Hampton Vespa and Motor Scooter Accidents

Vespas and motor scooters can be convenient modes of local transportation. However, like motorcycles, these vehicles do not provide exterior protection like cars or trucks. In motor scooter collisions, the impact is often directly with the rider’s body instead of a bumper or fender.

If you were injured while riding due to another driver’s negligent actions, a hardworking attorney could help you bring a claim for damages. This could include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss in future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, we are experienced in handling Hampton Vespa and motor scooter accidents, so let us help you with your case.

Common Injuries in Vespa and Moped Wrecks

One of the most common injuries in moped accidents are broken bones. Often, the rider’s lower extremities and legs are impacted by an oncoming vehicle as well as the scooter itself. The rider may suffer serious injuries from blunt force trauma or from their leg being pinned against the motor scooter.

Head injuries are also common in motor scooter collisions, especially when the rider is thrown from their bike and strikes their head or helmet on the roadway. This can result in a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Victims of motor scooter crashes also often suffer road rash upon impact with the ground.

Traffic Laws for Vespas in Hampton

Traffic laws of Hampton and Virginia apply to motor scooters just as they would apply to cars or motorcycles. For the most part, the operator of a motor scooter has the same responsibilities as anyone else on the roadway:

• Keep a proper lookout
• Maintain a safe speed
• Avoid reckless maneuvers
• Maintain their lane
• Follow the vehicle in front of them at an appropriate distance

Are Motor Scooters Allowed on Highways?

Motor scooters are not allowed on highways. The speed limit on highways is a minimum of 45 miles an hour. By definition, a motor scooter is any transportation device with three or fewer wheels that does not exceed speeds of 35 miles an hour. As such, motor scooters cannot safely operate at the speed of other traffic and are not authorized to drive on the highway.

Difference Between Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Collisions

Both motorcyclists and motor scooter riders are highly susceptible to injury in a wreck. There is no barrier protecting them from the ground or other vehicles. With that said, injuries sustained by motorcyclists tend to be more severe because of the speed at which motorcycles travel.

However, that same speed allows motorcyclists to avoid potential hazards. For example, if a vehicle pulls out in front of them, they have the adequate speed to maneuver around it or make an evasive maneuver. In contrast, motor scooters do not have the same speed or quickness in avoiding potential hazards. Both motorcycle and motor scooter collisions in Hampton can cause severe injuries, however, making it essential to consult an experienced attorney on a claim for damages.

Consult a Hampton Attorney for Vespa/Motor Scooter Crashes

After a motor scooter wreck, a lawyer at our firm can assist by evaluating the facts and circumstances of the collision to establish who was at fault. The team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is here to help document the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages and pursue appropriate compensation to cover your losses. We have handled many Hampton Vespa and motor scooter accidents, please give us a call today to learn how we can help you.