Vespa/Motor Scooter Accidents in Prince George’s County
Motor scooters are an economical and practical transportation choice, especially in urban areas. They do not use as much fuel as cars, and their small size makes it easier to find parking. However, scooters offer no protective barrier, and a rider risks severe injuries in an accident. Obeying the law and taking common sense precautions can reduce the risk but not eliminate it.
If you are involved in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Prince George’s County, contact a local injury attorney as soon as possible. If the incident was not your fault, you may be able to recover damages against the at-fault parties.
Laws Pertaining to Scooters
According to Maryland Transportation Code § 11-134.5, any two-wheeled motorized vehicle with less than 2.7 brake horsepower or an internal combustion engine with less than 50cc of piston displacement is a scooter. An owner must register their scooter and display the title decal on the back of the vehicle. They must have accident liability insurance coverage and carry proof of insurance when riding the scooter in Prince George’s County.
Operating a scooter requires a driver’s license or moped operator’s permit. Youth under 16 do not qualify for a permit, and anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian accompany them to get a permit.
The laws that apply to cyclists also apply to a Vespa operator. They must ride as far to the right as possible except when making a left turn or if it is unsafe to do so. They must use bike lanes when available. Scooters may not exceed 30 miles per hour and cannot ride on roads with speed limits over 50 miles per hour.
Scooter Accident Injuries
A scooter operator must wear an approved motorcycle helmet and eye protection while riding, but that is the only protection the law requires. A rider is vulnerable to severe injuries in a crash. A clinical study showed that a scooter rider often sustains injuries similar to bikers in motorcycle crashes in the lower extremities but that moped riders have a higher risk of facial, head, and brain injuries.
Common scooter accident injuries include road rash and soft tissue injuries, especially to the neck, shoulders, and wrists. A scooter rider can suffer bone fractures and internal injuries. A Prince George’s County scooter rider who violates the law by not wearing helmets can sustain significant head and facial injuries in accidents.
Seeking Damages After a Vespa Accident
A scooter rider who suffered injuries in an accident could claim damages from the parties responsible for causing the crash. In Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland, the party responsible for the collision is likely liable for paying the losses of other involved parties, including motor scooter drivers.
Engaging legal counsel soon after a crash could protect a scooter rider’s rights. Insurance companies often seek to take a recorded statement after an accident and then use the information to deny coverage. A legal professional can prepare a rider to communicate with insurers and help them avoid making statements against their interests.
If another party’s negligence caused the accident, a scooter rider can receive reimbursement for their property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and other out-of-pocket costs arising from the injury. They also can claim compensation for their inconvenience, embarrassment, emotional suffering, temporary or permanent disability, physical pain, and similar impacts.
Work with an Attorney After Vespa/Motor Scooter Accidents in Prince George’s County
Vespa and motor scooter accidents in Prince George’s County could cause severe injuries and significant inconvenience. When you suffered injuries in a scooter accident that was not your fault, you can claim damages from the responsible party. A local accident attorney can review your case and explain your legal options. Call today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
