According to the Motorcycle Industry Council the number of scooters sold in the United States has more than doubled since 2000. The warm and sunny weather permits motorists to use their scooters year round in South-Florida and as of September 2013 there are more than 584,000 motorcycles registered throughout the state.
The increased number of moped and scooter riders means that fellow motorists must be more on the lookout for these two, sometimes three, wheeled vehicles. According to data from the Florida Traffic Crash Records Database between 2002 and 2008 there were more than 5,600 moped and scooter accidents reported. Furthermore, statistics the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles state that in 2011 there were more than 1,100 moped and scooter accidents of which 86 percent resulted in an injury.
Scooter accidents can be very serious as the driver and passenger are not as well protected as they would be in a passenger vehicle or truck. If you or a loved one has been injured in a scooter accident caused by a careless driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form to your right for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your scooter accident claim.
Causes of Scooter Accidents
Scooters are very similar to motorcycles however these smaller bikes have a foot board and smaller tires than average motorcycles. Most scooters have enough room for a driver and passenger as well. Driving a scooter though requires many of the same skills needed for driving a motorcycle which is one of the reasons why inexperienced drivers are often a cause of scooter accidents.
Some other common causes of scooter collisions include:
- Driving Under the Influence
- Speeding
- Bad Road Conditions
- Poorly Lit Areas
- Driving in Major Roadways
- Failing to Yield
- Disobey Traffic Signs and Signals
A study of the Florida Traffic Crash Records Database found that alcohol and drug use were a significant factor in fatal and severe scooter accidents. In Florida moped riders may operate on the highway but must ride as close to the left-hand curb or the edge of the roadway as possible. It is important to note that operating a scooter or moped on the highway, particularly during heavy traffic, can be dangerous.
Scooter Accident Injuries
As riders over the age of 16 do not have to wear helmets, many choose not to. Only 17% of riders involved in scooters accidents between 2002 and 2008 were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
Some common scooter accident injuries include:
- Head Trauma
- Broken Bones
- Road Rash
- Biker’s Arm
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Cuts & Lacerations
- Bruising
…just to name a few. Not wearing the appropriate riding gear such as a helmet, jacket, and gloves can increase the chances of becoming seriously injured during an accident.
Contact our Florida Scooter Accident Lawyers Today
Scooter accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence in the state of Florida. our attorneys believe that those who have been injured due to another individual’s negligence should be able to fight for their rights. At Gordon & Partners we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured, not the corporations.
With more than 180 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys will use their knowledge and resources to build a strong case and fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation you deserve.
We have offices located throughout South Florida and are proud to serve the following areas:
- Martin County
- Palm Beach County
- Broward County
….and the surrounding towns and cities. For more information on how we may be able to help you with your scooter accident claim, contact us at 1 (855) 722-2552. One of our dedicated staff members will connect you with one of our attorneys best suited in handling your claim after a few preliminary questions.
If you would prefer to contact us online, fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form at the top right-hand corner of this page – it’s 100% FREE to submit and completely confidential.