Mopeds are smaller than passenger vehicles, making them easy for large SUVs, trucks, and buses to miss when turning or switching lanes. They are also quieter than motorcycles and other vehicles, and often, regular motorists are unaware of their presence on the road until it is too late.
If you were involved in a moped accident, you probably sustained substantial injuries. It would help if you had a committed Baton Rouge personal injury attorney to fight for your rights and ensure you get adequate compensation to cover your damages. At Morris Bart, our experienced Baton Rouge moped accident attorneys have extensive experience in moped accident suits and the complexities that these cases often present. If you or a loved one was injured in a moped accident, call our office today for a free analysis of your case.
Examples of Moped Accident Injuries You Could Seek Compensation for
Moped accidents are usually more dangerous than the average motorcycle accident and typically result in comparatively severe injuries. Notably, these accidents result in higher medical expenses, warranting greater financial compensation. Some of the typical injuries that result from moped accidents include:
Bone Fractures and Breaks
Fractures commonly happen due to the impact of a collision. A 2019 Forbes report reveals that 40% of moped accidents result in bone fractures and breaks. The most frequent bone injury associated with these accidents is a broken leg because a moped often falls over to one side or another during a crash.
Lacerations and Bruises
Nearly 27% of moped accidents result in lacerations and bruises. When a rider comes off a moped at high speed, they are thrown against the ground or pavement, resulting in burns or abrasions of the skin.
Brain Injuries and Trauma
A traumatic brain injury is an injury to the brain tissues enclosed within the skull. About 31.7% of moped-related injuries are head traumas. Brain injuries can last for a lifetime and impact the quality of your life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In severe accidents, moped riders can suffer from spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are devastating and could result in lifelong paralysis and suffering.
Essentially, when riding a moped, the basic safety equipment for most riders is the helmet. Although some wear padding, most riders don’t use anything else. As a result, most moped accidents result in more severe injuries when compared to motor vehicle accidents.
For a free legal consultation with a Moped Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call (225) 341-5694
What Are the Damages You Can Seek in a Moped Accident Claim?
The damages that a moped accident victim can seek can be divided into two categories: special damages and general damages:
Special Damages
Special damages are also called economic damages. These damages compensate you for the out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to the accident. These may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Moped repair or replacement expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Loss of priceless items that cannot be replaced
General Damages
General damages can also be referred to as non-economic damages. They seek to compensate you for non-monetary losses from a moped accident. Usually, general damages make up the most significant part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Typical examples of general damages include:
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Lowered quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
Additionally, if the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, you can claim additional damages under the wrongful death statutes. The wrongful death damages may include grief, loss of love and companionship, loss of household and personal services, and burial and funeral expenses.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in a Moped Accident Lawsuit in Baton Rouge?
If you were injured in a Baton Rouge moped accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you are probably wondering the duration you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Notably, the Louisiana statute of limitations under the Civil Code Article 3492 provides a maximum of one year from the day of injury to file a claim and pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
In the event of wrongful death due to injuries sustained in a moped accident, the one-year statute of limitations deadline won’t begin until the actual day when the victim dies, which could occur several days after the accident. Acting quickly soon after the accident is imperative. If you fail to file your claim within the time limit, you might be forever barred from filing the lawsuit and recovering your damages.
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What to Do After Your Baton Rouge Moped Accident
Following your moped accident, you can take the following steps to secure the validity of your claims:
Seek Medical Attention
Even when you don’t have visible injuries, bone fractures, whiplash, and other symptoms may occur several hours or days after an accident. These injuries get worse if you fail to seek immediate care. It can also become quite challenging to link them to your accident in the future when pursuing a personal injury claim.
Document Everything
Keep a clear record of everything related to the moped accident. These include hospital bills, repair estimates, lost earnings, and more. You should also take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and your damaged property. These can be invaluable when calculating a fair settlement.
Hire a Baton Rouge Moped Accident Lawyer
Cases involving moped accidents can be complex. Consider consulting an experienced Baton Rouge moped accident attorney for help with the process and advice on the best legal recourse.
How to Know If You Have a Case
If you were injured due to the other driver’s negligence, you probably have a case. However, each accident is unique, and it is crucial to speak with an experienced moped accident attorney in Baton Rouge to help assess the circumstances of your accident and give advice on whether you have a case. Take advantage of our free legal consultation today for proper legal guidance on your case.
Morris Bart’s Scooter and Moped Accident Lawyers Can Help
Hiring an experienced moped accident lawyer in Baton Rouge means you have someone dependable in your corner to fight for your rights. Our zealous and knowledgeable moped accident attorneys in Baton Rouge can help investigate your case and find evidence to support your claims so you receive your deserved compensation.
Let us fight for your rights so you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free, initial, non-obligatory consultation.
Questions?Call (225) 341-5694
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
