Owning a scooter is a very affordable type of transportation, and you can use it when traveling throughout the city of New Orleans. Unfortunately, you may need to cross the highway with these scooters, and your risk of being in an accident with a traveling vehicle will rise.
These drivers are not always paying attention and may not see you or your scooter until the last minute. You may be entitled to compensation if you have been in a collision with another vehicle while traveling on your scooter.
Scooter Laws in Louisiana that Could Affect Your Case
With New Orleans being one of the busier cities in Louisiana, there are some laws and regulations for traveling on scooters. A scooter or motorized bike in Louisiana is identified as only going 25 mph at top speed or even less, and it does have an automatic transmission. There are some regulations in place for motorized scooters in Louisiana, as listed below:
- Driver’s license requirement
- Registration with the DMV
- One rider limit
- Helmets with chin straps, visor, and padding are required
- Minimum of one headlamp, one reflector, and at least one brake
When you operate a scooter, you must ensure you comply with the abovementioned regulations. Should you be in a collision and you have met all the state requirements, the liability on your end will start to decrease.
Electric Scooters
These scooters are just a more powerful version of a kid’s toy, but they are not allowed on the highway. They are to be used on the sidewalk and only on the road when you must cross over and use the crosswalk as a pedestrian. These scooters also do not need to be registered through the Louisiana DMV.
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call (504) 613-4771
Causes of Scooter Accidents in New Orleans that You Can Sue For
Unfortunately, scooters are all too often involved in accidents throughout New Orleans and even Louisiana. There are several reasons for these accidents, whether the scooter driver’s fault or the other driver:
- Running through crosswalks
- Poor road conditions
- Distracted driving
- Riding on the highway when there is no bike lane available
- Driving recklessly
- Driving under the influence of substances or drugs
These are all different causes that can result in a severe and unwanted scooter accident. Not being aware of your surroundings or being hit by someone who was not a defensive driver and sharing the highway can be truly devastating. Let a New Orleans personal injury attorney help you sue for compensation to pay for your damages.
Most Common Injuries in Scooter Accidents that You Could Include in Your Claim
Those who suffer from scooter accidents experience several damages that either appear right away or start appearing later after the accident.
Concussions/Head Injuries
Because scooter drivers are not protected by walls and a roof like vehicle drivers, they experience more damage to the head and brain. Even when wearing the required helmet for protection, being thrown from a scooter can cause someone to hit their head pretty hard.
Broken Bones
The impact of your scooter being hit by a large vehicle will almost always have at least one bone broken in your body. This injury starts to be painful right away and needs medical care quickly.
Spinal Cord Injury
While it is not the most common, spinal cord injury and scooter accidents are high risks because most riders are thrown in some direction after the accident. If your scooter is hit at high speed when traveling, your spinal cord could be injured, and the road to recovery will be a long one.
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Damages You Can Sue for After a New Orleans Scooter Accident
If you were the victim of a scooter accident, you are entitled to compensation for these damages.
- Wage loss
- Pain and suffering
- Distress
- Medical Bills
- Services for current and future rehabilitation services
- Future corrective surgeries
The average scooter owner does not have the funds lying around to cover these costs. You could find yourself in the wrong position financially. With the help of legal assistance, you can get some compensation, although each amount varies depending on the situation and level of damage. If you do not make any attempt at getting compensation, you certainly will not receive any.
Don’t Settle for the Insurance Company’s Tactics
If you have recently suffered in a scooter accident, chances are you will be getting a phone call shortly from an insurance company to settle the accident. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, so be aware that they are not offering you the best compensation package available. Their objective is to keep as much money as they can and settle for the minimum amount. They will often fight hard and negotiate less with those who do not have legal representation.
Trying to navigate this process alone can be overwhelming, or you may think hiring a lawyer is just too much. When negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for fair compensation, accident lawyers are well-versed and have the right experience. They understand damages, the fact that it can be life-altering, and can take over negotiating with the insurance company to continue fighting for more compensation.
What to Expect When You Hire a Scooter Accident Lawyer in New Orleans
Once you have had a consultation and the firm has agreed to take your case, all communication must go through the lawyer’s office. You are no longer obligated to speak to anyone else, as they now represent you with your best interests in mind. In most cases, a New Orleans lawyer will be paid per contingency fee, meaning they only get paid attorneys fees if you do. This encourages them to work harder on your behalf and stay ahead of the insurance company.
Contact the New Orleans Scooter Accident Attorneys at Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Today
If you have recently been involved in a scooter accident and need legal representation, contact us at Morris Bart today for a free case consultation. Contact us as soon as you can following the accident to manage as much of the communication as possible. We look forward to representing you soon.
Questions?Call (504) 613-4771
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
