Vespa Motor Scooter Accidents in Phenix City

In some states, mopeds and motor scooters are legally different from bicycles and motorcycles, with unique rules for ownership and sometimes even traffic laws. In Alabama, Vespas and similar machines are treated the same as motorcyclists, complete with the same license and registration requirements and rules for mandatory safety gear.

Whether you find this strict approach to motor scooter regulation personally inconvenient, it can be a huge benefit when it comes to filing suit over a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Phenix City. By working closely with a practiced motorcycle accident attorney from Bence Law Firm, LLC, you could hold someone else liable for your accident and get the compensation you need.

Understanding How Traffic Laws Apply to Mopeds

Alabama state law treats motor scooters, specifically motor-driven cycles with engines producing less than five brake horsepower/150 cubic centimeters of engine displacement and weighing under 200 pounds, as functionally identical to motorcycles for the rules applicable to riders. To legally ride a motor scooter on public roads, you must either be at least 14 years old and have a moped-only operator’s license or at least 16 years old and have a Class M motorcycle operator’s license.

Additionally, you must title and register your moped with the state, wear a helmet while riding, stay on the rightmost side of roadways whenever possible, and obey all traffic laws applicable to bicyclists and motorcyclists. Failing to do any of these things before a motor scooter crash in Phenix City could substantially interfere with your pursuit of civil compensation, especially considering Alabama’s rigorous pure contributory negligence system.

What Damages Could Be Recoverable After a Motor Scooter Accident?

You have the same right to be treated with respect on the road while riding a motor scooter as anyone else operating a bicycle, motorcycle, or commuter car does. Because of that, anyone who directly causes you to get hurt in a Phenix City motor scooter wreck by doing something reckless, careless, or illegal around you may be liable to pay for your ensuing losses based on their legal negligence.

A comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand after this sort of incident can account for both economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:

• Lost quality of life
• Physical pain and discomfort
• Past and future medical expenses
• Psychological anguish and suffering
• Lost working capacity or work income
• Personal property damage, including scooter repair/replacement costs

Depending on how a particular incident played out, it may be possible to demand restitution from an irresponsible motor vehicle driver, a manufacturer that sold you a defective scooter, a local government body that did not maintain roads in a safe condition, or a combination of multiple defendants.

Get Help With a Vespa/Motor Scooter Accident Claim From a Phenix City Attorney Today

Motor scooters may not be as common in Alabama as larger vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles, but that does not mean others can act negligently around you while riding a moped. Unfortunately, it also does not mean that getting a favorable result from a claim based on a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Phenix City is easy, especially if you try to pursue your claim by yourself.

Support from a seasoned legal professional like David Bence could make a massive difference not just in your chances of getting a favorable case result but also in getting paid every cent you deserve for your damages. Call Bence Law Firm, LLC, today to learn more.