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Although Vespas and mopeds are increasingly common, they can also be dangerous. Motorized scooter riders are not protected by air bags, seat belts, or other forms of protection in the event of a collision. Additionally, other motorists may fail to see a Vespa or motor scooter if they do not check before changing lanes. In a traffic crash, riders can be thrown from their vehicles and may face serious injury or death.
If you were injured while riding, contact a Fort Mill Vespa/motor scooter accident lawyer. An experienced attorney at Schiller & Hamilton is ready to consult with you on your situation.
The Difference Between Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, and Mopeds
Motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds have some similarities, such as lightweight designs. Unfortunately, this makes riders particularly vulnerable in crashes with larger vehicles like cars and trucks. As such, any motorcyclist or scooter rider who suffers a wreck should contact legal assistance, regardless of the specific model of their vehicle. However, there are important legal distinctions between motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles tend to have engines of 250cc or more and attached gas tanks in front of or directly under the rider. Because of this, they are generally more powerful and can achieve higher speeds than motor scooters and mopeds.
Motor Scooters
A scooter or motor scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle with a footrest platform and step-through chassis. They have smaller engines ranging from 30cc to 250cc and typically run on battery power. However, scooter riders are required to follow most of the same laws as motorcyclists, including mandatory insurance coverage.
Mopeds
Mopeds, which often look like scooters, have a motor under 50cc and a maximum speed of thirty miles per hour. Anything higher will subject the vehicle to the same laws as scooters and motorcycles.
A well-informed attorney at our firm could further explain the differences between these types of motor vehicles.
Proving Negligence in Vespa and Moped Accidents
In order to win financial compensation following a Fort Mill motor scooter or moped accident, the plaintiff and their attorney must prove that the other driver was negligent in causing the crash. Negligence occurs when a driver breaches their duty of care and causes harm to another motorist.
Common indications of negligence include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to check blind spots
- Violation of traffic laws
- Lane changes without signaling
- Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Mechanical failure of the vehicle that caused the accident
- Poorly maintained roads
Depending on the type of negligence involved, different parties may be responsible for a motorized scooter wreck. For instance, trucking companies may be responsible for their drivers, and manufacturers could be responsible for defective parts that cause accidents and injuries.
In any of these scenarios, a skilled attorney could assess the facts of the Fort Mill motor scooter crash and pursue compensation from the responsible parties on behalf of an injured rider.
Call a Fort Mill Vespa/Motor Scooter Accident Attorney
Vespas and other types of motor scooters are popular on Fort Mill roadways. However, when other drivers are negligent and fail to look out for riders, dangerous collisions can occur.
If you suffered an injury while riding, get legal guidance from a Fort Mill Vespa/motor scooter accident lawyer. Call Schiller & Hamilton today for a free consultation.