The number of e-scooters to rent is on the rise across Virginia. They are becoming a very popular option for teens and young adults who want a fast way to get around Alexandria, Richmond, and especially Virginia Beach.
With their growing popularity, new laws have been put in place that establish that e-scooters are treated as vehicles when riders use them on public highways and roads. That means riders have to obey traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and not lane splitting, which is illegal in Virginia.
When that type of accident occurs, you need to get an experienced Alexandria personal injury lawyer involved. That attorney will be in the best position to provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision about how to pursue a claim to be compensated for your losses.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene of the Accident
E-scooter ER visits surged through 2025. Those are the findings reported by 13 News Now. They surveyed just two hospitals and found 135 e-scooter riders were treated for injuries from crashes.
As with any accident, the first step after a crash on an e-scooter is to call 911 for medical and police assistance. The police should respond to the accident if there are injuries, regardless of how severe they are.
The official report made by the responding officer can prove to be vital evidence in your future claim. After the call has been made to 911, here is what you need to do:
Medical Attention
You want to be examined by the paramedics who respond to the scene and report any pain or visible injury. This will start your medical records for the accident. You might feel fine in the moment and prefer to get on with your day. However, some injuries might not manifest for several hours or even days.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, take photos of your injuries and the damage to the e-scooter. If there is damage to the car that struck you, you’ll want to document that as well. Additionally, you should take photos of the surrounding environment to capture the time of day, visible light, and any weather conditions.
Secure the Scooter
There might be a scenario in which the e-scooter you rented contributed to the accident due to a malfunction. In that situation, you want to try to secure the scooter before returning it. You can speak to your attorney about the legality of keeping the scooter and whether you need to have it independently inspected by a reliable mechanic.
Don’t Admit Fault
You might be inclined to apologize to the driver for hitting their car. Do not do this. Any apology can be used as an admission of guilt.
Talk to a Lawyer
There are many situations where you don’t need a lawyer after an accident. However, a crash on an e-scooter is not one of them. It is vital that you speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help you preserve evidence and file the initial claim.
Q&A: What Are Your Options After Getting Hit On an E-Scooter?
There are many ways you can be injured on an e-scooter by another vehicle.
We asked Curcio Law partner Justin Curcio about your options for pursuing a personal injury claim after getting hit on an e-scooter.
Q: How do I know if I have a personal injury claim?
Justin: You may have an actionable cause to file a personal injury claim if it can be proven that someone’s negligence caused the accident that led to your injury.
That “someone” could be the driver of a car or commercial vehicle. In a commercial vehicle, the company owner might also be held liable for their employee’s actions.
We’ll conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible.
Q: How will Virginia’s contributory negligence laws impact any claim I might file?
Justin: That is an important consideration. Virginia is among a handful of states that apply contributory negligence laws. This is a strict liability law that stipulates that if an injured party is found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, they can be barred from seeking any compensation.
Of course, the default position of any driver is going to be that it wasn’t their fault, and you “came out of nowhere” on your e-scooter. When we collect evidence such as surveillance footage and witness statements, the truth can be revealed.
Q: How much is my accident claim worth?
Justin: That is probably the number one question we get asked. Every personal injury claim is unique. What I can tell you is that you’re entitled to seek all economic and non-economic losses. This includes all your medical bills, including any surgery or hospital stays.
It should also make up for any lost wages you had while recovering from the accident.
Additionally, you’re entitled to seek an amount to compensate for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, and any deformity or scarring that you may have suffered.
If we agree to work together, we’ll make a calculation of all your damages.
When to Consult an Alexandria Personal Injury Attorney
The best time to consult with an Alexandria personal injury attorney after an e-scooter accident is as soon as possible. When you get early legal guidance, it can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights.
With Virginia’s strict contributory negligence laws looming over every personal injury claim, it is vital to act swiftly to preserve evidence before it is lost or deleted.
The legal team at Curcio Law can immediately begin investigating the accident.
This may include obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, reviewing traffic camera recordings along roads like Duke Street, Richmond Highway, or Route 1, gathering witness statements, and preserving data from the e-scooter itself.
In addition, we can identify all potentially liable parties. That might mean naming the negligent driver.
At Curcio Law, we understand the unique challenges e-scooter accident victims face.
We want to provide the support and guidance you need to understand your options and make the right decision for your next steps.
If you were injured while riding an e-scooter, consulting with Curcio Law can get your questions answered. Call for a free consultation.
Don’t wait to find out what should happen next.
