Injured by an Electric Scooter in Binghamton?

Electric scooters have become a popular way to move through Binghamton, whether you’re cruising around downtown, heading across the SUNY Binghamton campus, or making a quick run through the West Side. 

But when a ride ends in a crash, things change fast. A damaged scooter or careless driver can leave you in serious pain, facing unexpected medical bills, and unsure of what comes next.

If you're dealing with injuries from a scooter incident, you're probably juggling a lot at once. Medical appointments, missed work, insurance runarounds—it all adds up quickly. And most people don’t realize how hard it can be to get fair treatment without legal help.

Our Binghamton accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know how scooter cases play out in Broome County and understand the tactics used by big companies to avoid paying what they owe. Our team is here to get the facts and help you move forward with confidence.

Think Insurance Has Your Back After a Scooter Crash? Think Again, Binghamton.

After a crash, most people turn to insurance. But if you're riding a rented scooter from Bird or Lime, there’s a catch. Those companies don’t offer insurance coverage for riders. Their policies are designed to protect them, not you.

Most personal auto insurance doesn’t cover scooters either. Health insurance might help a little, but rarely covers all the medical bills, especially if you need follow-up care or miss time at work. If a driver hit you, their auto insurance may apply, but you’ll still have to prove fault, and adjusters don’t make that easy.

Here’s what you need to be aware of:

• You probably didn’t realize you gave up your rights before you even started riding. Scooter apps like Bird and Lime have user agreements full of waivers that limit your ability to sue. Most riders never see the fine print.
• Blame is often pushed onto the rider. Many police reports don’t document mechanical failures, and often side with drivers or cities, even when the scooter itself is to blame.
• Injury costs can get out of control fast. A study found the average total billing from a scooter crash cost riders an average of $95, 710. 

Scooter Company Screwed Up? Or Are They Pinning It All on You?

Every crash has a cause. In some cases, it’s a distracted driver or poor road conditions, especially on the older roads and intersections near Chenango or South Mountain. But in many cases, the problem is the scooter itself.

We’ve helped riders who were hurt due to:

• Fall hazard. Segway recalled 220,000 scooters due to a fall hazard linked to injuries and broken bones.
• Throttle failure. Throttle issues, including unexpected power surges or sudden loss of acceleration, are among the top mechanical complaints.
• Structural problems. Scooters with loose handlebars or cracked frames were often left on city streets, unrepaired for days.

These breakdowns aren’t your fault. They’re the result of poor maintenance, ignored safety issues, or companies cutting corners. Riders shouldn’t have to risk their health because someone didn’t fix a known issue.

Defective Scooter? You Deserve More Than Apologies from the Manufacturer

Sometimes the real issue starts at the factory, not the street. If the scooter was poorly built, or its design made it inherently unsafe, the manufacturer could be held responsible through a product liability claim.

Here’s what that might include:

• Design defects. In 2019, Bird recalled thousands of scooters because the handlebars were prone to cracking.
• Manufacturing defects. Gotrax recalled over 200,000 scooters after it was discovered that bolts weren’t secured properly during assembly.
• Lack of warnings. The CDC found that nearly half of riders weren’t given any safety instructions. No helmets. No training. No warnings about what could go wrong.

And if you received inadequate care from a hospital or emergency service after the crash, we also provide medical malpractice lawsuit assistance.

Wondering If You Can Sue Lime or Bird? Here's the Real Deal

It’s possible, but it isn’t simple. Bird and Lime use carefully crafted contracts filled with legal disclaimers and arbitration clauses meant to shut down lawsuits before they start.

However, those contracts don’t always hold up in court. Under New York General Obligations Law Section 5-326, any agreement that attempts to waive liability for negligence in connection with recreational activities, like riding a scooter, can be voided.

Also, if someone else booked the ride, or if the injured person was underage, there may be additional ways to challenge the agreement. Legal experience matters here, because these companies are counting on you not knowing your options. 

Our personal injury law firm has your back, and we won’t back down until you get what you’re legally owed.

Why Scooter Lawsuits Are Gaining Steam in New York

Across the state, electric scooter crashes are prompting lawsuits and lawmakers are paying attention. Since New York allows each city to manage its own scooter regulations, legal standards vary widely, creating confusion for riders and loopholes for companies.

Some recent court cases have raised questions like:

• Should cities be held liable for poor road maintenance that contributes to crashes?
• Can a scooter company avoid responsibility if they knew about a defect and didn’t fix it?
• Do riders have legal recourse if they didn’t agree to the terms of service directly?

One case in Rochester involved a woman who crashed because the scooter’s headlight failed. She sued both the company and the city, and the court allowed the case to move forward.

These cases are shaping the future of micro-mobility in New York. As more riders speak up, more companies will be forced to fix their safety failures instead of ignoring them.

Let the Binghamton Accident Lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, Take the Pressure Off You

Our legal team at Horn Wright, LLP, knows how hard it is to get back on your feet after a scooter injury. We’ve helped clients across New York, including right here in Binghamton, recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain.

We know how to hold scooter companies, insurers, and manufacturers accountable and we’re not afraid to push back. If you’ve been hurt, reach out today. Let our trusted Binghamton accident attorneys step in when the system won’t. 

Contact our office today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of the best law firms in America.