Motor Scooter Accidents
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Motor scooters are a form of personal transportation that has become hugely popular in the past few years. These vehicles are affordable, and better for the environment - something many Arizonans are concerned about. They can be bought just about anywhere, from retail stores to car dealerships. But what happens if you get into an accident while on one?
While most may picture skinned knees when they hear the term “scooter accident,” the truth is these collisions can be devastating. Scooters are not built to protect the rider, meaning that an accident can easily result in severe injuries. We know first-hand just how difficult recovering from such a collision can be. That is why you should call The Husband & Wife Law Team. Our motor scooter accident lawyers are highly skilled in their field and can provide you with the expertise and legal know-how that you need to get proper compensation.
Arizona Motor Scooter Laws
According to the Arizona DOT, a motor-driven cycle is any vehicle that is designed to operate faster than 20 miles per hour but has a five horsepower or fewer engine. However, many motor scooters have more powerful engines, which leaves them in the same category as motorcycles. As such, anyone who drives a motor scooter must have:
A valid motorcycle license or endorsement
A valid title
Valid registration
Valid insurance
However, unlike motorcycles, motor scooters are exempt from Arizona’s emission testing requirements. It is important to note that Arizona’s motorcycle laws also apply to motor scooters. This means that:
Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet
All riders must wear protective goggles, glasses, or a transparent face shield
If the scooter has a full protective windshield, then face guards are not required
The laws change if the motor scooter has a less than five horsepower engine, as it would not be designed to go over 20 miles per hour. In such a case, there are few laws and regulations. Riders of low power scooters can:
Choose not to wear protective gear
Travel on bike paths and sidewalks, unless specified otherwise
You should always remember to check local ordinances in order to find out what the laws in your areas are. Every town and city in Arizona are likely to have their own rules regarding motor scooter use. Knowing these laws can help you keep yourself safe, as well as avoid any accusations of fault if you do become involved in an accident.
How Do Motor Scooter Accidents Happen?
Motor scooter riders face many of the same problems that bike riders and motorcycle operators deal with while on the road. Scooters are smaller and quieter than traditional passenger vehicles. That means that drivers can have a difficult time spotting scooters on the road. On top of that, scooters, like bikes and motorcycles, do not have many safety features. They lack crumple zones, protective walls, airbags, and seat belts. This means that a crash with a scooter can easily turn catastrophic.
Scooter accidents most often happen because:
The road was poorly maintained, causing the scooter rider to be ejected from the vehicle
A negligent driver caused a vehicle collision
The scooter was defective, causing an accident
Whatever the cause of your accident, chances are high that you have sustained severe and even potentially fatal injuries.
The Dangers of Motor Scooters
As mentioned, motor scooters do not have many safety features. This means that accidents can easily lead to catastrophic injuries. For example, during a collision with a passenger vehicle, a scooter rider will take the full force of the impact and could easily be slammed into the road, causing further damage. Some common scooter accident injuries include:
Internal bleeding
Severe lacerations
While some people may assume that scooter accidents could be easily walked away from, those who have seen the aftermath of such collisions know the truth. Scooter accident injuries often require extensive medical assistance to heal, which in turn leads to high medical bills, forced time away from work, and deep emotional trauma. If you have been involved in a scooter accident that was not your fault, then you deserve to hold the at-fault party liable for your damages.
Who’s Liable in an Accident?
Because motor scooters are considered largely the same as motorcycles, the same laws of negligence apply when they are in an accident. This means that liable parties could include a driver of a passenger vehicle, the manufacturer of the scooter, the group responsible for the maintaining of the roads and sidewalks, or another scooter rider. The liable party can only be determined through in-depth investigation, as it will depend on the facts of your case.
When the liable party is identified, you can file a claim to recover the damages you suffered. This may include medical bills, lost wages, lowered quality of life, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Recovering compensation allows you to start on the path of healing and recover financially. However, bother finding the liable party and pushing their insurance provider to give you the compensation you deserve will depend on the legal expertise of the attorney you decide to work with.
Speak to a Phoenix Motor Scooter Injury Attorney
Negligence can be tough to determine in any accident. When motor scooters are involved, it can be even more difficult, because most people (even lawyers) aren’t familiar with state and local laws governing motor scooters.
If you were injured in an accident while riding your motorized scooter, you should speak to an experienced Phoenix vehicle attorney right away. Call The Husband & Wife Law Team today. We will listen to the facts of the case and investigate to determine whether a driver, pedestrian, cyclist, or someone else was at fault for your accident. We are experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, and we can help you get any compensation you may be entitled to.