Although street-legal mopeds may be considered smaller or less dangerous than the average motorcycle, they can still cause accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities. Someone inexperienced with operating a moped may risk injury to themselves or others.
If you or a loved one was injured in a moped accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office today to find out how a Lafayette moped accident lawyer can help you. You can speak with one of our team members at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today in a free consultation by calling (337) 777-7777.
Moped Accidents May Occur Due to Driver Error
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), mopeds are classified as motorcycles. In 2016, two-wheeled vehicles accounted for over 93 percent of all fatal accidents involving motorcycles.
A moped accident might occur if:
- The moped driver has a lack of experience riding a moped and does not know how to balance, adjust speed, or brake properly
- Other drivers do not notice the moped driver near their vehicle due to the moped’s small size
- The moped’s tires blows out or jams when driving over an object, causing the moped driver to lose balance
- A driver is speeding
- A driver ignores stop signs, red lights, or other traffic signs
- The moped driver attempts to move ahead in traffic by driving between lanes or on the shoulder of the road or highway
- A motorist is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The moped driver tries to perform tricks, such as launching off ramps or “popping wheelies”
- The moped driver tries to drive on terrain that the moped is not equipped to handle
- There are dangerous weather conditions
- A driver is distracted while driving
- The moped driver decides to drive on sidewalks, highways, or other types of public streets where they are prohibited by law
- A vehicle malfunction occurs due to a defect or lack of maintenance
While they are smaller in size, mopeds can potentially cause injuries that are just as devastating as those caused by motorcycle accidents. Medical bills can add up fast and one’s quality of life may be severely affected as well. With the help of a lawyer, injured parties can hold negligent drivers accountable and recover compensation for their damages.
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You Might Be Entitled to Receive Compensation for a Moped Accident
Moped drivers, like all drivers, are obligated by law to drive responsibly on public roads. The mopeds themselves may be small compared to the average car, but they are still capable of causing injury to other motorists and pedestrians.
You might be entitled to receive compensation if a moped accident caused you bodily injury or damaged your property. You may be compensated for the following:
- Medical bills
- Expenses for property repair
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
Liability, Evidence, and Other Factors
In many cases, the moped driver would be the sole liable party in a lawsuit, but other parties can be found culpable as well.
Parties that might be held liable for a moped accident may include:
- The driver of the moped
- The moped driver’s employer if the driver was working at the time of the accident
- The company that manufactured the moped if a defective moped part led to the accident
- The shop that performs maintenance or repairs for the moped if a vehicle malfunction occurred
You will need to gather evidence of the accident to prove that the negligent party is responsible for your injuries and damages. Types of evidence that may be useful for your case include:
- Medical records
- CCTV footage
- Surveillance cameras
- Footage from dashcams
- Eyewitness statements
- Police records
- Records from emergency personnel who were the first to respond to the accident
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The Statute of Limitations May Affect How Long You Have to File Your Lawsuit
If you want to pursue compensation via a lawsuit, you should do so as quickly as possible. The Louisiana Civil Code (CC) § 3492 gives plaintiffs only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This statute of limitations must be abided by, or plaintiffs might risk having their case dismissed.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation, and we can get started on your case right away. We understand there is no time to waste if you need to pursue compensation for your damages, so our legal team will work hard to build your personal injury case and represent you on your behalf.
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What to Do if You Are Contacted by an Insurance Company
After a moped accident, the driver’s insurance company may reach out to you for a statement or offer you a financial settlement offer for your damages. This is a tactic used by insurance companies to avoid having to take personal injury cases to court.
Before responding to any kind of communication from an insurance company, consult your lawyer first. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers are familiar with the ways that outside parties try to influence your decision to settle out of court. We can protect your legal interests and help you evaluate each settlement offer you receive. We can compare their offer to our calculations of your damages to determine if it fairly covers the costs you incurred.
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Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Wants to Help You with Your Case
If you or someone you care about has experienced an injury due to a moped accident, a Lafayette moped accident lawyer can guide you through the strenuous process of filing a lawsuit. It is difficult enough to heal from injuries and continue your daily tasks. Adding the stress of legal work and paying for medical bills can be overwhelming for the average person.
Let us handle the paperwork, phone calls, and emails. You can depend on us to represent you. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at (337) 777-7777.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
