Scooters are convenient and an excellent way to save money on transport, but an accident can be devastating and can leave you with severe bodily harm. Furthermore, unique regulations govern this mode of transportation in Monroe, LA.
If you’ve encountered a scooter accident in Monroe, LA, due to someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to fair compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company. However, several challenges can limit you from obtaining a sufficient settlement amount. Partnering with a reputable scooter accident attorney in Monroe could boost your chances of getting fair compensation, whether as a pre-trial settlement or if the case proceeds to court.
How Louisiana’s Scooter Laws Can Affect Your Case
Louisiana law, in particular, La. R.S. §32:200 establishes several guidelines on how scooter riders should behave. The law requires riders not to exceed a speed of 20 miles per hour, and riders must be eight years old or more. Any guardian or parent shouldn’t allow a child below 18 years to ride on a motor scooter without an approved helmet.
If you’re safely using the road under all the relevant scooter laws, and someone negligently causes an accident on the sidewalk, you’re entitled to fair compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving Monroe, call (318) 884-0904
Who’s at Fault for a Monroe Scooter Accident?
To determine responsibility in a scooter accident that was not caused by another motorist, you must first decide whether or not it’s a public or private sidewalk. Typically, a pathway is considered public once it separates from someone’s property and turns into a public street.
Determining this can help you know who to hold accountable. If it’s a private sidewalk, you’ll sue the property owner. But if it’s a public one, the city will be responsible.
Since most scooter accidents occur on public sidewalks or those owned by companies or other people, you must show that the responsible party’s negligence or carelessness caused the accident. In essence, they must have failed to provide reasonable care to the sidewalk or environment that a person of ordinary prudence would have provided in similar circumstances.
Types of Negligence You Can Sue for
Popular negligence cases on public sidewalks include:
- Potholes
- No indication of wet ground
- Cluttered space
- Slippery ground
- Deteriorating asphalt
- Inadequate sidewalk space
For your case to be successful, you must prove the negligence of the party responsible for the sidewalk, which caused an accident that led to damages. If you have a scooter accident for no reason or due to a cause within your control, your negligence case will likely fail.
How do You Prove Negligence?
To prove negligence, you must gather sufficient evidence. So, you will want to ensure you record the specific details of the incident shortly after it occurs and you have received medical attention. Take note of the time and date, location, witnesses, how it occurred, and the injuries you sustained. Furthermore, take pictures of the scene, if possible, as well as your injuries and other damages.
Understandably, it may be difficult or impossible to follow the above steps due to your physical state. Therefore, begin with seeking medical attention first and then notify an experienced scooter accident attorney who will professionally gather evidence and start the claims process as you focus on healing.
Click to contact our Monroe Personal Injury Lawyers today
What Are the Possible Damages You Can Claim After a Scooter Accident in Monroe?
You have several legal options to pursue after determining the at-fault party in your scooter accident. The possible damages in your case depend on the extent of injury or property damage. Typically, the compensatory damages fall into these categories:
Economic Damages
These include damages that you can attach a dollar value to. They’re easy to document, estimate, and compute since they’re quantifiable, tangible damages. Also, their value doesn’t change based on the person evaluating them.
Examples include:
- Medical expenses
- Future therapy
- Lost wages
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Household services
- New installations due to changed lifestyle
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are less concrete than the former, and the court subjectively evaluates them. They include:
- Emotional anguish
- Damaged reputation
- Humiliation
- Worsened prior conditions
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
How a Qualified Monroe Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Help You Strengthen Your Case
Even if you’ve determined the at-fault party for your scooter accident, and you can prove negligence on their part, filing the claim by yourself will never be as cut and dry. The defendant will apply every antic to deny responsibility, and they’ll likely claim that you’re partly at fault for the accident.
What’s more, they’ll most likely have an attorney by their side. Often, the only way to beat the legal complications and fierce defenses is by partnering with an experienced scooter accident attorney yourself. A scooter accident lawyer in Monroe can help you right from the first steps and throughout the claims process, including:
- Facilitating specialized treatment and taking note of all the medical costs and relevant documentation
- Gathering essential evidence of your scooter accident claim
- Recording witness accounts
- Negotiating for pre-trial settlement
- Representing you in court as you focus on recovery
- Presenting a solid case before the court
- Guiding you throughout the lawsuit process
- Facilitating a favorable case outcome
Partner with a Monroe Scooter Accident Attorney Today
Many personal injury attorneys in the city can promise to fight for justice and fair compensation on your behalf. However, only a few can match what you’d get from the experienced legal team at Morris Bart. Contact us for a free evaluation of your scooter accident claim.
Questions?Call (318) 884-0904
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
