Can Bicycles and Scooters Be at Fault in an Accident?
As California streets become increasingly crowded with bikes, scooters, and shared mobility devices, a crucial legal question continues to arise. Can cyclists or scooter riders be responsible for causing an accident?
The answer is yes.
Just like drivers of cars, motorcycles, or trucks, cyclists and scooter riders are required to follow traffic laws. When they fail to do so, they can be held legally liable for injuries, property damage, or even fatalities.
At Noble Attorneys, we’ve seen a rise in cases involving scooter and bike accidents, especially in areas like Los Angeles, Burbank, and Glendale. Below is what you need to know about how fault is determined and what your rights are.
How Is Fault Determined in Bike and Scooter Accidents?
California uses a legal concept called comparative negligence. This means that more than one party can share fault in an accident, including drivers, pedestrians, and people riding bicycles or scooters.
You can be held responsible if, for example:
You ran a red light or failed to stop at a stop sign
You rode against the flow of traffic
You failed to yield to a pedestrian
You were distracted by a phone or wore headphones while riding
You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Your bike or scooter was not road-safe due to poor maintenance
When determining fault, insurance companies and courts look at police reports, traffic camera footage, statements from witnesses, and whether any traffic laws were violated.
Real Example:
A scooter rider in Santa Monica ran a red light and collided with a car that had the right of way. Although the rider was injured and had a broken arm, the court found him 70 percent at fault. His settlement was reduced significantly as a result.
What If You Are Injured and Partially at Fault?
California follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that even if you were partly to blame for the accident, you can still recover financial compensation. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages were valued at $100,000 and you were found to be 40 percent at fault, you could still receive $60,000.
This is why it’s so important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Noble Attorneys knows how to gather evidence, build a strong case, and push back when the insurance company tries to shift more blame onto you.
Are Shared Scooters like Bird or Lime Treated the Same?
Yes. Riders of shared scooters are considered operators of vehicles under California law. If you break traffic laws while riding one of these devices, you can still be held liable for an accident.
However, liability may also extend to the scooter company itself. If the scooter had a brake malfunction, battery failure, or design flaw, the rental company could share in the responsibility.
At Noble Attorneys, we investigate every angle to determine if third-party negligence contributed to your accident.
Common Injuries in Scooter and Bike Accidents
We often see:
Head and brain injuries
Fractures and broken bones
Internal bleeding and organ trauma
Road rash and serious lacerations
Spinal cord injuries
Even accidents that appear minor can lead to long-term medical costs, emotional distress, and missed time from work. If someone else’s actions contributed to your injury, you have a legal right to pursue compensation.
What You Should Do After a Scooter or Bicycle Accident
Call 911 and get medical help immediately
File an accident report with local law enforcement
Gather witness names and phone numbers
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
Do not admit fault to anyone, including the other party or insurance companies
Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to any adjusters
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Blame You
It is common for insurance companies to point the finger at the rider in a bike or scooter crash. Without legal representation, you could end up accepting a much smaller settlement than you deserve.
At Noble Attorneys, we protect your rights from day one. We help clients across Southern California secure compensation for their injuries and get the support they need to recover physically and financially.
Contact Noble Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a bike or scooter accident, or if someone else riding one caused your injuries, our team is here to help.
We offer free consultations with no strings attached. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
