VESPA/Motor Scooter Accidents in Leander
Using a VESPA or motorized scooter can be a great alternative form of transportation—they are cheap, easy to operate, and environmentally friendly. They are not, however, immune from accidents on the road. Unfortunately, due to a lack of protection for the rider, injuries incurred during a scooter accident tend to be more severe than otherwise.
When you have been injured, an attorney experienced in handling VESPA/motor scooter accidents in Leander can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Is the Scooter Company Responsible for a Crash?
When an injured rider rented the scooter from a company such as Bird, Lime, or a moped tour company, it is natural to assume the company that provided the scooter should bear some responsibility. This can quickly turn into a complicated question because the law surrounding scooters is still developing. There are several factors that could come into play.
First, Texas is a comparative negligence state, as set forth in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. This means a jury will consider whether the injured person bears any responsibility for their own injuries. If so, the injured person’s compensation will be reduced in a proportionate amount to their responsibility. When the responsibility assigned to the injured rider is more than 50 percent, they cannot recover at all. A jury could decide that the rider voluntarily assumed the risks that go along with riding a scooter and increase the rider’s responsibility for the accident accordingly.
Second, many scooter companies require riders to sign a contract before using a scooter. These contracts almost always seek to limit the scooter company’s liability in various ways. Depending on the methods they employ and what the rider consents to, it may be harder for the injured rider to recover from the scooter company.
Finally, the manner in which the accident occurred has an impact as well. For example, if the accident was caused by the brakes on the scooter being defective, an injured rider is more likely to have success pursuing compensation from the scooter company than if the injuries occurred because the rider was using the scooter irresponsibly.
The scooter company’s liability is a complicated, fact-specific question. A Leander attorney who specializes in scooter accidents can help determine how these legal principles will apply in the case of a specific wreck.
Scooter Safety
When a person is injured in a collision on a scooter or VESPA in Leander, a lawyer’s job is to secure fair and adequate compensation for the injured person. The best way to minimize the effect of injuries is to never have accidents in the first place. Moreover, an injured person is more likely to receive recovery if they do not bear any responsibility for the collision. Therefore, it is best to be as safe as possible while riding a scooter. This includes adhering to the following best practices for scooter use:
- Always wear a helmet
- Ride only in designated areas – this may vary depending both on the type of roadway and the type of scooter
- Never ride while intoxicated
- Drive at an appropriate speed and follow all traffic rules
- Pay attention to the surroundings and drive defensively
- If renting a scooter, test it before entering into the flow of traffic to ensure familiarity with the scooter’s operation
If needed, an experienced attorney can help explain how these requirements apply to specific areas in and around Leander.
An Attorney in Leander Can Help With Your VESPA/Motor Scooter Accident
When you have been injured in an accident while riding a scooter or moped, you deserve to focus on healing rather than being stressed about covering your medical expenses.
Schedule a consultation with a lawyer experienced in handling VESPA/motor scooter accidents in Leander today to see how we can assist. Take steps to secure the compensation you deserve.
