E-Scooter Riders Face Serious Dangers from Cars

 Posted on January 14, 2026 in Car Accidents

E-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular form of transport across the country, taking up less space than cars at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, this convenience comes with risk. A recent report from USA Today revealed that e-scooters accounted for a large percentage of ER visits compared to e-bikes and hoverboards over a 5-year period.

When an e-scooter collides with a car, the rider could suffer life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in a crash, Schwartz Injury Law can help. Our Joliet, IL personal injury attorneys have helped car accident victims secure settlements and verdicts worth millions through aggressive advocacy, as you can see in our case results.

Common Injuries E-Scooter Riders Face in Car Accidents

Unlike people in cars, e-scooter riders have almost no physical protection. There is no metal frame around the body, no seat belt, and no air bag. When a car strikes an e-scooter, the rider usually takes the full force of the impact or is thrown onto the pavement.

Broken bones are very common. Riders frequently suffer fractures in the arms, wrists, shoulders, legs, and ribs when they try to brace for a fall or hit the ground. Head injuries are another serious concern. Even with a helmet, a rider may experience a concussion, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating. More severe brain injuries can cause long-term or permanent disability.

Many riders also suffer road rash, which happens when skin scrapes across the pavement. Although it may sound minor, road rash can be extremely painful. It can lead to deep wounds, scarring, and infections. Neck and back injuries are also frequent in e-scooter crashes. In the worst cases, damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or loss of function in different parts of the body.

What Damages Can You Be Paid for in an E-Scooter Accident?

If a negligent driver caused your e-scooter crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In a personal injury case, these losses are called damages. They are meant to account for both the financial and non-financial harm that the collision has caused.

Medical expenses are usually the first category people think about. These can include ambulance bills, emergency room care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and follow-up visits. If you need ongoing treatment or future procedures, those expected costs may also be part of your claim.

You may also recover damages for lost income. If your injuries kept you away from work, or if you had to take a lower-paying job because you can no longer perform your old work, those lost wages and lost earning potential matter. In addition, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of activities you once loved.

In serious cases, you might need help with daily tasks, home modifications, or long-term care. Our attorneys can help you document all of these losses so that your claim reflects the full impact of the crash, not just the initial medical bills.

Can You Still File a Personal Injury Claim if You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?

Many e-scooter riders fear that they lose all legal rights if they were not wearing a helmet. However, this is not true. A driver does not gain the right to drive carelessly just because an e-scooter rider chose not to wear protective gear. You may still file a personal injury claim if the driver’s negligence caused the collision.

That said, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were worse because you did not wear a helmet. They may try to use that fact to reduce the amount they pay, especially in claims involving head injuries. The specific facts of the crash, the type of injuries, and the medical evidence may all be relevant. Our firm can respond to these arguments and work to show that the driver should still be held responsible for the harm they caused.

What Is Comparative Negligence, and Why Does It Matter for Your Claim?

Illinois follows a legal rule known as comparative negligence. Under this rule, each person’s share of fault for an accident is examined. In many cases, the driver bears most or all of the responsibility. However, there may be situations where the rider and the driver each made mistakes.

If you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault, you may still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but were found 20 percent responsible, the maximum amount you could receive is $80,000. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may not be able to collect damages at all.

Insurance companies understand comparative negligence very well. They often try to argue that the e-scooter rider was riding too fast, ignoring traffic signals, or not paying attention. We can help counter these claims and protect your right to fair compensation.

How Do You Prove You Were Not at Fault in an E-Scooter Collision?

Proving fault in an e-scooter crash often requires careful investigation. Drivers may insist that they did not see the rider, or that the rider came out of nowhere. Evidence can help clarify what actually happened.

Photographs of the scene, skid marks, road conditions, and vehicle damage can be pivotal to your case. Witness statements from people who saw the crash can help show how the collision occurred. Nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or doorbell cameras may have video footage. The police report may include details about traffic citations, the location of the vehicles, and the officer’s observations.

In some cases, an attorney may work with accident reconstruction professionals who can analyze the physical evidence and provide an explanation of the crash. The goal is to build a clear, fact-based story that shows the driver’s negligence and supports your claim.

How Soon Should You See a Doctor After a Car Crash?

You should see a doctor as soon as possible after an e-scooter crash, even if you feel that your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, and soft tissue damage, may not cause severe pain right away. Early treatment can prevent complications and may speed up recovery.

Prompt medical care also strengthens your personal injury claim. Medical records create a clear link between the crash and your injuries. If there is a long delay before you seek treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were caused by something else. Following your doctor’s instructions, attending follow-up visits, and keeping copies of bills and records will help support your case.

Contact a Kendall County, IL Car Accident Attorney

If you suffered injuries in an e-scooter collision with a car, you do not have to deal with the aftermath by yourself. At Schwartz Injury Law, we understand how disruptive a crash can be for your health, finances, and peace of mind. We can review what happened, explain your options, and negotiate firmly with the insurance company on your behalf. Call 708-888-2160 or contact our Joliet, IL car accident attorneys to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.