Roswell Vespa/Motor Scooter Accident Lawyer
Riders of Vespas and motor scooters are considerably more vulnerable to suffering catastrophic injuries in the event of a crash with a negligent motor vehicle operator. If you were recently involved in a serious accident while riding your Vespa or motor scooter, you may need to consult with a well-versed car accident attorney. A Roswell Vespa and motor scooter accidents lawyer could evaluate liability in your collision and determine who can be held legally responsible for your injuries.
What Are the Laws Governing Vespas and Motor Scooters in Roswell?
Vespas and motor scooters generally fall under the category of mopeds, as defined by Official Code of Georgia Annotated §40-1-1(28). A vehicle must have either two or three wheels to be classified as a moped. Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate a moped and have a valid permit or license.
Vespa and motor scooter riders must also wear a helmet at all times and are not permitted to travel on roads where the minimum posted speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour.
Common Causes of Vespa/Motor Scooter Crashes
Vespa or motor scooter crashes are likely to occur when a negligent driver fails to operate their vehicle with reasonable care. Common causes of Vespa and motor scooter collisions include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Texting while driving;
- Speeding;
- Disobeying traffic laws;
- Failing to yield;
- Tailgating; and
- Careless driving.
Recovering Damages after a Collision
With the help of a skilled Roswell attorney, Vespa or motor scooter collision victims may be able to recover a variety of damages to offset your losses. Recoverable damages for an injured claimant may include:
- Hospital bills;
- Ambulance costs;
- Therapy expenses;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional trauma;
- Past and future lost income;
- Scarring; and
- Disfigurement.
According to O.C.G.A. §9-3-33, a person injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence generally has two years to file a civil claim to recover their damages. This means that if an injured Vespa or motor scooter rider does not get their claim started within two years of their accident, they may lose their right to recover damages in Roswell. Fortunately, an attorney could help an injured claimant file their case within the required statutory window.
How Does Liability Impact Compensation?
In cases where both the injured scooter rider and the at-fault motorist share liability for a crash, the courts would apply the comparative fault doctrine outlined in O.C.G.A. §51-12-33. According to this law, as long as the injured party is less than 50 percent responsible for their own damages, they may still be entitled to recover some compensation.
If the injured party shares liability with the defendant, however, their compensatory award would be reduced in proportion to their assigned percentage of negligence. For example, if the injured Vespa rider was 25 percent liable, their available damages would be reduced by 25 percent.
Furthermore, if the injured party’s liability is 50 percent or more, they would be unable to receive any damages whatsoever. A Vespa and motor scooter crash lawyer in Roswell could help refute any assignment of liability to the plaintiff that could adversely impact their claim for compensation.
Seek Assistance from a Roswell Vespa and Motor Scooter Accident Lawyer
A Roswell Vespa and motor scooter accident lawyer could be your fierce advocate during each stage of the claims process. Whether it is possible to achieve an out-of-court settlement or the case proceeds to litigation, an attorney could help protect your legal rights every step of the way and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Let us help you fully understand your rights to legal recovery and explain what options may be available to you. Call now to set up your case consultation.
