Scooter Accidents In Nevada

Our Personal Injury Attorney Explains How To Handle A Scooter Accident

Scooters are fuel efficient, stylish, and a great way to get around the city. They are becoming especially popular on college campuses and with young people looking for an alternative to car ownership.

Scooter Accidents on the Rise

There is an unfortunate dark side to this popularity. In October 2015, a scooter fatality because the 80th traffic fatality in Las Vegas that year. Other states seeing more scooters on the road also find their accident rates grow with their presence. It is quickly becoming apparent that these collisions are an unfortunate reality, leading to critical injuries and even death.

Eric A. Stovall has extensive experience in motorcycle accidents that can also help you with injuries you sustain when there is a collision with your scooter. The laws and rights surrounding motorcycles also include scooters and that can help you with your personal injury claim.

Nevada Laws Affecting Scooters

Scooters fall under mopeds. Nevada statutes define these as a “motor-driven scooter, motor-driven cycle or similar vehicle that is propelled by a small engine which produces no more than 2 gross brake horsepower, has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters or produces not more than 1500 watts final output”. It is essentially a small vehicle with three or fewer wheels without tremendous power. This definition does not include electric bicycles.

Mopeds fall under the same rules and regulations as motorcycles. Helmet and insurance laws are applicable and you need to gain a special certification on your driver’s license before you can operate a scooter on public streets. As of January 1, 2017, you must register your scooter. This change focuses more on controlling theft than on safety concerns.

If suffer an accident while riding a scooter, then you have the same rights as a motorcycle rider, too. If you are injured by the carelessness of another driver, you can collect compensation, receive reimbursement for your medical bills and even pursue punitive damages in the most egregious of cases.

Your Risks on a Scooter

Since scooters are small and do not move as quickly, drivers frequently do not see them, which then leads to an accident. Injuries are often serious as riders do not always wear protective gear in addition to a good helmet. Motorcycle riders frequently wear leather and body armor that can reduce some types of injuries. However, scooter operators do not have the same options. Many scooters have weight limits and, if you are also carrying groceries or other cargo, putting on heavy clothing may not be possible.

Risks include spinal cord and head injuries as well as fractures. Even in a low-impact collision, you can suffer road rash and burns. There is an extra vulnerability in being a scooter driver that is not the same with other vehicles which makes these accidents especially serious. Adding to this is the fact that scooters lack the same maneuverability as cars and trucks, which make avoiding collisions more difficult on your end.

Retain An Experienced Attorney after a Scooter Accident

Holding negligent drivers accountable in scooter accidents is important, but it may also be overwhelming. When you are recovering from a scooter accident, you are likely in for a long journey. Even with a helmet, you can still suffer a concussion which makes work and daily activities difficult. You may be in a cast from broken bones or waiting for a bad case of road rash to heal. The last thing you need to deal with is insurance companies.

Eric A. Stovall, Ltd advocates on behalf of motorcycle and scooter riders who face injuries. With years of experience with motorcycles and mopeds, we can handle your claim while you focus on recovery. For a free consultation and to protect your rights, contact the office today.

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