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While many people think of riding motorcycles as dangerous, they believe riding a moped, motor scooter, or Vespa is a lower-risk activity. It is an interesting distinction that is not necessarily supported by real-life evidence. Part of that is due to the confusion over the difference between all of these motorized, two-wheeled vehicles.
Whatever type of two-wheel vehicle you are on, you are at much greater risk of injury than most other people on the road. Understanding the laws and safety rules that govern the operations of these vehicles can help you avoid wrecks. Lawyers who handle Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Missouri city can help you if a wreck already occurred. Reach out to the motorcycle accident attorneys at Lone Star Injury Attorneys to learn more.
There are multiple types of two-wheeled vehicles. Under Texas Transportation Code § 521.122, operators must have an M endorsement on their license to operate motorcycles. This category includes two-wheeled vehicles with an engine displacement higher than 49cc. It also includes autocycles and trikes. The law does not include most mopeds, which usually have a displacement under 50cc.
Texas Transportation Code § 551. 351 covers scooters and minibikes. Scooters must have engines no greater than 40cc in displacement, a deck for standing or sitting, and the ability to be self-propelled. Pocket bikes or minibikes are self-propelled vehicles with a displacement of less than 50 cc, with a seat or saddle for the user. For smaller scooters, the operators need a Class C license. All scooters must be registered and inspected, and motorcycle helmet laws apply to riders and passengers.
People may only use scooters on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Cities can prohibit their operation on streets and sidewalks, but if they do not do so, scooter operators can operate them in bike lanes and on sidewalks. On sidewalks, these scooters function as bicycles. However, this term does not apply to Vespa-type vehicles but to vehicles that are more similar to kick-scooters, just with an engine.
Classifying the vehicle can be important in determining fault in an accident since different laws and rules apply to the operators. Therefore, a Missouri City lawyer who handles motor scooter accidents will investigate the specific vehicle in the accident.
The potential injuries in a scooter accident can be catastrophic. Just like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders, scooter riders are particularly vulnerable in accidents. They have little protection from vehicles and are no match for the force of a car or truck. Even at low speeds, the force can cause injuries like broken bones, sprains, strains, lacerations, crush injuries, soft tissue injuries, spine or neck injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
While people often walk away without a scratch from car accidents, it is unusual for someone to walk away from a scooter accident without any injuries. However, they may not understand the full extent of those injuries at the time of the accident. Internal injuries and TBIs may not entirely present their symptoms immediately after an accident — all victims should have a complete medical evaluation after a Missouri City scooter accident.
Depending on the nature and type of injuries, victims may be eligible for various types of damages. Economic damages provide compensation for financial injuries, including property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages provide compensation for harm that is not financial, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or emotional trauma. There is a third class of damages potentially available — punitive damages. However, the wrongdoer must do something egregious in order for punitive damages to apply.
If you have been injured in a motor scooter accident, you may not know your potential remedies. They can vary depending on the exact nature of the vehicle. Regardless of what type of vehicle, if someone else’s negligence caused the accident or contributed to your injuries, you are probably entitled to a financial recovery. To learn more, contact an attorney about Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Missouri City.
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC
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