DeLand Child Seriously Injured in Electric Scooter Crash: Legal Options After a Scooter Accident

A tragic accident in DeLand, Florida has left a young girl with life-threatening injuries after she was struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter. The crash occurred on Monday afternoon, June 24, 2025, near the intersection of South Woodland Boulevard and Gilbert Street, a busy area known for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

According to local authorities, the incident happened around 3:35 p.m., when a black Chevrolet traveling northbound struck the child as she attempted to cross the road on her electric scooter. The driver, an adult male, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. He was not injured in the crash.

The young girl was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital with injuries that emergency responders described as life-threatening. The road was closed for approximately 90 minutes while police investigated and cleared the area.

Among the bystanders who witnessed the crash was Crystal Campbell, a trained CPR responder who happened to be driving nearby at the time.

“I saw something fly up in the air,” Campbell told reporters. “Everybody started slamming on their brakes.”

Campbell said she saw the girl lying motionless and immediately rushed to her side. “She was breathing shallowly when I first approached her. Then she stopped breathing,” she recounted. Instead of performing traditional CPR, Campbell applied back blows—a quick decision that may have saved the child’s life by reviving her breathing.

The DeLand Police Department is still investigating the circumstances of the crash. A full report is expected after officers finish collecting witness statements and reviewing any available surveillance footage. As of now, no charges have been filed, and the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Authorities have not released the identity of the child or provided an update on her current condition.

Legal Options After Scooter Accidents in Florida

Can a Driver Be Held Liable in a Scooter Accident Involving a Child?

Yes—under Florida law, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and remain alert to all road users, including children and those using scooters or other mobility devices.

While not every accident is the driver’s fault, liability may arise if:

• The driver was speeding or distracted
• The driver failed to yield to a pedestrian or child
• The accident occurred in a school zone or crosswalk area
• There was negligence, such as failing to take reasonable precautions when children are present

In this case, the investigation will determine whether the driver failed to respond appropriately to a crossing child and whether any road conditions or visibility issues contributed to the crash.

If a child is seriously injured by a motor vehicle while using a scooter, the family may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. These cases can help cover:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Long-term rehabilitation or therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Emotional distress for both the child and their parents

Even if the accident was partially the child’s fault—for example, if they crossed without a signal—Florida’s comparative negligence laws may still allow for partial recovery of damages.

Electric scooters have surged in popularity, but they’re not always safe or legal for young children, especially on busy roadways. Florida law restricts the use of electric scooters in certain settings, and helmets are strongly recommended for minors.

Many cities and counties have age limits and road restrictions in place. However, enforcement and education often lag behind the rise in scooter use, especially among unsupervised children.

What Parents Can Do After an Accident

If your child was involved in a crash, the most important steps include:

1. Get immediate medical care.
   Even if injuries seem minor, complications can arise days later.
2. Request a police report.
   This will help establish what happened and support any legal claims.
3. Document everything.
   Take photos of the scene, the scooter, the injuries, and collect witness contact information.
4. Consult with a personal injury attorney.
   A qualified attorney can guide you through the next steps, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you understand your rights.

Our hearts go out to the injured girl and her loved ones during this difficult time. If your family is ever affected by a serious pedestrian or scooter accident, know that legal support is available to help you recover and seek justice.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we advocate fiercely for families affected by tragic, preventable accidents. If your child has been hurt in a pedestrian or scooter crash in Florida, we’re here to help.