Mopeds and scooters are a popular form of transportation because they allow for convenience, easy parking, and cost less than a full-size vehicle. There are plenty of regulations and rules to keep moped riders safe, but many drivers tend to ignore the rules or are simply forgetful behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 92,000 injuries and 4,295 deaths involving motorcycle, moped, and scooter riders throughout the US in 2014 alone.
If you were hurt in a moped accident, you may be able to bring a claim for compensation against the person who caused your injuries. There are many instances where a moped accident leaves the rider with severe injuries that could have a lifelong impact. A St. Charles Parish moped accident lawyer may be able to help you learn more about your potential claim. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now at (504) 777-7777 to speak to one of our team members about setting up a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Moped Injuries Are Often Severe
Compared to a regular passenger vehicle, a moped leaves the rider exposed to the road and other drivers without much protection. If a passenger vehicle crashes into a moped, the rider can easily be thrown from the bike or suffer severe injuries.
Here are some of the injuries that you may have suffered as a result of your moped accident:
- Broken bones–Either from the impact of the crash or being thrown from the bike, broken bones are common.
- Traumatic brain injuries–Any kind of impact to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury, which can affect your sleep, mood, memory, and more.
- Road rash–If you skid along the asphalt or concrete, you may have experienced road rash. This injury often requires a long, painful healing process and can lead to disfigurement.
- Amputations–Injuries from being pinned between a car and your moped may have resulted in an amputation.
- Spinal cord injuries–Any damage to your spinal cord raises the possibility of paralysis or limited mobility.
- Loss of life–In some severe situations, the moped rider may have lost their life. Their surviving loved ones can bring a wrongful death claim to recover for the loss.
There are virtually endless possibilities when it comes to the injuries that a moped rider may experience when involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle. It is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible to keep a record of your injuries. Keep any receipts for medical treatment, too, so that you can potentially be reimbursed by the person who injured you.
A St. Charles Parish moped accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers understands how painful and disruptive a moped accident can be. Our team wants to help you learn more about your rights and whether you should bring a claim for compensation. Call us today at (504) 777-7777.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientA Lawyer Can Help You Protect Your Rights
There are many different ways a lawyer can assist you with the process of claiming compensation after you were injured. First, they can help you understand what you need to prove in a case against the other party that caused the accident. There are four elements that a plaintiff needs to prove in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Duty–The defendant must have owed you a duty to act with reasonable care at the time of the accident.
- Breach–The defendant failed to act according to this duty.
- Causation–Because of the defendant’s failure to act according to this duty, you were injured.
- Damages–Proof of the financial, physical, and emotional injuries that you suffered as a result of the crash.
Proving each of these elements often involves collecting as much evidence as possible. A lawyer can work on gathering evidence from eyewitnesses, surveillance cameras, police reports, and more. In addition, the other driver may not have been driving according to the right duty of care. A few examples include proving that they were using their phone, intoxicated, or speeding at the time the crash took place.
You may also need to consult expert witnesses to prove your claim. Some of these witnesses can include an accident reconstructionist, which is someone who studies the accident and recreates it step by step to show how the defendant is to blame. Medical professionals may be necessary to testify about how your injuries are related to the crash, as well as the ongoing medical care that you may require to treat your injuries.
Perhaps most importantly, a lawyer can take on the daily chore of pursuing your claim by discussing your rights with insurance companies, speaking with the defendant’s legal representation, answering emails, and coordinating with the local court. While you focus on healing, your lawyer will build a case on your behalf.
There is a time limit on when you can bring your claim, so it is important to act quickly. According to Louisiana State Legislature Civil Code § 3492, someone who is injured in a personal injury accident only has one year to bring a lawsuit. If you do not file during these two years, then you may not be able to pursue compensation for your damages.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientTypes of Compensation a Moped Accident
There are a few different types of compensation that you can recover if you are successful in your claim, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Future estimated costs of your ongoing medical care
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one as the result of a moped accident, you can bring a wrongful death action on their behalf.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientGet Legal Assistance Today
Speaking to a St. Charles Parish moped accident lawyer is one of the first steps you can take to getting your life back on track again after a tragic moped accident that wasn’t your fault. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (504) 777-7777 to speak to one of our team members about setting up a free consultation.
