Vespas and motor scooters offer an economical option for traveling around town without having to walk. However, they also have less horsepower than larger passenger vehicles, including motorcycles, which makes it hard for them to get up to highway or interstate speeds. Furthermore, they offer no protection against collision, which means that if you do get into an accident, you may suffer severe injuries. After Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Lake County, reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your right to compensation.
Determining Liability in Motor Scooter Accidents
After a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Lake County, a lawyer will start with a look at what led to the collision and who bears liability for the incident. Often, liability rests with the driver of a larger vehicle who failed to share the road safely with a smaller motor scooter. Common causes of accidents can include:
- Speeding
- Left turn accidents
- Driving while distracted
- Improper lane changes, often caused by failure to look for smaller vehicles
- Trying to push a smaller vehicle off the road/out of their lane
- Aggressive driving/road rage related to the smaller vehicle taking up space on the road
- Lane splitting or attempting to share a lane of traffic with a motor scooter instead of allowing the rider to have adequate space for their vehicle
The state has no-fault laws for the drivers of larger passenger vehicles, but those laws do not apply to motorcycles, motorscooters, and other small, single-passenger vehicles. As a result, injured riders will generally need to file a claim for compensation under the other driver’s insurance, even in cases where they carry a personal injury protection policy on another vehicle.
Other factors, including dangerous or poorly maintained roads or a defective scooter, can also contribute to the risk of a motor scooter accident or its severity. A lawyer can go over all factors that potentially contributed to the accident and guide injured riders as they file a claim for the damages they sustained.
Compensation for Vespa/Motor Scooter Accidents
Vespa or motor scooter accidents in Lake County can result in severe injuries, which means the injured driver’s costs can mount fast. Many drivers end up needing to pursue substantial compensation, including:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Immediate medical costs: The cost of medical care needed right after the accident
- Lost earning potential in cases where the injured rider can no longer complete their job duties because of the accident
- Ongoing/future anticipated medical costs: The cost of ongoing medical needs related to injuries from the accident, including ongoing procedures, physical therapy, or durable medical equipment
After a scooter accident in Lake County, injured riders should consult with an attorney to learn more about the specific financial and non-financial losses they should include as part of their claim and how they can show them.
Discuss Your Vespa/Motor Scooter Accident in Lake County With a Lawyer
Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Lake County can cause immense challenges, from the medical costs you can end up facing to the loss of enjoyment of life that may occur when you can no longer participate in the activities you once enjoyed. Having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference in your ability to recover fair compensation for your losses. Contact Largey Law Firm today for a free consultation that will help you assess your right to compensation and fight for justice.