Jacksonville Scooter Accident Attorneys
Scooter Accident
For the same reasons that motorcyclists take to the roads in Florida, scooters and mopeds are very popular in our state. Warm sunshine, balmy days, and great scenery encourage many riders to travel while they take in their environment on a moped or scooter. And it is a very economical way to travel, which is especially important these days.
However, just as motorcycles are often not seen by motorists, the scooter or moped too is often not seen until it is too late, especially by large SUVs that have a reduced field of vision. And scooters are even quieter than motorcycles so they often are not heard either.
As a result, thousands of scooter riders are injured every year in collisions with motorists.
Let's say that you are riding a popular Vespa, or some other motorized scooter. You are driving responsibly and wearing a helmet. You have lights on and signal when you change lanes. You are driving the speed limit. An SUV comes along and side swipes you going 30 mph, or he turns in front of you. He says he didn't see you. At least half of all motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists.
If you are lucky, you will only experience an injury.
It's important to contact a Florida motorcycle accident attorney as soon as you can to have your options explained to you.
You must file your claim for injuries, or in the case of death of a loved one, a Florida wrongful death claim, within a specific time period.
If there is serious injury involved, that might not be your first priority, but working with a competent and experienced accident attorney will alleviate some of the burden of taking care of paperwork, investigations, and dealing with insurance companies. You may receive compensation for lost wages and medical bills, physical therapy, pain and suffering and/or disfigurement.
In the case of a wrongful death, the family may be able to receive some compensation for loss of companionship.
Scooter riders should know they are bound by the same laws of the road as other vehicles. Teenagers or unqualified drivers may not think that is the case, but they too have an obligation to keep themselves safe.
Any scooter operator charged in a crash causing injuries is financially responsible for bodily injuries and property damage to others. Without an insurance requirement in Florida, scooter riders can purchase bodily injury/property damage liability insurance and keep it for at least three years.
There are ways you can increase your safety on a scooter.
MotorWorks, a Web site for scooter enthusiasts suggests the following:
- Wear bright reflective clothing and a helmet.
- Avoid riding in another motorist's blind spot.
- Obey the speed limit and never driver faster than your skills or weather conditions allow.
- Signal well before you turn or make a lane change. Consider using hand signals in addition to electronic turn signals.
- Use extra caution at intersections and entrances to parking lots and driveways -- don't let another motorist's actions take you by surprise.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet in appropriate locations while riding.
- Never leave a scooter unattended with the engine running.
- Reduce speed when riding on bumpy roads.
- Be especially aware of traffic behind you. Different speeds can lead to a rear-end collision.
- Don't rely on mirrors, which allow for only a partial view. Be aware of blind spots.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Jacksonville scooter accident, please contact a skilled Florida motorcycle accident lawyer at Farah & Farah immediately.
Please visit our Jacksonville Motorcycle Crash Website for more info.
Our personal promise: Accident victims have specific rights, but by law you have a limited time to take action. When you use our team at Farah & Farah, there are NO up-front charges.
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Our fee is a percentage of the money awarded payable only when your case is successfully concluded. No matter how many times you call and how long we talk, there is NO CHARGE or cost until your case settles. Do not sign any releases, agreements or give any statements until you have spoken with us about your legal rights. When it comes to getting you more, we won't settle for less!
We personally promise that you will be treated with the respect and dignity you deserve. We promise to keep you up to date and informed as to developments in your case. Your case is important to us, regardless of size.
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