VESPA/Motor Scooter Accidents in Mount Pleasant

Motor scooters, such as VESPAs or mopeds, are a practical, economical, and fun form of travel. They require little fuel and eliminate trouble finding parking, making them perfect for traveling around metropolitan areas. Unfortunately, their small size and lack of a protective barrier often causes severe injuries and losses during a crash. 

Following state traffic laws is essential to protect yourself on the roadways. However, you are still at risk of injury due to a negligent driver’s actions. Call today to schedule a consultation with a hard-working attorney seasoned in VESPA/motor scooter accidents in Mount Pleasant if you need help with a claim. 

Motor Scooter and VESPA Safety Tips and Regulations 

Those traveling by motor scooters are at a significantly higher risk of severe and life-threatening injuries or death than most other motorists on the roadways. VESPAs are small, making them easier for other drivers to miss while making lane changes or other maneuvers, and the operator does not have the same protection as other vehicles. Some essential tips to keep in mind to stay safe while traveling include: 

  • Always wear helmets and other safety gear 
  • Remain alert and defensive at all times
  • Never assume other motorists see a scooter 
  • Wear brightly colored or reflective clothes while riding 
  • Avoid travel by Vespa at night or during poor weather conditions 
  • Learn and utilize hand signals to notify motorists of turns 
  • Travel on roads with lower speed limits whenever possible 

While the maximum speed ability varies, the average is 40 miles per hour, much less than regular vehicles. The combination of lower speeds and a compact size make following safety rules and regulations essential. 

Traffic Rules and Regulations 

Scooter operators have many of the same rights to the roadways as other motorists, and there are also legal requirements they must know and follow. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, motor scooter operators must register the vehicle with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles DMV and install a visible license plate. 

The law requires the operators to be at least 15 years old to obtain licensing, and all Vespa drivers under 21 must wear a helmet. While getting an auto insurance policy is not a legal requirement, doing so protects operators when accidents occur. During a free consultation, a Mount Pleasant attorney knowledgeable about motor scooter crashes could answer specific questions about the regulations and traffic safety laws.  

Causes of VESPA Crashes

Visibility plays a significant role in most traffic accidents as the small size makes seeing scooters challenging for motorists. Other causes of a collision include:

  • Driver distractions 
  • Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
  • Bad weather and poor road conditions 
  • Motorists failing to check all blind spots

Auto collisions in Mount Pleasant involving mopeds and regular vehicles or trucks can be catastrophic, leaving the operator with severe injuries, such as face or dental damage, skull fractures and brain damage, whiplash, and blunt force trauma.   

Meet With a Skilled Attorney Knowledgeable About Mount Pleasant VESPA/Motor Scooter Accidents

Traveling by VESPAs continues to increase in popularity, as operators enjoy many benefits that other motorists do not. However, they are also at higher risk of severe injuries and other losses when traffic incidents occur with other vehicles. 

Civil laws may entitle you to an award to cover the damages when you were in an avoidable crash because of someone else’s careless actions. Call to schedule a free consultation to review your case and options. Our firm handles injury cases on a contingency basis and will not collect legal fees unless we win your case.

Geel and Gentry

Geel and Gentry N/a
Address
Mount Pleasant
1476 Ben Sawyer Blvd
Suite 3

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Map & Directions
Phone
(843) 868-6000