As electric scooters continue to pop up across St. Cloud—from downtown to the St. Cloud State campus—accidents involving these convenient but vulnerable vehicles are on the rise. Whether you were riding a personal scooter or using a rental from Bird or Lime, a serious crash can leave you with painful injuries, growing medical bills, and unanswered questions about your legal rights.
One of the most common concerns we hear at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC is:
“How much is my scooter injury case worth?”
The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cause of the accident, who was at fault, and how the injuries impact your life. Below, our team of St. Cloud personal injury attorneys breaks down what determines the value of your scooter injury claim in Minnesota—and what you can do to make sure you are not shortchanged.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Scooter Injury?
There is no universal “average” settlement that applies to every electric scooter crash. While minor injuries may result in compensation in the thousands, serious or permanent injuries can lead to six-figure settlements or verdicts.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we have recovered millions of dollars for injured victims in Minnesota, including those injured on scooters, e-bikes, and other alternative forms of transportation.
That said, scooter injury cases often fall within these broad ranges:
| Severity of Injury | Estimated Settlement Range |
| Minor injuries (sprains, bruises) | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Moderate injuries (fractures, TBI) | $25,000 – $100,000+ |
| Serious injuries (surgery, disability) | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
| Catastrophic injury or wrongful death | $500,000 – $1,000,000+ |
These figures are not guaranteed, but they offer a helpful starting point. Your case may be worth more—or less—depending on the unique facts involved. Also, how much insurance coverage is available is one of the biggest factors in whether or not you can receive compensation and how much.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
In Minnesota, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages after a scooter crash. Let’s break them down:
Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)
These include:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, imaging, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions
- Future medical care: Ongoing treatment, rehab, assistive devices
- Lost wages: Time off work during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity: If you cannot return to your job
- Property damage: Damaged scooter, phone, glasses, etc.
Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)
These include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Hobbies or activities you can no longer enjoy
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD, or depression
- Scarring or disfigurement: Especially with facial injuries or road rash
At Nelson Personal Injury, our St. Cloud injury law firm works closely with medical and financial experts to properly calculate your total losses and prove your case with hard evidence.
What Factors Affect the Value of Your Case?
Not all scooter injury claims are created equal. Here are key elements that may increase or decrease your case’s worth:
1. Severity and Type of Injury
A broken wrist may require a cast and physical therapy—but a traumatic brain injury (TBI) could require a lifetime of care. The more serious and permanent your injury, the higher the likely compensation.
2. Fault and Liability
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If your case is worth $100,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
3. Insurance Coverage
If a car hit your scooter, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance usually covers your claim. The minimum required liability coverage in Minnesota is $30,000. However, some drivers carry more insurance. We investigate every potential source of coverage to maximize your recovery.
4. Medical Documentation
Insurance companies look for any reason to deny or devalue your claim. Missing appointments or failing to follow treatment recommendations can hurt your case. Keep a thorough record of every diagnosis, bill, and provider visit.
5. Quality of Legal Representation
A skilled scooter accident lawyer in St. Cloud can make a significant difference. At Nelson Personal Injury, we are known for our thorough investigations, skilled negotiation, and willingness to go to trial if needed.
Real-World Example (Hypothetical)
Case Summary:
A 32-year-old St. Cloud resident was riding a rental scooter downtown when a distracted driver made a left turn and collided with them. The rider suffered a fractured collarbone, mild concussion, and soft tissue injuries.
Damages included:
- $18,000 in medical bills
- $4,000 in lost wages
- 6 weeks of physical therapy
- Ongoing shoulder pain for 6+ months
- Anxiety around riding again
The value of this claim will depend on who paid the medical bills and whether they have the right to get paid back, how much the injuries have affected the injured party’s life, and whether the wage loss payments were paid by another source.
What If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?
In Minnesota, helmets are not legally required for adults on e-scooters. However, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were more severe because of helmet absence.
At Nelson Personal Injury, we work with medical experts to prove that fault lies with the negligent driver or company—not with your protective gear choices. You can still pursue a claim even if you were not wearing a helmet.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Scooter Injury Case?
Most scooter accident claims settle within 6 to 12 months, but complex cases involving serious injury or contested fault may take longer—especially if a lawsuit becomes necessary. Our firm handles all negotiations, paperwork, and litigation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Speak with a St. Cloud Scooter Injury Lawyer Today
At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we understand how overwhelming a scooter crash can be. You may be in pain, out of work, and unsure where to turn. That is where we come in.
Let our St. Cloud personal injury attorneys handle the legal process while you focus on healing. We will investigate your case, determine fault, document your injuries, and pursue full compensation for every loss you have suffered.
There is no fee unless we win.
