Scooter Accidents In DC

Mopeds and scooters are small, quiet, and they can seem more like bicycles than motorcycles. Unfortunately, this also makes them subject to getting into accidents with cars. Drivers may not see a small scooter until it is too late. Scooter drivers often have little to protect them in an accident aside from a helmet. This can result in serious, and even life-threatening injuries for anyone involved in a scooter accident.

Scooters are a great alternative to cars for many people in the D.C. area. They are cheaper than a motorcycle, get better gas mileage than a car, are easy to park, and can still cut through traffic while drivers sit idle. Young people, college students, and people who live in dense urban environments may find a scooter or moped the ideal form of transportation. However, many riders do not think about how dangerous an accident can be on a scooter.

Most scooter accidents involve getting hit by a car, truck, or another motor vehicle. This most often occurs at intersections where drivers do not see the scooter or underestimate the speed and distance of the rider. A driver may cut off the scooter in an intersection, or turn into the rider thinking they had time to clear the intersection. These accidents can be serious, resulting in permanent injury or even death.

Other accidents may involve cars passing scooters without giving them enough space, causing the scooter rider to crash. In some cases, the driver who caused the accident will not even stop after the crash. Drivers involved in an accident are required by law to stop at the scene. They are also required to provide their contact information, including their name and insurance policy provider. Drivers who leave the scene of an accident can be criminally charged.

If a rider is involved in an accident where the driver does not stop, the scooter rider should try and get some identifying information from the vehicle, including license plate number, color, make, model, and any other information they can gather from the vehicle. The rider should contact the police to report the hit-and-run accident.

Accidents involving a scooter or moped can also be caused by the common reasons behind most traffic accidents. This includes speeding, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, texting while driving, and inexperienced drivers. Some accidents may be caused by the scooter rider; however, many of the serious accidents involving scooters are caused by car drivers. The driver may try and blame the accident on the scooter rider when they were really at fault for the accident. It is generally not worth arguing with the driver at the scene of the accident. Instead, your attorney will fight to get you compensation for your injuries so you don’t have to get involved.

Scooter Accident Injuries

Scooter riders may have a motorcycle helmet to protect them in an accident but that is generally the only protection they have. A helmet may protect the rider’s head and face; however, a rider can still suffer multiple, serious injuries. This includes neck or back injury, puncture wounds, internal injuries, cuts and abrasions, and broken bones.

Minor scooter accident injuries may require a couple of stitches at the hospital; however, it is important to seek medical treatment because even a minor injury can become infected and turn into a much more serious problem. Major accident injuries can require lifelong medical treatment, permanent scarring, and major disabilities.

Accident injuries may leave the victim with thousands of dollars in medical bills, continuing treatment costs, lost days from work, reduced earning potential, and pain and suffering. The victim’s family may also suffer after a loved one is injured in an accident.

An innocent scooter rider and their family should not have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. Through a personal injury lawsuit, the injured rider can seek compensation from those responsible and their insurance company. Do not accept a settlement offer without understanding the consequences of signing away your legal rights. Your attorney will fight to get you the compensation you deserve after an injury accident.

Scooter Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one was injured in a scooter accident, you should talk to an experienced DC personal injury attorney about getting compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Do not hesitate to call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.