Like elsewhere around the country, scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in Lake Charles, especially with the younger crowd. They are easy and inexpensive to drive.
But like any vehicle, there is always a chance of being involved in a vehicle injury accident. If you were in a Lake Charles, Louisiana scooter accident, you might have a legal claim for reimbursement of the medical bills for your injuries, repairing your scooter, and more. Look for an experienced Lake Charles scooter accident lawyer to help you determine what compensation you should receive.
Determining If You Have a Legal Claim from Your Accident
To file a legal claim, you and your lawyer must determine that your accident was not your fault or that someone else was at least partially to blame, and you must be able to provide proof.
The majority of accidents happen through someone’s negligence. Some driver negligence examples include:
- Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving
- Other forms of distracted driving, such as shaving or putting on make-up
- Traveling above the safe or legal limit
- Ignoring Louisiana or local traffic laws
- Driving while under the influence
While the above examples may seem obvious, you must be able to prove one or more occurred. That is where a skilled personal injury lawyer comes in.
Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Law
Louisiana recognizes that a vehicle accident is not always 100% the fault of one individual. According to Louisiana Civil Code art.2323, the state recognizes partial fault.
In a two-vehicle accident, this implies that both drivers are partially at fault for causing the accident and should be held partially accountable. For example, if you, the scooter driver, are found 25% at fault for an accident, you will not be able to recover 100% compensation for your damages, but you may still be able to receive 75%.
Other Sources of Fault in a Scooter Accident
There are cases when driver error is not the cause of a traffic accident. If your scooter malfunctioned, leading you to have an accident, it could be the manufacturer is to blame or a repair shop for faulty repairs.
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving Lake Charles, call (337) 377-0514
Louisiana’s Scooter Laws that Could Affect Your Case
In Louisiana, you need a driver’s license and a motorcycle endorsement to drive a scooter, regardless of its maximum speed or motor size. Scooters must be registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and insured.
Scooter drivers must wear a helmet. No passengers are allowed to ride on a scooter.
Neglect of Louisiana or local scooter laws could affect your case. If you may have been remiss in following scooter laws, be sure to discuss your concerns thoroughly with your scooter accident lawyer from the onset.
What Your Lake Charles Scooter Accident Attorney Will Need from You
When you find and hire a qualified scooter accident attorney, you will need to provide some information. This includes:
- Date, time, and location of your accident
- Your insurance company and contact information
- The contact and insurance information for the other driver
- Names and numbers of witnesses
- Photos from the accident, including your scooter and your injuries afterward
- A copy of the official police report
- A copy of your medical records and bills following the accident
- Your account of the accident
Once you provide this information, your lawyer and their team can get to work on your legal case.
Click to contact our Lake Charles Personal Injury Attorneys today
What Compensation Can You Request in a Scooter Accident Claim?
If you and your scooter accident lawyer can prove that another driver is at fault for your accident, you can expect compensation for the trauma and injuries you have endured. Examples include:
- Reimbursement of medical bills
- Ongoing and future medical bill expenses
- Lost wages for time taken off work
- Emotional trauma
- Repairs or replacement cost of your scooter
No two accidents are alike. Being hit by a car, van, or truck while riding your scooter can be a horrifying experience, leaving you with temporary or permanent physical and emotional scarring. You can and should expect compensation for what you have endured.
When and How You Will Pay Your Lake Charles Scooter Accident Lawyer
Most personal injury lawyers do not require any payment upfront. They work on a contingency fee, meaning they will not get paid until you do. Their fee is based on the outcome of your case, generally a percentage of the compensation you are awarded. Your lawyer will collect your compensation for you and deduct the legal fees.
Furthermore, you will find that traditionally, experienced scooter accident lawyers will offer you a free initial consultation. This allows you to meet your attorney face to face so you can feel comfortable with him or her. It also allows the attorney a chance to look at your case and its merits.
The lawyer will let you know if they feel you have a winning case. Then, you can decide if you feel confident with them handling that case for you.
Getting to Know a Scooter Accident Attorney in Lake Charles
Some questions you may wish to ask during your initial consultation could be:
- Where did you study law?
- How long have you been in practice?
- Did you grow up in Louisiana, or how long have you lived and worked here?
- Are personal injury cases your only focus?
- What are some results you have gotten for your clients?
Asking these and related questions can help you determine if you feel this lawyer is a good fit for you.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Legal Claim in Louisiana?
You only have one year in Louisiana to file a legal claim for personal injuries and damages for your scooter accident. That isn’t much time.
If you have been involved in a Lake Charles scooter accident, you must contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Investigating an injury accident and preparing a legal claim takes time.
How to Find a Qualified, Experienced Scooter Accident Lawyer in Lake Charles
You already have! The law firm of Morris Bart has the staff and resources to start working on your case right away. Contact us, and let’s get started on your scooter accident case today!
Questions?Call (337) 377-0514
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
