How Atlanta’s Growing Scooter Traffic Affects Auto Accident Liability

People in Atlanta made 1.5 million trips using micromobility devices within the first six months of 2025. Many of these trips were conducted with scooters, which Atlanta residents have come to rely on. Scooters may be convenient, but they also come with significant risks. Sharing the road with larger vehicles means that riders are often vulnerable to severe injuries in the event of a crash.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a scooter, speaking with one of our Atlanta auto accident lawyers can help you understand your options.

How does Atlanta’s growing scooter traffic affect auto accident liability?

Atlanta’s growing scooter traffic affects auto accident liability by creating more opportunities for cars and scooters to collide with one another.

If there were just a handful of scooters on the road, there wouldn’t be many opportunities for them to collide with cars. But, with so many of them on the road, it becomes easier for accidents to happen.

A driver in a car can be responsible for the damages created after colliding with a scooter. On the other hand, if a scooter rider was responsible for a collision, they can be responsible for those damages. It all depends on the facts of the case and Georgia’s auto accident liability laws.

How does fault work in Atlanta?

Georgia relies on a modified comparative negligence system that allows injured individuals to recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault for their injury.

For example, if you were speeding while driving your scooter and a car crashed into you, you may be considered 5% at fault for this injury. This means that, if you have damages of $100,000, you can obtain $95,000 of these damages.

On the other hand, if you were 40% at fault you might be able to obtain $60,000, out of the $100,000 worth of damages you sustained.

Even if your actions partially contributed to the injury, you may still be able to obtain compensation. It depends on your percentage of fault.

Who is at fault for a scooter accident in Atlanta?

To determine fault, Atlanta courts look at the actions of each party, and whether these actions can be considered negligent. Some examples of this are as follows:

• If a driver was speeding and hit a scooter rider, that driver could be considered negligent and assigned a higher percentage of fault.
• If a scooter rider runs a red light, and gets hit by a car, this scooter rider could be considered negligent and assigned a higher percentage of fault.
• If a driver was operating their vehicle while intoxicated, they would likely be considered negligent and assigned a higher percentage of fault.

If a particular individual violates the traffic laws that govern Atlanta, and this leads to an accident, they will probably be considered largely at fault for an accident. It’s worth noting that failure to wear a helmet generally does not make a scooter rider at fault for causing an accident, but it may be considered when evaluating the extent of certain injuries.

Even if a particular individual is considered at fault for an accident, they may still be able to obtain compensation, if their percentage of fault is less than 50%.

What are some major liability considerations to be aware of?

When a person is liable for an accident and resulting injuries, they may be on the hook for the damages. Regardless of who you are, there are a few major liability considerations you should be aware of.

If you are a driver, the following liability considerations should be kept in mind:

• If you are found partially at fault for a scooter accident, the damages from this accident may be paid out from your insurance policy, which could lead to increased premiums/associated costs.
• Failing to abide by Atlanta’s traffic laws can lead to you being held liable for the accident and assigned a large percentage of fault, which could force you/your insurance to pay a large sum of damages.

If you are a scooter rider, the following liability considerations should be kept in mind:

• Many insurance policies do not automatically cover vehicles with fewer than four wheels, such as scooters, which could mean that you are responsible for your percentage of fault in a scooter-related accident.
• Scooters must be parked in accordance with Atlanta ordinances, and if a scooter violates these ordinances in a way that creates a hazard, scooter riders could be considered largely at fault for any accidents that arise.
• Atlanta ordinances restrict scooter use on sidewalks in certain areas, and violations that contribute to an accident may affect fault.
• Colliding with a vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object can make you liable for the damages associated with this collision, especially if violating Atlanta’s traffic laws is what led to this collision.

All of the above must be kept in mind, regardless of which vehicle you are operating. In the event that you are forced to deal with these liability considerations, an auto accident lawyer can help you address them.

Contact one of our Atlanta Auto Accident lawyers today

If you sustained injuries in an Atlanta scooter accident, you need to seek out legal assistance. Use this form to contact one of our Atlanta auto accident lawyers today. We are ready to help you pursue the best possible outcome in your case.