Under the law, motor scooters are considered motorized vehicles. This means the same rules of the road apply to motor scooters as well as motorcycles and passenger vehicles in general. Unfortunately, serious accidents can occur when these vehicles share the road, which is where a trustworthy motorcycle accident attorney could help.
If you have been hurt in a scooter crash, get in touch with an experienced Cook County Vespa/motor scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible and find out if you are eligible for compensation.
There are several potential dangers of motor scooters. Their riders are less enclosed than the drivers and passengers of a car, leaving them more vulnerable to bodily harm in the event of a crash. Motor scooters and motorcycles may also be more likely to weave in and out of traffic.
In addition, motor scooters tend to be smaller and less visible on the road than motorcycles or other vehicles. Most motor scooter accidents occur because other motorists did not see the rider at all.
Since the riders are more exposed, injuries associated with a motor scooter accident in Cook County tend to be severe. It is common to see the following injuries:
When operating a motor scooter, riders of all ages should wear appropriate safety gear—including a helmet—at all times.
Aside from a valid state-issued driver’s license, there are no specific additional licenses required to legally operate a motor scooter.
However, many people do not realize that insurance applies to a motor scooter in the same manner as it applies to a car or a motorcycle. In order to operate a motor scooter on the roadways of Cook County, a person must meet the state-minimum insurance requirements.
In Illinois, all motorized scooters and mopeds must have insurance policies that cover $25,000 of bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 of property damage. If someone does not have liability insurance, they are subject to receiving a ticket for failure to maintain insurance on a motor vehicle.
If they are able to prove fault, a person involved in a motor scooter accident can present a claim for damages. Damages in a motor scooter case may include:
The exact amount an injured person can recover will depend on multiple factors, including the nature and severity of their injuries. A Cook County Vespa/motor scooter accident attorney could provide more guidance on what to include in an injury claim.
Although there are many similarities between a motorcycle accident and a motor scooter accident in Cook County, the investigation methods differ. While the damages and injuries in both accidents may be comparable, the causes of the accidents can vary greatly. For example, most motor scooter accidents occur at a lower rate of speed when compared to motorcycles.
One thing is for certain: an insurance company will always try to fight liability and attempt to avoid paying any damages. There are many tricks insurance adjusters use to take advantage of people who do not have a lawyer. This is why it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer who has handled these types of cases in the past.
The road to recovery is tough, especially without legal support on your side. A personal injury attorney does not charge any money upfront, so there is no reason not to have a free consultation after a motor scooter collision. Contact us today and get connected with a dedicated Cook County Vespa/motor scooter accident lawyer.