Motor scooters are more powerful than bicycles and less powerful than motorcyclists, which makes them convenient for people who want to take short trips without using a commuter car, especially in urban areas. Just like with any other motorized vehicle, though, you have a duty while riding a Vespa or any other type of motor scooter to follow applicable laws and watch out for other people around you. Other drivers with whom you share the road owe that same duty back to you.
Anyone who causes you to get hurt in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Prince George’s County because they were acting carelessly or unlawfully should be held financially accountable for the harm they have caused you. However, getting a positive result from this kind of civil claim can be extremely challenging without guidance from a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney.
How Does State Law Define Motor Scooters?
Maryland considers a vehicle to be a motor scooter—as opposed to a bicycle or motorcycle—if it has the following characteristics:
- Either two or three wheels, at least one of which has a diameter of 14 inches or more
- A motor which provides most or all of the vehicle’s forward momentum
- An engine capacity of less than 50 cubic centimeters or rated at 1.5 brake horsepower or less, depending on its design
- Pedals which allow the operator to accelerate and brake through the rear wheel(s)
Unlike some states that treat motor scooters and mopeds more like bicycles in terms of the rules and restrictions imposed on riders, Maryland treats motor scooters almost exactly like it treats motorcycles. Under state law, motor scooters owners must:
- Register their scooter with the Motor Vehicle Administration
- Get it titled and display a title decal properly on the scooter
- Purchase liability insurance coverage for it
Motor scooterists in Prince George’s County must also wear safety helmets while riding, have a valid driver’s license, and follow the same rules of the road as bicyclists while on public streets to avoid accidents.
Suing Someone Else for Causing a Motor Scooter Crash
Despite the unique regulations mentioned above, establishing negligence for a motor scooter crash in Prince George’s County works the same as any other type of traffic, bicycle, or pedestrian accident. Someone is negligent on the road if they cause an otherwise avoidable injury, specifically by doing something irresponsible in breach of the duty of care they owe other people around them.
For motor scooter accidents, this typically means showing that the driver involved in a collision:
- Broke a traffic law
- Was driving drunk or high
- Was simply distracted or otherwise careless behind the wheel
In some situations, though, partial or primary liability may lie with a third party who was not directly involved in the accident. For example, a municipal authority that failed to maintain roads properly or a manufacturer that made and sold a dangerously defective scooter.
Get Help from a Prince George’s County Attorney After a VESPA/Motor Scooter Accident
Even though they cannot travel very fast compared to motorcycles, motor scooters are a lot faster and more powerful than bicycles while lacking protection for their riders in much the same way. Combine that with an irresponsible or inattentive person driving a massive motor vehicle, and you, unfortunately, often get accidents with life-changing and even life-threatening repercussions.
In the wake of a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Prince George’s County, assistance is available from our experienced team of lawyers who know how to proactively demand compensation on behalf of people just like you. Call today to learn how Price Benowitz could help in your unique situation.
