Many Americans choose to ride motor scooters and other small-engine vehicles around their community instead of cars or motorcycles. In addition to being cost-effective and easy to manage, they might also be safer in some situations. However, accidents can still happen, especially if they share a road with faster automobiles. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney such as David E. Gordon can help you in the event that you are injured while riding one of these scooters. You might be able to recover compensation such as medical bills and property damage with the aid of a Memphis Vespa and motor scooter accident lawyer.
Motor Scooter Laws in Memphis
Motor scooters are defined as having two or three wheels, and an engine that does not exceed 125 cubic centimeters. Tennessee law requires that motor scooter drivers operate their vehicle safely and in compliance with state laws and regulations. This means that they are subject to the same traffic laws as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They are permitted to drive on the roads in the state, provided that the driver has the proper license. Depending on the type of scooter or moped they have, they might not be able to drive it on interstate highways or other high-speed roads. A rider should consult the state laws regarding their specific vehicle in order to determine where they can and cannot ride it. If they get into an accident while riding their moped or Vespa somewhere that is not allowed, a scooter accident attorney in Memphis can help them fight to recover compensation.
Is a Certain License Required to Ride Motor Scooters?
The state issues Class “M”-Limited licenses to drivers for motorized bicycles, motor scooters, and mopeds. This limited license allows a driver to ride a moped or motor scooter in Tennessee but does not allow the driver to operate a motorcycle. They are commonly granted to teenagers between the age of 14 and 16 who are too young to ride a proper motorcycle. Applicants may need to take an examination as well.
Class “M”-Limited drivers between 14 and 16 are limited to operating a motor scooter between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and must stay within a seven-mile radius of their home. Similar to the laws pertaining to motorcycles, Tennessee requires helmets for everyone who wishes to operate motor scooters or mopeds. An individual should talk to a local motor scooter accident attorney to confirm what is required in order to drive safely and legally.
The Potential for Injuries While Riding Motor Scooters
Drivers of Vespas, motor scooters, and mopeds are physically exposed to cars and trucks in the same way that motorcyclists are exposed. However, they are traveling at lower speeds, putting them at a lower risk of being involved in a collision. If a crash does occur, however, the consequences can be similar to those that occur to a motorcyclist in a crash, with the potential for severe injuries.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Motor Scooter Crashes?
The most common injuries that motor scooter accident attorneys see are road rash and broken bones. Riders often suffer fractures to the hand as they brace themselves for a fall, or their leg can twist and get caught at the time of impact. More serious crashes could lead to spinal cord injuries or even brain damage, especially if the rider does not wear their helmet. If there is a defective engine, it might explode and leave someone with burn injuries. Furthermore, a rider can request damages for their scooter or Vespa that was damaged in the crash.
The Effect of Poorly-Maintained Property
Motor scooters are potentially dangerous because many riders do not have much experience handling one. This danger is magnified if they are riding on a sidewalk and parts of the roadway that are uneven. A sidewalk might be fine for walking but could cause a problem for a motor scooter. There have been cases where a motor scooter rider faces a slight downhill curve and loses control because of their lack of experience in handling these devices. It is possible to bring a suit against a property owner who failed to fix or warn of hazardous conditions that led to an accident. If the property is owned by a state or local government entity, it might still be possible to bring a suit but it may have to meet stricter conditions.
Retain the Services of a Memphis Vespa and Motor Scooter Accident Attorney
Mopeds and other similar vehicles can be a fun and easy way to get around town. But you must follow the unique rules that come with riding one and be cautious when sharing the road with other drivers. A Memphis Vespa and motor scooter accident lawyer can help you after a crash. Schedule a consultation with David E. Gordon today.
