Scooters and mopeds are an efficient, stylish, and fun way to navigate between destinations. They are becoming more and more popular on college campuses and in smaller communities where a car isn’t completely necessary. Unfortunately, larger vehicles, including a typical four-door sedan, are not accustomed to looking out for mopeds and scooters and thus often aren’t paying attention to them on the road. This can lead to collisions with very serious consequences as moped and scooter operators are exposed to the environment and don’t have a metal framework to protect them. If you have been involved in an accident, contact a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas for legal representation.
In order to be considered a scooter or moped, the vehicle’s engine must be smaller than 50cc and incapable of reaching speeds higher than 30 mph on a flat road (e.g. not going downhill). Vehicles that exceed these limitations are legally considered motorcycles and should be insured as such.
While the state of Nevada does not require insurance on scooters or mopeds, it is recommended that all drivers carry at least minimal insurance in the case of an accident. The most basic insurance would include the following:
While mopeds and scooters seem like innocent, safe vehicles, there are significant risks to riding them. With their growing popularity comes an increase in reported scooter and moped accidents. Mopeds and scooters are similar to motorcycles in that the driver is completely exposed to the environment. Unlike motorcycles, mopeds and scooters do not have a powerful engine and may have difficulty avoiding dangerous circumstances that arise, such as a car coming into their lane without looking. Getting hit by a large car can cause serious injuries. If you’ve gotten hit, speak to a lawyer in Las Vegas because depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation.
Scooters and mopeds are subjected to some of the same rules and regulations as motorcycles. Nevada requires mopeds and scooters to have the proper safety equipment installed, for the driver to hold a class C driver’s license, and for the scooter or moped to have a license and be registered (to help decrease theft).
Moped and scooter drivers also have similar rights to motorcyclists when involved in a collision. When a moped or scooter driver is injured due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation. Speak to a lawyer to learn more.
Since these vehicles are small and not very agile, drivers often don’t notice them on the road. Obviously this can lead to many issues as drivers will not behave in a manner that creates a safe environment for scooters. As these vehicles do not require the use of a helmet, being involved in a collision can result in a variety of serious injuries. While motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and often wear protective clothing such as leather, moped and scooter drivers are much more exposed and have a greater chance of sustaining a serious injury, even though their vehicles do not travel at great speeds. Serious injuries that may result from a moped or scooter collision include:
Even though the moped or scooter is limited to relatively low speeds, the car or truck with which it collides is not. Even minor collisions can result in brain damage and road rash. If you lost a loved one in a moped or scooter accident in Las Vegas, our wrongful death lawyers can help during a free consultation.
As soon as you are involved in any sort of vehicular collision, the first step is always to seek medical attention for yourself or for others if you are not injured. Even if you don’t feel or seem injured, it’s important to get evaluated as victims are often in shock and some injuries have inconspicuous symptoms.
If you are not injured, it’s a good idea to take images of the scene and to collect contact information for all individuals involved and any police officers or witnesses on the scene.
After leaving the scene of the collision and being treated for any medical injuries, be sure to contact a Las Vegas personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process of seeking compensation for your injuries and damage.
Though it may be uncomfortable, it’s important to get the compensation you deserve from the liable party. Compensation may include coverage for:
Without proper legal representation, the for-profit insurance companies will use all their might to take advantage of your undefended position. They will devalue your injuries and attempt to pay you the least amount of money they can get away with. The legal process is very cut-throat, complicated, and frustrating. Going it alone can be extremely daunting and simply isn’t necessary. Speak to an experienced scooter accident lawyer in Las Vegas as soon as possible to discuss your case and to help you through the process.
Call Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers today on (702) 384-1414. You can also submit our online contact form and we will get back to you promptly.