In a Scooter Accident? Here are 5 Things to Do Immediately

In 201, there were 8.3 million registered motorcycles on American roadways.  However, the data for mopeds, motorized scooters, and motor scooters is less clear because they are classified differently and operate under different laws. Therefore, you must treat a moped accident, motorized scooter accident, and motor scooter accident differently than a regular motor vehicle accident. There are five things you should do following an accident.  Knowing them in advance can help you stay safe and compliant with the law.

Keep reading so that you’re prepared in the event of a moped accident, motorized scooter accident, and motor scooter accident.

1. Check on Everyone Involved in the Accident

If you’re physically okay to do so, be sure to move away from traffic and turn off your engine. Pull the scooter off to the side of the road. Anybody else involved in the accident should do the same, provided they’re medically able.

Before looking at the damage, make sure that you’re free of any serious injury that may require immediate attention. After checking yourself thoroughly, check that everybody else involved in the scooter accident is okay.

If anybody requires medical attention, call an ambulance first. If there is a neck or back injury, don’t touch or move that person, as you could make the injury more severe.

Even in the case that there doesn’t appear to be a severe injury, you should consider calling the paramedics to be evaluated. Some injuries aren’t obvious following an accident.

2. Call the Police

After the ambulance has been called for any injuries, you should call the police.

Even in the case that all involved parties agree on to exchange information and cooperate, calling the police ensures the accident is documented.  

3. Exchange Information

Once the police are called and arrive at the scene, ask for an exchange of information of all parties involved. This will help with any potential claims in the future. Make sure to request and obtain the following information:

• First and last name of all parties involved and any witnesses;
• Contact information (phone numbers and addresses);
• Driver’s license numbers and plate numbers;
• Insurance information;
• Location of the accident;
• Type, color, and model of the vehicles.

We recommend taking photographs at the scene for documentation purposes.  Additionally, avoid discussing any details with others at this point, as you may admit fault without realizing it.

4. Know the differences between mopeds, motorized scooters, and motor scooters

A moped is any vehicle with no more than three wheels and pedals that can be used to propel the vehicle by pedal power.  Mopeds have a seat or saddle, are equipped with a motor that cannot propel the vehicle faster than 30 mph.  If a gasoline motor is used, the displacement cannot exceed 50 CCs. 

A motorized scooter is a vehicle that has no more than three wheels, does not have a seat or saddle, and is equipped with a motor that cannot propel the vehicle faster than 30 mph.  These are the type of scooters you see popping up in your cities or cities near you in the form of electric scooter rentals and ride sharing companies, like Bird and Lime.

A motor scooter has the same classifications as a motorized scooter; however, a motor scooter does have a seat or saddle.

Depending on the vehicle classification you are riding, certain laws and requirements apply.  While you may not need a helmet to ride any of the vehicles above, it’s certainly smarter and safer to do so.  Additionally, while insurance may not be needed to ride these vehicles either, it may be in your best interest to purchase insurance anyways.

5. Consider Seeking Compensation

In the case that your moped, motorized scooter, or scooter accident was the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation. If you choose to do so, be sure that you follow these steps after the accident:

1. Inform your insurance company, if you have any; 
2. Record all of the details of the accident including time, place, location, and circumstances;
3. Take photographs of any damage to your property;
4. Visit a doctor to attend to any injuries;
5. Keep records of any doctors visits, medical bills, or other expenses you incur as a result of the accident.

Filing a claim against the person who caused the accident is easier with all of the above documentation. An experienced motor scooter accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for property damage, medical bills, and injuries.

Were You Involved in a Mopeds Accident, Motorized Scooter Accident, and Motor Scooter Accident?

If you or your loved one is injured in a moped accident, motorized scooter accident, and motor scooter accident, and suffer damages and/or injuries due to the fault of another, get the help of a highly experienced motor scooter accident lawyer from Marsalisi Law.  Contact us at 727-800-5052 for a free legal consultation.  Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.