terms. Did I sign away my rights?
Those user agreements often contain waivers and arbitration clauses, but they are not always enforceable and do not cover every claim — particularly claims against other drivers or the city. Don’t assume you are out of options.
A car hit me while I was on a scooter. Whose insurance pays?
Often the driver’s. Depending on the facts, your own auto coverage or other policies may also apply. I identify every policy that may cover your injuries.
What if a hazard in the road caused my crash?
A claim against a public body may be possible, but the notice deadline is short — often far less than the general two-year window. Talk to me right away so the deadline isn’t missed.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing up front. I handle injury cases on a contingency fee, so you pay no fee unless we recover for you.
There is no cost to find out where you stand. Find out what your case is worth or call (503) 379-9933.
What you can expect at my personal injury law firm
Personalized one-on-one Attention
Commitment to maximizing a claim
Proven trial advocacy & Results
Careful case preparation
Consistent updates on case progress
My goal is to maximize your compensation. This can include expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. No matter how complex your injuries and claim, I am prepared to fight for you.
