Injured by an E-Scooter or E-Bike in Buffalo? 

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Legal Rights

If you’ve been injured on an e-scooter or e-bike in Buffalo, your life probably flipped upside down in a split second. One minute you’re zipping through downtown. The next, you’re in pain, confused, and asking, “What now?”

After a crash, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. Medical bills stack up fast. Your job might be on the line. And trying to figure out who's responsible? It feels like a maze with no exit.

The Buffalo personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, aren’t just here to give you legal advice—we’re here to lift some of that burden. We know how tough scooter and e-bike accidents can be, especially when the system seems rigged against you. 

Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a scooter collision or exploring your options for a broader New York injury compensation claim, our trusted Buffalo law firm will break it down and help you move forward with confidence.

Blindsided by an E-Scooter Crash? Here’s Who Could Be Secretly Responsible

Let’s say you were riding a Bird scooter down Elmwood Avenue. Out of nowhere, a car door swings open. Boom—instant impact. That driver might be on the hook under New York’s “dooring” law.

What if your scooter froze mid-ride from a glitch? Or maybe you tripped over one dumped outside Shea’s Performing Arts Center like yesterday’s trash?

Here’s the thing: multiple people could be at fault, and they’re all busy pointing fingers at each other.

• Another driver – Mico-mobility products, including e-scooters, accounted for at least 71 deaths from 2017 to 2020, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. 
• The scooter company – If your brakes gave out or the handlebars shook like crazy, that’s on them.
• The city – Buffalo’s rough roads and sidewalk conditions can easily contribute to crashes.
• A nearby business – Poor lighting or blocked sidewalks from construction? Another possible cause.

You shouldn’t have to do this detective work alone. A seasoned personal injury law firm can help you figure out who’s actually responsible.

Built to Fail? When Defective Scooters Turn Rides into Nightmares

You rented a scooter, trusted it would get you home—and now you’re nursing a busted wrist or worse.

These scooters are mass-produced, rented out, and tossed back on the street with minimal inspection. Sometimes, they’re just plain defective.

Let’s talk about what counts as a defect:

• Bad brakes, glitchy batteries, or steering issues – Lime recalled scooters due to fire-prone batteries.
• Direct link to your injury – You need to show that the malfunction caused your crash.
• Normal use – If you weren’t doing anything reckless, your case gets stronger.

Manufacturers have a duty to keep their products safe. When they don’t, you shouldn’t have to pay the price.

Crushed by a Bird or Lime Ride? Here’s How to Hit Back

Tap “accept” on a scooter rental app and you’ve agreed to pages of fine print. But that doesn’t mean the company’s off the hook.

Here’s what they’re supposed to do:

• Maintain the scooters properly – Many use gig workers for repairs, which leads to quality issues.
• Respond to safety reports quickly – Ignoring complaints is a serious issue.
• Pull damaged scooters off the street – Leaving them out is reckless.
• Fix glitches in the app – Lock or power issues mid-ride can cause major injuries.

If they ignored warnings or safety issues, your case may be stronger than you think.

Think Insurance Has Your Back After a Scooter Crash? Think Again

E-scooters and insurance don’t mix well.

• Auto insurance? Most policies exclude scooters.
• Scooter company insurance? Often exists—but protects them, not you.

So what are your options?

• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance – Might help with third-party injury claims.
• Personal injury protection– If a car was involved, New York’s no-fault law might cover you.
• Umbrella coverage – Depends on the terms. Many exclude scooters.

If you’ve dealt with a car crash before, you know how complex these policies can be.

These Court Rulings Could Destroy—or Save—Your Buffalo Scooter Case

New York courts are catching up with scooter tech. Judges are beginning to challenge companies’ fine print and default defenses.

• User agreements aren’t always enforceable.
• Cities can be held accountable.
• Ignoring safety complaints can backfire. Prior reports help prove negligence.

The law’s evolving—and how your case is presented matters.

Hit on Foot by a Scooter? Here’s the Ugly Truth About Who Pays

You’re walking down Hertel Avenue. A scooter hits you. Who’s at fault?

It depends.

New York follows comparative negligence—more than one party can share blame.

• Conflicting witness accounts – These can complicate fault.
• Lack of video evidence – Harder to prove what happened.
• Serious injuries – Head trauma, spinal injuries, and fractures are common.

These crashes are messy. But they can still be winnable.

When Everyone’s to Blame, Who Actually Pays? The Buffalo Scooter Dilemma

Shared roads mean shared risk. And shared responsibility.

• Drivers who don’t yield – A top crash cause.
• Riders who break rules – Sidewalks, red lights, phone use.
• Poor scooter maintenance – Wear and tear isn’t always addressed.
• City neglect – Faded lanes or dangerous intersections don’t help.

Figuring out fault isn’t easy—but it’s what we do.

Talk to Trusted Buffalo Personal Injury Attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, Today

You didn’t sign up for this. You just wanted a quick ride—or a peaceful walk. As one of the best law firms in Americare recognized for protecting people’s rights, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help you put the pieces back together. 

Whether it’s holding a scooter company accountable or navigating a broader claim with a medical malpractice attorney from team, we’ve got your back. We’ll dig into what happened, hold the right people accountable, and fight to get you what you’re owed. 

You’ve already been through enough. Call our office at (716) 335-9239 to request your free and confidential initial consultation. Let us take it from here.