What Happens If You Hit Someone On an Electric Scooter in Gainesville, FL?
Bill Allen | July 14, 2025 | Scooter Accidents
Electric scooters are becoming a popular way to get around Gainesville, especially near the University of Florida and downtown areas. But with more scooters on the road and sidewalks, accidents are bound to happen.
One question we often get at our personal injury law firm is: What happens if I hit someone on an electric scooter in Gainesville, Florida? This guide will help you understand the legal responsibilities, possible consequences, and what to do after an accident involving an electric scooter.
Understanding Florida’s Laws on Electric Scooters
In Florida, electric scooters are treated like bicycles under state traffic laws. That means scooter riders must follow the same rules as cyclists.
In most cases, they should not ride on sidewalks, but cities like Gainesville can set their own rules. Because of this, scooters often share the road with cars, bikes, and pedestrians, which increases the risk of accidents.
If a driver hits a scooter rider, the crash is treated like any other vehicle accident. Police will arrive at the scene, a report will be filed, and insurance companies will get involved.
Who Is at Fault in a Scooter Accident?
Figuring out who is at fault in an accident with a scooter depends on what happened and who broke the law. In some cases, the car driver is to blame. In others, the scooter rider may have acted recklessly or violated traffic rules.
You may be found at fault if:
- You were speeding or not paying attention
- You made an illegal turn or failed to yield
- You hit a scooter rider in a crosswalk or bike lane
If the scooter rider was riding on the wrong side of the street or darted into traffic, they might share some of the blame. In Florida, the law follows a system called comparative negligence. That means both parties can be found partially at fault, and the compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of blame.
Could You Be Sued for Hitting a Scooter Rider?
Yes, the person you hit could file a personal injury lawsuit if they believe you were at fault.
In Florida, accident victims can sue for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
These cases often depend on the police report, eyewitness statements, and any video footage.
If it turns out that you were driving carelessly or broke traffic laws, you may be responsible for paying for the rider’s injuries and losses. Your car insurance might cover these costs, especially if you have bodily injury liability coverage. But if the damages are higher than your policy limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest.
What Happens if the Scooter Rider Is at Fault?
If the scooter rider caused the crash, they might not be able to recover any money from you, or they might receive less depending on their level of fault.
You can also file a claim against them for damages to your car or injuries you suffered in the crash. However, many scooter riders don’t have insurance, making it harder to get compensation.
Some scooter-sharing companies carry liability insurance, but that depends on the terms of use and whether the rider was following the rules. Even if the scooter rider is at fault, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your options.
Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida
Hitting someone on an electric scooter in Gainesville, FL, can lead to police reports, legal claims, and serious injury. Whether you were driving a car or another vehicle, it’s important to know your responsibilities and rights.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
