Scooters and mopeds are more efficient than cars in getting around the city. While these two-wheelers are lightweight and compact, they cannot withstand the impact of a car or truck in an accident. Also, since there is no seatbelt, airbag, or safety cage to protect you, you could fall off the bike during an accident or be thrown into traffic.
If you have been injured in a scooter or moped accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The Atlanta scooter accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help you evaluate your legal options. Our injury and accident attorneys will review your claim, follow up with your insurance company and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (470) 323-8779 to request your complimentary consultation or reach us online.
Georgia Scooter Laws
Georgia’s laws require that you have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate a moped. You don’t need to register your bike, but you do have to carry proof of ownership with you at all times. You must also carry liability insurance for your scooter, which may mean paying for a different policy than what you have for your car. Headlights are required at night, and face protection is required at all times. Use of limited access highways and other roadways where the speed limit exceeds 35 mph is prohibited to those riding mopeds.
Causes of Scooter and Moped Accidents in Georgia
Scooters and moped accidents can be especially dangerous because of their size and weight. The smaller the vehicle, the harder it is to see on the road. The most common causes of scooter and moped accidents include:
- Driver inexperience: Drivers who do not have the proper training or licensing may be unable to handle the speed or handling characteristics of their vehicle. These drivers tend to drive too fast, get into car accidents, or lose control of their scooters while driving.
- Driver recklessness: Reckless drivers often do not follow traffic laws, fail to signal when making turns, and may drive too fast for conditions leading to a fatal crash.
- Alcohol consumption: Alcohol impairs a human’s ability to make sound judgments and leads an individual to take unnecessary risks and cause a vehicular collision.
- Distracted drivers: Inattentive or distracted drivers are easily one of the scooter and moped riders’ biggest threats. Other drivers who are distracted by cell phones, or children in the back seat, could easily crash with a scooter or moped. In many cases, these distracted drivers don’t even realize they’ve hit someone until after they’ve done so.
- Speeding: Speed limits exist to protect all vehicles on the road. When drivers speed, they put themselves and others at risk. If a speeding driver strikes a scooter or moped, the damage can be fatal.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers have a responsibility to yield to other vehicles when they are making a turn or changing lanes. Catastrophic injuries often occur when drivers fail to yield and strike a scooter or moped.
Common Injuries Caused in a Scooter or Moped Accident
Because scooters and mopeds don’t protect riders and passengers, injuries are common even in low-speed accidents.
- Head Injury: These can be caused by hitting the ground or hitting another object such as a car. A head injury can range from minor to severe and even fatal.
- Brain Injury: In some cases, a head injury can result in brain damage that causes the victim to suffer physical, emotional, and cognitive problems.
- Spinal Cord Injury: These injuries often result in paralysis, which can be permanent or temporary depending on the extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
- Road Rash: This is a very common injury among moped riders because any part of their body hitting the pavement can result in skin being scraped off. The severity of road rash depends on how long the skin is exposed to the road before the rider stops sliding.
Scooter/Moped Safety Precautions in Atlanta
- Follow the rules of the road. This means riding in bike lanes, coming to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic signals, and not riding on sidewalks or opposite traffic on one-way streets.
- To prevent injuries, wear a helmet when riding a scooter or bike. Helmets save lives and can prevent serious head injuries.
- Don’t ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can impair your ability to respond quickly to changing conditions and make good decisions.
- Look before you leave. Always check the road to ensure it’s safe to go before hopping on your scooter. It’s best to ride in bike lanes or on bike trails when available.
What Does A Moped Accident Claim Cover?
When you are injured in a two-wheeler accident, you may be eligible for compensation from the person responsible for causing your injuries. This compensation will help you with the costs associated with their injuries and any losses you have suffered due to your injuries.
If you cannot work after sustaining permanent injury or disfigurement from an accident with a moped, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and your inability to support yourself. The compensation amount you receive depends on the severity of your injuries, any costs they have incurred related to their injuries, and future expenses for your rehabilitation.
Legal Options after Scooter and Moped Accidents in Atlanta
Riding a scooter or moped in Atlanta can be a fun way to get around and save money on gas. Unfortunately, many people are injured when they ride these vehicles and are left wondering what their legal options are after an accident.
Like car accidents, there are laws that govern who is at fault for injuries caused by scooter and moped accidents, but this can be difficult to determine if you aren’t familiar with the details of Georgia law. If you were injured riding a scooter or moped, you need to contact our Atlanta scooter and moped accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to determine if you have a valid accident claim.
We will investigate your case to determine all liable parties and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to. To learn how we can help, call us at (470) 323-8779 or contact us online for a free consultation.
