Whether used for shorter commutes, running errands around the neighborhood, or as a primary vehicle, motor scooters and Vespas are practical and economical modes of transportation. However, these vehicles offer no protection to riders in the event of a traffic accident, and because scooters are smaller and quieter than motorcycles, other drivers are more likely to overlook them on the road.
If you were injured while riding due to someone else’s negligence, you could seek damages with the help of an motor scooter/Vespa accident lawyer. A skilled personal injury attorney at Tittle & Perlmuter can help evaluate your options and work tirelessly on your case.
Motor Scooter Riding Laws
In Ohio, individuals operating motor scooters on highways or other public roads must obey all vehicle and traffic laws and adhere to the same rules as other motorcyclists. Riders must register their scooters and obtain a motorcycle license and liability insurance. All scooter riders must use protective eyewear, and minors and those with a novice designation on their license and their passengers must wear helmets. Although adults and experienced riders are not legally required to wear helmets, it is recommended for safe and responsible riding.
It is important to note that although some maneuvers such as lane splitting are legal, they could still lead to a decreased settlement if a motor scooter accident occurs.
Causes of Vespa and Scooter Accidents
Scooters have as much right to travel on the road as cars and trucks, but many drivers do not afford riders the space and care that they deserve.
Scooter accidents commonly occur when drivers:
- Open their doors into oncoming traffic
- Change lanes without noticing a scooter already occupying the space
- Back into a scooter
- Turn left into the path of an oncoming rider
- Pass a scooter too closely
- Motorists can avoid many of these types of collisions with proper attentiveness. Unfortunately, distracted or impaired drivers often fail to see motor scooters or misjudge their movements.
Vespa and scooter riders who suffer injuries due to others’ negligence have the right to seek damages with legal assistance.
Negligence in Motor Scooter Crashes
Individuals involved in any vehicle accident that results in property damage or injury should promptly notify the police. A police report will note the traffic accident’s cause and whether any driver was disobeying traffic laws at the time of the crash. If so, the cited driver(s) likely will be judged at-fault for the wreck.
A scooter driver who shares fault for an accident can still pursue a claim against other negligent parties. Ohio Revised Code §2315.33 allows a negligent plaintiff to seek damages as long as they were less than 50 percent responsible for the incident.
If a partially negligent plaintiff brings a lawsuit for damages, the judge will allocate fault among the parties involved in the motor scooter crash. If successful, the plaintiff will be awarded compensation that reflects their portion of the blame.
Call an Experienced Motor Scooter/Vespa Accident Lawyer
Scooter accidents can result in severe injuries with long-lasting effects. Unfortunately, the two-year statute of limitations on injury claims does not give victims much time to seek compensation for their losses.
If you were recently injured while riding a motor scooter, reach out to an attorney experienced in handling motor scooter and Vespa accident claims as soon as you can. The legal team at Tittle & Perlmuter can provide clarification on calculating damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf. Call today to discuss your case.
