While fun to ride, motorized scooters do not have the protection of other vehicles sharing the road. In addition, due to their smaller size, they may be more difficult to see, which can be especially dangerous when other drivers are distracted or not paying enough attention to their surroundings.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor scooter accident caused by another driver, our Fairfax County motor scooter accident lawyers can guide you about what to do to protect your legal rights. Our Motor scooter accident lawyers in Virginia are here to help you navigate the legal process involved with claiming compensation. Meanwhile, we have prepared the following guidance as an overview about pursuing financial damages and what to expect from the claim process.
Despite Their Popularity, E-Scooters Can Be Dangerous
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles defines motorized scooters (such as Mopeds or Vespas) as vehicles with less than three wheels that displaces less than 50cc’s. As they are powered by an engine, motorized scooter riders are subject to the same traffic laws and regulations that apply to other motorists.
In our larger cities, other types of scooters, such as the e-scooter renting systems provided by companies such as Bird, Lime, and Lyft, are popular means of transport. According to Virginia law, e-scooter users must follow the same road safety regulations for cyclists.
However, despite their convenience, the downside of using any type of scooter is the high risk of serious injuries if you are involved in a collision with a larger passenger vehicle. Head injuries top the list of accident-related trauma caused by accidents involving scooters. However, other serious injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord trauma
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
Compensation Available in Motor Scooter Accident Claims
If another motorist was responsible for causing an accident while you were riding a motorized scooter, you could be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries and other related losses. Damages awarded in a motor scooter injury case can include:
- Current and future medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and compensation if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
- Wrongful death
- Other related losses resulting from the accident
Several complex issues can arise during the process of claiming compensation which could result in lengthy negotiations about who is responsible for causing the accident.
However, it is vital for people injured through negligence to recover damages to rebuild their lives. As such, it can be beneficial to learn about your legal options during a free consultation with a motor scooter accident attorney.
Fairfax County Motor Scooter Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Determining Fault Is Not Always Straightforward
The first stage in any accident lawsuit is determining who is at fault. Potential parties in a motorized scooter accident claim can include:
- Other road users
- A government entity that is responsible for road maintenance
- An e-scooter rental company
- The manufacturer of a poorly designed or unsafe motorized scooter
- E-scooter part manufacturers
The circumstances of the accident and the type of scooter you were using determine the laws that apply to your compensation case. For example, if you were using a Moped or Vespa, the process of recovering for injuries is typically similar to any other vehicle accident.
For an e-scooter, such as those provided by Lime or Lyft rental companies, a defective or poorly maintained scooter that caused an accident would fall within the scope of product liability law. Our scooter injury attorneys can investigate your case to determine what happened and who should be accountable for your injuries.
Other Ways Personal Injury Attorneys Help to Build a Robust Case
When we take your case, after we establish who is responsible for causing the accident, the next step is proving the at-fault party is accountable for your injuries and demonstrating your financial losses. We help our clients to build a robust case by:
Gathering the Evidence Required to Build a Robust Case
Evidence to support your case can come from several sources. This could include anything you documented from the scene, such as photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. Other types of evidence we can obtain include:
- Medical reports
- Police report
- Witness statements
- CCTV footage
- Expert testimony from medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists
Evaluating the Extent of Your Injuries
Insurance companies rarely seek to present their best offer during the early stages of a claim. As such, it is vital to have a good idea of what a fair settlement amount is for your circumstances. Our injury attorneys draw on significant prior experience to assess your financial losses.
We consider both current losses and any you may incur in the future, such as the cost of your ongoing treatment or compensation if you are unable to return to work long-term or permanently.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement with the At-Fault Party or Their Legal Representatives
We know insurance companies operate as for-profit organizations. Insurers will seek to protect their bottom line, whereby our commitment is to ensure our clients are properly compensated. Therefore, settlement negotiations typically require involved discussions before all parties reach a fair resolution.
Filing Your Case Within the Appropriate Deadlines
The Personal injury statute of limitations is two years in Virginia per Va. Code § 8.01-243. This means you will need to file your case within this strict deadline. Further, depending on your circumstances and who is responsible for the accident could lengthen or shorten this deadline. As such, we would always recommend you seek legal advice as soon as you can, as missing a deadline could mean you risk losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
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Contact the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC for a Free Consultation Today
If you were injured while riding a motorized scooter in Fairfax County, our attorneys can help you build a compensation case. With an exclusive focus on personal injury, the team at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, is committed to fighting for the rights of people who are injured due to an individual or companies negligence.
To learn about your legal options and how we can help, call for a free consultation at (571) 229-1800 today. Together, we can work things out.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
