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The laws that will apply to your motorized vehicle largely depend on its size. According to Illinois traffic laws, there are three categories of two-wheeled motorized vehicles—motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds.
To drive a motorcycle, an operator needs a Class M license. These vehicles are larger and more powerful, with maximum speeds comparable to passenger vehicles and with more than 150 cc engine displacement. To operate a moped, an operator does not need any license. These vehicles may look like motorcycles, but they are generally much smaller and less powerful, with engine displacement less than 50cc and maximum speeds around 30 miles per hour. Scooters are intermediate between motorcycles and mopeds. They have an engine displacement between 50cc and 150cc, and some of them have maximum speeds that are closer to those of passenger vehicles.
Under Illinois law, motor scooter operators must follow the same laws that apply to motorcycle operators, except that they can have a Class L license rather than a Class M license. Even following those rules can leave a person vulnerable since other drivers often drive recklessly around scooter operators. If you have been injured in Vespa or motor scooter accidents in Chicago, one of our experienced motorbike accident attorney can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Scooters come with many of the same risks as motorcycles. Their riders are more exposed without the protection of a cage or airbags, which leaves them vulnerable in an accident. Plus, Illinois does not have a mandatory helmet law, which might mean there is nothing between a biker’s head and the ground in the event of a crash.
Some driving behaviors can increase the risk of Vespa or motor scooter wrecks in Chicago. For example, operators may weave in and out of traffic. Combine that behavior with the fact that scooters are smaller vehicles, which can be difficult for other drivers to see, and the risk of wrecks skyrockets. The lack of visibility is the underlying reason for many of these crashes.
When scooter riders do get into accidents, they have an increased risk of injuries, even though their overall rate of speed will be less than a typical motorcycle.
Even a minor scooter accident can lead to road rash, contusions, bruises, lacerations, and some broken bones. Injuries to the wrist are common since operators often reflexively put their hands out when the scooter starts to hit the ground. There is also a high risk of more severe injuries, including neck and back injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Some of the injuries that Chicago riders experience in motor scooter/Vespa wrecks can have a lifelong impact.
When a motor scooter operator is involved in a wreck, they can get substantial damages. In addition to recovering repair or replacement costs for their vehicles, these victims may be entitled to financial and non-financial damages. Financial compensatory damages include indirect and direct financial losses like lost wages, medical bills, nursing care, replacement labor like housekeepers, loss of earning capacity, and medical bills. Some examples of non-economic compensatory damages include disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.
Determining the amount of compensation can be a complicated endeavor. The primary factor is the nature and severity of the injuries. However, since Illinois is a comparative fault state, determining whether the scooter operator played a role in the Chicago Vespa crash can make a big difference in the potential recovery.
Recovering from Vespa or motor scooter accidents in Chicago can be a challenging journey. Fortunately, you do not have to take that journey alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you along the way, watching out for your financial future so you can focus on healing. Contact McCready Law today to discuss your options for recovery.