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Motorized scooters are increasingly popular in Rock Hill as an economical and practical form of transportation. However, like motorcycles, they offer no protection in the event of a collision. When other drivers are inattentive or reckless on the road, riders are unfortunately at high risk of severe injury.
If you were injured in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Rock Hill, contact legal assistance as soon as possible. A skilled personal injury lawyer at Schiller & Hamilton could help you seek compensation for your losses from any negligent parties.
Rock Hill Motorized Scooter Laws
In South Carolina, motorized scooters may travel on any roads, including freeways. State law defines a scooter as a vehicle with two or three wheels and an engine that is at least 50cc/2 horsepower. This definition includes all models of Vespa and many other brands of motorized scooters.
Scooters are regulated like motorcycles, which means that an owner must have:
- Vehicle registration
- A motorcycle license
- Liability insurance
Additionally, scooter operators under age 21 must wear approved helmets and goggles or face shields while riding. All other vehicle and traffic laws apply to local scooter riders just as they apply to motorcyclists.
Proving Negligence in Vespa Accidents
In a claim for compensation, an injured Rock Hill resident and their legal counsel must show that other parties’ negligence contributed to the scooter accident and ensuing damages. The victim also must prove that they were not negligent or less negligent than others involved in the accident. A scooter rider might avoid findings of liability by wearing a helmet, obeying all applicable laws and regulations, and properly maintaining their vehicle.
A discerning lawyer could investigate a scooter accident in Rock Hill to determine contributing causes and potentially negligent parties. Some common examples of factors in Vespa collisions include:
- Inattentiveness of other drivers
- Violation of traffic laws by other drivers
- Poorly marked or maintained roads
- Mechanical failure of any of the involved vehicles
In addition to showing that a party behaved negligently, the injured rider also must show that the negligence directly led to their injuries. Proving direct causation can be complicated, as there might be multiple factors that contribute to an injury, so it is best to enlist the help of an attorney who focuses on scooter accidents in Rock Hill.
Determination of Fault in Rock Hill Scooter Collisions
South Carolina is an “at-fault” state, meaning that the damages of everyone involved in an accident must be paid for by the at-fault motorist or their insurance company. As such, the drivers’ insurers may attempt to shift blame onto another party to reduce their obligations or avoid a payout entirely.
To complicate matters, South Carolina Code §15-38-15 makes all parties responsible for their own actions in personal injury cases. This means that an injured scooter rider who was negligent could still seek damages from other, more negligent parties, but any award they receive will be reduced to reflect their degree of responsibility in causing the accident. Significantly, if the rider is found more than 51 percent at fault, they will be barred from receiving any compensation at all.
The allocation of fault is the most significant factor in determining the amount of compensation an injured victim could collect. An assertive attorney in the community could help a scooter rider present a strong case that other people’s negligence was the primary cause of their accident.
Call an Attorney after Vespa/Motor Scooter Accidents in Rock Hill
If you are pursuing a civil claim or insurance settlement after a motorized scooter accident, consult a law firm with experience handling these types of cases. Trying to negotiate a settlement alone may be challenging, as insurance companies are well-practiced in avoiding adequate payouts to injured victims.
Let a knowledgeable lawyer at Schiller & Hamilton familiarize you with the legal system and protect your interests as you seek compensation for your losses. If you sustained injuries in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Rock Hill, call today to schedule a free case review.