Sharable electric scooters are a hot trend that many local governments are eyeing as a way to alleviate traffic congestion while encouraging environmentally-friendly transportation. However, for all the potential benefits that these vehicles provide, there is a major risk of the rider becoming injured due to an accident with another roadway user.
If you have been injured in a scooter accident, a Pascagoula scooter accident lawyer from Morris Bart can not only provide you with answers to your legal questions and a greater understanding of the personal injury claims process but also can offer a number of services focused on ensuring your right to the maximum amount of compensation available.
If You didn’t Do Anything Wrong, Why Would You Need to Hire a Pascagoula Scooter Accident Attorney?
Individuals who have been injured in scooter accidents that were caused by motorists often believe that they can simply file a third-party insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy and quickly obtain compensation for their injuries. After all, they did nothing wrong and the driver was clearly liable. Why hire an attorney?
Unfortunately, insurance companies are in business to make money and part of the way they do that is by avoiding paying out for injuries caused by their insureds. Hiring a scooter accident attorney in Pascagoula as soon as possible after your accident can help you avoid falling victim to insurance company tactics such as accepting a ridiculously low settlement in exchange for a quick resolution, or authorizing the release of medical records that the insurance company will then use as a reason to deny or reduce your claim.
What Is the Process of Obtaining Compensation After a Pascagoula MS Scooter Accident?
The process of obtaining compensation after a Pascagoula MS scooter accident is usually a lot more involved than simply filing a claim, though your attorney will generally begin the process by submitting a demand package to the insurance adjuster detailing the case and demanding the value of the claim. At this point, the insurance provider can either:
- Approve your claim as submitted (which is rare, but does occasionally happen);
- Deny your claim and notify you of the reason for the denial; or
- Admit to the insured’s liability but offer to settle the claim for a reduced amount.
The submission of a demand package generally kicks off the process of settlement negotiations, which can occur until such time as an agreement is reached, or a lawsuit has been filed, a trial has taken place, and a court decision has been rendered. At some point, before the state’s 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims expires, if the settlement negotiations have stalled, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in order to seek damages from the insurance provider through litigation.
How Is Liability Proven After a Pascagoula Scooter Accident?
There are a number of risky driving behaviors that can result in a Pascagoula scooter accident, including speeding, alcohol impairment, and distracted driving. In order to prove liability in your case, you must be able to show:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle in a safe and legal manner in order to protect the safety of others.
- There was a breach in the duty of care that occurred when the at-fault party took an action that was unsafe or illegal.
- The breach resulted in a scooter accident in which you were injured and incurred expenses and other damages.
What Can You Be Compensated for After a Scooter Accident in Pascagoula?
Scooter accident claimants in Pascagoula can seek compensation for both the financial costs of the injury as well as the psychological ones. Some expenses and impacts that often appear on damage claims from Pascagoula MS scooter accidents include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage you sustained in the accident
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
While some states cap the amount of compensation an individual can seek through a personal injury claim, Mississippi does not cap either economic or non-economic damages in personal injury lawsuits.
Services a Scooter Accident Lawyer in Pascagoula Can Provide to Victims
An experienced Pascagoula MS scooter accident lawyer can provide a number of services to help you with your claim, including:
- Determination of liability and insurance resources
- Valuing your case
- Settlement negotiations
- Gathering evidence and witness testimony
- Litigation services
- Assistance collecting your settlement or award
For a free legal consultation with a Scooter Accident lawyer serving Pascagoula, call (800) 537-8185
Are Scooters Legal in Pascagoula?
In Mississippi, scooter riders are considered to have the same duties and rights on public roadways as bicycle riders do. What this means is that it is permissible to operate a scooter on bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or public roadways where bicycles are permitted. However, there are a few additional requirements, including:
- The rider must be of sufficient age to be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
- The scooter must not travel at a speed of more than 15 miles per hour on the roadway, regardless of the posted speed limit.
While Mississippi has a universal helmet law for motorcyclists and their passengers, no such law exists currently when it comes to scooters, meaning you are not required to wear a helmet when riding one on the streets.
Why Scooter Legality Matters to Your Claim
Individuals who become hurt while engaging in illegal activities often find that their ability to obtain compensation for those injuries is limited by their own actions, or even removed entirely. Because it is legal to ride a scooter on the street, provided you meet the eligibility requirements to do so, if the careless or reckless actions of someone else were the cause of your injuries, their insurance provider cannot refuse your claim on that basis.
Speak with an Experienced Pascagoula MS Scooter Accident Lawyer Today
As a scooter rider in Pascagoula, you have the right to operate the apparatus on city streets. You also have the right to seek compensation for your injuries through the personal injury claims process. We can help.
For your free case evaluation, contact Morris Bart online.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
