Electric scooters and e-bikes have transformed urban transportation in Charleston, offering convenient alternatives to cars and traditional bicycles. However, these devices come with significant risks. E-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph, while e-scooters travel at speeds up to 26 mph—fast enough to cause serious injuries in collisions.
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in downtown Charleston, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Understanding your rights and the legal process is the first step toward recovery. The personal injury attorneys at Crantford Meehan have extensive experience representing accident victims throughout the Charleston area and can guide you through every step of your claim.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents in Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston presents unique accident hazards. The historic district features narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, limited parking, and congested tourist areas. These conditions create dangerous environments for riders and pedestrians alike. When accidents occur, the consequences can be devastating.
E-scooter and e-bike accidents have become increasingly common as these devices proliferate in urban areas. The combination of speed, lack of protective barriers, and unpredictable traffic patterns creates a perfect storm for serious injuries. Riders face risks from vehicle collisions, infrastructure hazards, and their own operational errors. Unlike traditional bicycle accidents, e-scooter and e-bike incidents often involve higher speeds and greater impact forces, similar to those experienced in motor vehicle collisions.
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in downtown Charleston, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Understanding your rights and the legal process is the first step toward recovery. Many victims don’t realize they have legal options available to them.
Common Causes of E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
E-scooter and e-bike accidents result from various factors. Understanding what causes these accidents helps establish liability and strengthens your claim.
Rider Mistakes
Many accidents involve rider mistakes. Distracted riding—using phones, wearing headphones, or failing to pay attention—contributes to numerous collisions. Excessive speed, sudden maneuvers, and improper braking also cause accidents. Some riders operate their devices while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, significantly increasing accident risk. These negligent actions can form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit.
Hazardous Streets
Charleston’s streets present numerous hazards. Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can cause riders to lose control. Wet or slippery surfaces, particularly after rain, reduce traction and increase accident likelihood. Poor lighting in certain downtown areas makes it difficult for riders and drivers to see each other. Inadequate bike lanes and poorly maintained sidewalks force riders into dangerous positions. Property owners and city officials may bear premises liability for failing to maintain safe conditions.
Motor Vehicle Dangers
Many serious accidents involve motor vehicles. Drivers fail to see riders, particularly at intersections or when changing lanes. Dooring incidents—where car doors open into riders—cause significant injuries. Vehicles striking riders at crosswalks or during turns result in catastrophic injuries.
Hit-and-run incidents leave victims without immediate access to the at-fault driver’s insurance. These motor vehicle collisions often result in the same types of injuries as car accident victims experience, requiring immediate medical attention and legal intervention.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Regulations in Charleston
Charleston has implemented specific regulations governing e-scooter and e-bike use. Understanding these rules is crucial because violations can affect liability in accident claims.
General Regulations
Charleston ordinance Section 19-123 establishes the framework for e-scooter and e-bike operation. On roads, riders must maintain a maximum speed of 25 mph and stay to the right. Sidewalk usage is limited to 15 mph, and riders must yield to pedestrians.
Certain locations are completely off-limits: parking lots, garages, athletic fields, and commercial zones prohibit riding. Violations of these regulations can demonstrate negligence in your case.
Parking Rules
Parking rules are strictly enforced. Improperly parked scooters face confiscation with a $45 recovery fee. E-scooter rentals are prohibited in Charleston, though riders can use personally owned devices within the regulations. Understanding these local rules is essential when determining fault in accident claims.
Helmet Requirements
Helmet requirements and safety equipment standards apply to all riders. Violations of these regulations can demonstrate negligence in accident claims, potentially strengthening your case against a negligent rider or supporting a defense if you were injured by a violating rider. Our attorneys understand how Charleston’s specific ordinances impact liability determination.
Common Injuries from E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
E-scooter and e-bike accidents frequently result in serious injuries. The speed and lack of protection make riders vulnerable to significant harm.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions are common outcomes of e-scooter and e-bike accidents. Head and facial injuries include skull fractures, lacerations, and permanent disfigurement. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally altering victims’ lives. These catastrophic injuries require immediate medical attention and often result in long-term disability requiring ongoing care and compensation.
Broken Bones
Broken bones and fractures affect the collarbone, wrist, ankle, and other areas. Internal injuries and organ damage occur in high-impact collisions. Soft tissue injuries like road rash and contusions cause pain and scarring. Many victims experience long-term complications and chronic pain requiring ongoing treatment. The medical expenses associated with these injuries can be substantial.
Hospitalization
E-bike and e-scooter accidents frequently result in serious injuries requiring hospitalization and extended recovery periods. Medical expenses mount quickly, and lost wages compound financial hardship during recovery. The severity of injuries underscores the importance of pursuing legal claims to recover compensation for medical costs and lost income. Our personal injury team has helped numerous victims recover damages for these expenses.
Determining Liability in E-Scooter and E-Bike Accident Claims
Establishing liability is essential to recovering compensation. South Carolina follows a modified negligence system under SC Code § 27-7-10, commonly called the “50% rule.” You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
Accident Circumstances
Liability determination depends on the accident circumstances. Rider negligence—such as distracted riding or excessive speed—may establish the rider’s fault. Third-party liability arises when drivers, property owners, or others cause the accident through negligence. Understanding comparative negligence is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Rental Company Liability
Rental company liability is significant in accidents involving Bird, Lime, Spin, or other rental services. These companies may bear responsibility for inadequate maintenance, failure to warn of hazards, or negligent operations. Manufacturer defects also create liability. Equipment malfunctions and safety failures have caused accidents, making manufacturers responsible for defective products. Our attorneys investigate all potential defendants to ensure you recover full compensation.
Property Owner Liability
Property owner liability applies when inadequate maintenance or hazardous conditions cause accidents. Drivers bear liability in vehicle-involved accidents, particularly when they fail to see riders or violate traffic laws. In Charleston, understanding how local premises liability laws apply to your situation is essential.
Proving liability requires evidence: witness statements, police reports, medical records, and surveillance footage. Charleston’s specific regulations also impact liability determination. A rider violating ordinance requirements may bear greater fault, while a driver violating traffic laws bears responsibility regardless of the rider’s compliance. Our investigation team knows how to gather and present this evidence effectively.
How Crantford Meehan Can Help Your E-Scooter or E-Bike Accident Claim
Crantford Meehan provides comprehensive representation for e-scooter and e-bike accident victims. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gathering evidence to establish liability and maximize your recovery. We have recovered significant settlements for clients injured in various accidents throughout the Charleston area.
Coordination & Negotiation
We coordinate with medical experts and specialists to document your injuries and project long-term treatment needs. Our team negotiates with insurance companies and rental companies, countering their tactics to undervalue claims. When settlement negotiations fail, we pursue trial representation to protect your rights. Our experience in personal injury litigation ensures you receive aggressive advocacy.
You Don’t Pay Unless You Win
We work on a contingency basis—no fee unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures you can afford quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation. We maintain 24-hour availability for accident victims, understanding that injuries don’t follow business hours. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.
Our Office Are Where You Live
With offices in Charleston, Summerville, and Florence, we serve the entire region. Our attorneys bring extensive experience in personal injury cases, having recovered significant settlements for clients injured in various accidents. We understand South Carolina law, Charleston regulations, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. Our Charleston car accident lawyer team is ready to fight for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Scooter and E-Bike Accident Claims
How long do I have to file an e-scooter or e-bike accident claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under SC Code § 15-3-530. This period begins on the date of your injury. However, acting quickly is crucial. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage may be deleted. Prompt legal action preserves critical evidence and strengthens your claim. Don’t delay in contacting an attorney.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under South Carolina’s modified negligence system. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you recover $80,000. This makes establishing the other party’s greater fault essential. Our attorneys understand how to present evidence that minimizes your comparative fault.
What damages can I recover in an e-scooter or e-bike accident claim?
You can recover medical expenses, including past treatment and future care. Lost wages and lost earning capacity compensate for income lost during recovery and any permanent disability affecting your ability to work.
Pain and suffering damages address physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Property damage covers your device and personal belongings. Permanent disability or disfigurement may warrant additional compensation. Our team evaluates all available damages in your case.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Rarely. Insurance companies typically offer less than the claims are worth. They rely on injured victims accepting quick settlements without legal representation. An attorney evaluates your claim’s true value, negotiates aggressively, and ensures you receive fair compensation before accepting any offer. We have successfully negotiated settlements far exceeding initial offers.
What if the rental company claims I assumed the risk by using their scooter?
Liability waivers have limits. Companies cannot waive their own liability for negligence or defective products. If a scooter had a known defect or the company failed to maintain it properly, the waiver doesn’t shield them from liability. A manufacturer’s responsibility for defective products supersedes any waiver language. Our attorneys know how to challenge these waivers effectively.
How much is my e-scooter or e-bike accident claim worth?
Claim value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, liability strength, and other factors. Serious injuries, accompanied by substantial medical expenses and lost wages, warrant higher settlements. Strong liability evidence increases value. An attorney evaluates your specific circumstances and compares your case to similar settlements to estimate fair value. We provide honest assessments of your claim’s potential value.
Do I need a lawyer for my e-scooter accident claim?
Yes. Liability determination is complex, involving multiple potential defendants and regulatory compliance issues. Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters trained to minimize payouts. Legal representation levels the playing field, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation. Our personal injury attorneys and legal team have the expertise to handle these complex cases.
Contact Crantford Meehan for Your E-Scooter or E-Bike Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident in downtown Charleston, Crantford Meehan is ready to help. We offer free consultations with no obligation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys evaluate your claim, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process.
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call (843) 832-1120 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 for accident victims. Our offices in Charleston, Summerville, and Florence serve the entire region.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Let Crantford Meehan fight for the compensation you deserve.
