Over the last several years, motor scooters and mopeds have become a popular option for Louisiana residents who want to get around urban areas quickly without paying for or maintaining a full-sized motorcycle. However, state law still imposes significant restrictions on moped and motorized bike riders despite their smaller size and power. Following those rules can be key both to keeping yourself on the right side of the law and keeping yourself out of danger while riding.
Unfortunately, even the safest moped and scooter riders can wind up getting severely hurt in a crash that was entirely someone else’s fault, as experienced personal injury attorneys know all too well. If you have been hurt in one of these wrecks, a lawyer who is familiar with Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Lafayette could help. Our legal team at Tomeny | Best could work tirelessly to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your damages by everyone who played a role in causing them.
Mopeds Versus E-Bikes in Lafayette
Under state law, a moped is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled motor vehicle with a seat, automatic transmission, gas and brake pedals, a motor with a maximum brake horsepower of 1.5 or a maximum engine displacement of 50 cc, and a top speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on flat ground. In order to operate such a device on public roads, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or learner’s permit, and you must also title and register your vehicle with the state Office of Motor Vehicles. Helmet use is also required, in accordance with the state’s motorcycle laws.
By comparison, e-bicycles with motors no bigger than 750 watts and a top speed of 20 miles per hour at most on flat ground are subject to Louisiana’s bicycle laws. This means they can legally be ridden on bike paths and/or sidewalks, and helmets are only required for riders under the age of 12. Finally, motor scooters not classified as mopeds are not considered street-legal in the same sense that motorcycles or mopeds are, but they can still be ridden in certain areas, as your legal counsel can explain in more detail. The exact type of vehicle could be important when filing suit over Lafayette motor scooter wrecks.
Holding Someone Else Liable for a Motor Scooter Crash
Regardless of what type of motor scooter, moped, or e-bike they were riding at the time, any rider who is struck and injured by a negligent driver while traveling through Lafayette can file suit against that driver for damages stemming from the accident. This is possible as long as you were following all of the rules of the road applicable to you and as long as you can prove that a specific reckless, careless, and/or illegal act by the driver you are suing was the primary and direct cause of your injuries.
Alternatively, you may be able to hold one or more third parties liable for a wreck like this if you can prove their misconduct indirectly contributed to causing your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to help you demand restitution from a manufacturer that sold you a faulty scooter, a mechanic or retailer who failed to ensure that you received a roadworthy vehicle, or a local government body that failed to maintain roads or riding paths in reasonably safe condition.
Discuss Legal Options With a Lafayette Attorney After a Motor Scooter Accident
Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Lafayette can be just as dangerous as motorcycle wrecks in many situations, especially if they involve a collision with a full-sized car traveling at high speeds. No matter how you were injured or what damages you need to recover for, you will likely have a hard time enforcing your right to civil restitution if you try to go through the legal process entirely on your own.
Our motor scooter injury lawyers at Tomeny | Best treat you like family from start to finish of your unique claim and could ensure your pursuit of compensation goes as smoothly and successfully as possible. Call today to discuss your options.
