Mopeds and motor scooters are an increasingly popular transportation choice for residents. They are ideal if you are looking to save money on gas and parking fees when traveling short distances in urbanized areas. Like any other motor vehicle, though, a moped can be dangerous to both you—the rider—and other people nearby if you do not operate it responsibly. Similarly, you could suffer life-altering injuries while riding your motor scooter if you get into an accident caused by another person’s negligence.
If you have been left with serious physical, financial, and psychological losses following a crash like this, you should strongly consider reaching out to us at the Law Offices of David W. Holub for professional legal support. Seeking civil restitution for the detrimental effects of Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Merrillville can be more challenging than you expect. Working with one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys could dramatically increase your chances of securing a favorable case result.
When Is It Possible To Sue Over a Moped Accident?
Although you cannot operate a moped or motor scooter on any interstate highway, state law otherwise holds the same licensing requirements and traffic regulations for these vehicles as it does for motorcycles. Crucially, you also have the same right to file a civil suit against anyone whose irresponsible actions cause you to be injured while riding your scooter, provided you were riding in accordance with state law at the time.
In Merrillville, civil fault for motor scooter crashes generally lies with whoever was primarily to blame for the incident. A specific careless or reckless act would signify that a person had violated the duty of care that all motor vehicle operators owe to each other. Ways drivers could violate their duty of care include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- A momentary lapse in concentration
- A criminal misdemeanor or felony, such as driving under the influence
Depending on the circumstances, you could have grounds for a lawsuit if another party committed any of these acts.
What To Do After Getting Hurt in a Motor Scooter Crash
If you have suffered any kind of injury in a traffic collision, this could have debilitating or fatal consequences for you. Your immediate priority following the accident should be to get professional medical care at a hospital or urgent care clinic. Even if you can safely leave the crash scene without an ambulance, you should still visit a doctor as soon as possible. This not only ensures you have any unknown injuries identified and treated, but it also gives you formal, court-admissible documentation of them.
If possible, immediately following a moped collision in Merrillville, you should gather any preliminary evidence about how and why the crash happened before leaving the scene. You might simply take photos of damaged vehicles and gather contact information from eyewitnesses, but this could play a key role in supporting a lawsuit or settlement demand later on.
Contact a Merrillville Attorney for Help With a Moped Crash Claim
Vespa/motor Scooter Accidents in Merrillville can lead to complex legal challenges, but as a motor scooter rider, you have many of the same responsibilities and all the same rights on the road as a motorcycle rider, passenger car driver, or long-haul trucker. We could provide the compassionate, custom guidance you need to obtain the restitution you want, and we could help prevent any unnecessary issues or complications in the process. Call the Law Offices of David W. Holub today for a free consultation.