The cost-efficiency of driving a scooter combined with the ease of finding a place to park has made these two-wheeled vehicles a popular mode of transportation in Gulfport. Yet that increase in scooter usage has resulted in more scooter-related accidents.
If you were involved in a scooter accident in Gulfport or the surrounding area, you should seek guidance from a local personal injury accident lawyer familiar with Mississippi scooter laws as well as those of the local jurisdiction.
How do You Know If You Have a Scooter Accident Legal Claim?
If you and your attorney have evidence revealing the other party involved caused the accident, you can file a legal claim to receive compensation for the injuries and damages you have incurred. Most accidents occur due to a driver’s negligence or recklessness. Some examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to stop at a sign or red light
- Disobeying local or state traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Proving negligence is not always easy. A skilled and experienced Gulfport scooter accident attorney will investigate your case to determine and prove fault if the other driver is responsible.
Other Possible Causes of a Scooter Accident You Can Sue for
Of course, the driver of the scooter could also be found negligent and responsible for an accident. But if you believe you were innocent you need the guidance of a scooter accident lawyer in Gulfport.
In some cases, the scooter manufacturer or a repair shop can also be held accountable. Faulty parts or improper repairs can also result in a scooter accident. This is also something your scooter accident attorney in Gulfport should consider.
What If You Were Driving a Rental Scooter?
Residents and tourists alike utilize rental scooters for getting around town, sightseeing, or while their other transportation is in the shop.
If you were driving a rental and involved in an accident, the rental company could be held liable, if the scooter did not receive proper upkeep. On the flip side, if another driver was responsible for your accident, the rental company could also have a legal claim against that driver for repairs or replacement of its scooter.
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving Gulfport, call (228) 357-9621
How Much Will a Gulfport Scooter Accident Lawyer Cost?
Following an accident, finances become a worry for everyone. You could find yourself off work for a long time with bills piling up. There are no upfront fees for a scooter accident lawyer.
Instead, your lawyer will receive a percentage of your settlement if, and when, a verdict comes down in your favor. Providing a free consultation not only helps you ascertain whether the lawyer is right for you but also allows the attorney to analyze whether he or she feels they can win your case.
When a scooter accident attorney agrees to work with you, you know he, or she, has a good feeling about your legal claim. That lawyer should be willing to share upfront, just what percentage they will charge when you win before you sign an agreement for representation.
What Type of Compensation Could You Receive from a Scooter Accident Settlement?
Your scooter accident claim and settlement will be based on your injuries and damages to the scooter. Some compensation considerations include:
- Reimbursement of medical bills including emergency care, tests, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, and follow-up care
- Estimate of future medical bills if your recovery is ongoing
- Lost income and benefits from your time away from work
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering, which could include the development of post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues
- Repair or replacement for damages to your scooter
Every scooter accident case is different and so are the awards for damages. Just how much compensation you will ask for is something you will discuss with your lawyer.
Click to contact our Gulfport Personal Injury Attorneys today
Mississippi Scooter Laws that Could Affect Your Case
Under Mississippi law, a motorized scooter falls under the umbrella of motorcycles. Scooter drivers must have a motorcycle license. There are times when a temporary license may be issued, for example, if the scooter is to be driven near a university, such as Franklin University. The area around Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College may also qualify for a temporary license.
Scooter drivers are also required to wear a helmet as defined by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Driving a scooter without a motorcycle license, or driving without a helmet, could affect your legal claim following an accident. This is yet another reason you need an experienced local attorney by your side.
Will Your Case Go to Court?
Ninety to 95% of the time, personal injury cases including scooter accident cases settle out of court. Be patient. Settlement negotiations can take time.
It is a matter of the attorneys making offers and counteroffers for their clients. You want to get the most you can in damages, the other side wants to negotiate down as low as it can.
Each time your lawyer receives a new offer, he, or she will bring it to you. Through years of experience, your attorney will be able to judge when the defense is making its final, or close to the final offer.
However, if you do not feel the compensation is adequate, you should not be intimidated about going to court. You are entitled to a jury trial and your experienced Gulfport lawyer will have the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the courtroom.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Legal Claim?
In Mississippi, you have up to three years from the date of your scooter accident to file a legal claim. But don’t wait. You need to hire your Gulfport scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Preparing a legal claim and court case takes time. Giving your legal team as much time as possible is in your best interest.
Qualifications of Your Scooter Accident Lawyer
Most personal injury firms offer a free consultation of your scooter accident case. During that time, do not be afraid to ask questions. Some of those you may want to include are:
- How long have you been a practicing personal injury lawyer?
- Where did you go to law school?
- Do you only handle personal injury cases?
- Are you a member of the Mississippi or American Bar Association?
- Are other lawyers, paralegals, and investigators at your firm available to work with you on my case?
- What results have you gotten for your clients?
You should consider your legal representation carefully. After all, unless you have studied law you are dependent on them to navigate the system and the courts on your behalf.
Where to Find a Qualified Gulfport Scooter Accident Lawyer
In Gulfport, you need to look no further than Morris Barr, LLC. We have an experienced legal team in our office right here in Gulfport to help you, 24/7. Contact us for a free evaluation of your scooter accident case.
Questions?Call (228) 357-9621
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
