Scooter Accidents

While scooters have long been a popular mode of transportation for children, teens, and recreational riders, they also present significant safety hazards. Unlike bicycles or motorcycles, scooters offer little protection to riders and are often operated without the same legal structure that governs larger vehicles. As a result, scooter-related accidents are increasingly common across Tennessee, especially in busy suburban neighborhoods and city streets. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent victims of scooter accidents throughout Nashville, Davidson County, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding communities.

Whether the accident involved a child riding a kick scooter in a residential area or an adult commuting with a personally owned motorized scooter, the consequences can be serious. If you or your child has been injured while operating a scooter or due to someone else’s negligence, contact our office at (615) 742-4880 for a free consultation. We are committed to helping you understand your rights and recover the compensation you need to move forward.

The Risks and Realities of Scooter Use

Scooters are commonly marketed as toys or recreational items, but they have become a common part of how people move around, especially in urban and suburban areas. Many children ride them to school, parks, or friends’ homes. Some adults use scooters—both manual and motorized—for short-distance commuting. Unlike bicycles, scooters typically do not come equipped with lights, bells, or mirrors, and they often lack built-in reflectors, which makes them harder for drivers to see in low light or at intersections.

The design of scooters also contributes to their risk profile. They have small wheels that make them more susceptible to instability when encountering gravel, sidewalk cracks, potholes, or uneven pavement. Riders stand upright on a narrow base, making them less balanced than cyclists. Braking systems on scooters are often rudimentary, and protective gear is not always worn, particularly by children. These factors combine to make scooter accidents especially dangerous, even at relatively low speeds.

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents

Scooter accidents can occur in a variety of environments and for a range of reasons. One of the most common causes is interaction with motor vehicles. Drivers may fail to yield to a scooter in a crosswalk, turn into a rider’s path without signaling, or back out of driveways without noticing a child on a scooter behind them. Due to a scooter’s smaller size and low profile, many drivers simply do not see the rider until it is too late.

Another common cause is poor roadway or sidewalk maintenance. Uneven pavement, broken curbs, loose debris, or poorly designed pedestrian crossings can create conditions that cause a scooter to stop abruptly, tip, or throw the rider. In such cases, liability may rest with the municipality or property owner responsible for maintaining the public right-of-way or private premises.

Defective scooters also lead to injuries. If the braking mechanism fails, the handlebars collapse, or the wheels lock unexpectedly, the rider may be thrown forward or lose control. Manufacturers and distributors may be held liable under product liability law if the injury was caused by a design defect, manufacturing flaw, or failure to warn.

Scooter accidents also occur on school grounds, in parks, and in apartment complexes where drivers, maintenance crews, or even other children may contribute to the risk. In these cases, liability may extend to multiple parties, depending on who had the responsibility to supervise or secure the area.

Injuries Associated With Scooter Accidents

Scooter accidents often result in significant injuries due to the lack of protective structure and the rider’s exposure to hard surfaces. Head injuries are among the most serious consequences, especially when riders are not wearing helmets. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries are common outcomes when a rider strikes their head on concrete or asphalt.

Fractures to the arms, wrists, elbows, and legs frequently occur when a rider attempts to break their fall. Facial injuries, including broken noses, dental trauma, and cuts requiring stitches are also common. Riders may suffer road rash, bruising, and internal injuries depending on the force and angle of the impact.

In severe cases, scooter accidents can result in permanent disability or death. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the judgment, strength, or experience to safely navigate traffic or avoid hazardous surfaces. Our legal team works with medical professionals to  fully assess the extent of injuries and ensure that all future medical costs, rehabilitation needs, and long-term care requirements are accounted for in any legal claim.

Legal Considerations in Tennessee Scooter Accident Cases

Tennessee law does not have a specific statute that governs non-electric scooter use. However, general personal injury law, premises liability statutes, and product liability principles still apply. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. This means an injured person may recover compensation so long as they were less than 50 percent at fault for the incident. If the injured person is found partially at fault, the amount of compensation is reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.

In cases where a driver hits a scooter rider due to inattention, speeding, or failure to yield, the driver may be found liable for negligence. If a sidewalk or pathway was improperly maintained and contributed to the crash, the local government or property owner may be liable, provided that proper notice and legal procedures are followed. If a scooter breaks or malfunctions unexpectedly, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under Tennessee’s product liability laws.

Establishing fault in scooter accidents often requires investigation into the location of the crash, eyewitness testimony, video surveillance, and medical records. Our firm conducts thorough investigations to determine all responsible parties and the best path forward for each client.

Insurance Challenges in Scooter Accident Claims

One of the difficulties faced by scooter accident victims is navigating the insurance system. Unlike motor vehicle crashes, scooter accidents may not involve insurance policies that automatically cover injuries. If a driver causes the accident, their auto insurance may cover the rider’s injuries, but this depends on the policy and the circumstances of the crash.

If the injury occurred on private property, such as an apartment complex or retail area, the property owner’s premises liability insurance may apply. If the scooter itself was defective, product liability insurance may be involved. In situations where the rider has health insurance, medical bills may initially be paid that way, but subrogation claims may later be filed against any legal recovery.

Parents of children injured on scooters may be surprised to learn that homeowners insurance policies, in some cases, can provide limited protection depending on how and where the incident occurred. Each case is fact-specific, and our firm helps clients identify all possible insurance policies and pursue every available avenue of compensation.

Damages Available to Victims of Scooter Accidents

Victims of scooter accidents may be entitled to recover a range of damages under Tennessee law. These can include compensation for medical expenses such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. If the injury has caused the victim to miss work, lose wages, or suffer reduced earning capacity, those losses may be recovered as well.

Pain and suffering is a recognized category of damages and reflects the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the injury. Disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability may also be compensable, depending on the circumstances. In the most tragic cases involving death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future support the deceased would have provided.

Our attorneys work closely with physicians, economists, vocational experts, and counselors to determine the full value of your losses. We build strong, evidence-based claims designed to obtain the maximum recovery permitted under the law.

Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident

If you or your child has been injured in a scooter accident, taking immediate and deliberate steps can protect your health and legal rights. Start by seeking medical attention, even if the injuries appear minor. Some symptoms, especially those related to brain injuries, may not become apparent until hours or days later.

Next, document the scene of the accident. Take photographs of the scooter, the surrounding environment, any hazardous conditions, and your injuries. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. If a vehicle was involved, obtain the driver’s license and insurance information, and request a police report.

Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters until you have spoken with an attorney. Early statements may be recorded and used to minimize your claim. Keep records of all medical bills, missed workdays, and any communications with property owners, vehicle operators, or manufacturers.

Why Choose The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we have over 80 years of combined experience representing injury victims across Middle Tennessee. From our offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we serve clients throughout Davidson County and surrounding areas with personalized, effective legal representation. We understand the unique challenges posed by scooter accidents, especially when they involve children or complex liability questions.

Our team includes attorneys, paralegals, a full-time nurse, and a network of trusted experts who help us investigate, build, and present the strongest case possible. We handle all scooter accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all litigation expenses, so there is no financial risk in seeking help.

Contact Us Today

Scooter accidents can result in serious and lasting injuries. If you or your child has been harmed while riding a scooter or due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait to protect your rights. Call The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 today for a free consultation. We will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery. Our offices in Nashville, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro are ready to serve families throughout Middle Tennessee who need trusted legal representation after a serious injury.