Vespa/Motor Scooter Accidents in Athens

Motor scooters, Vespas, and e-bikes fill the middle ground between bicycles and motorcycles. These small, light vehicles combine the mobility of bicycles with the speed of motorcycles. Unfortunately, they also have the weaknesses of both those vehicles. They are difficult to see, and in an accident, they provide almost no protection for their riders.

With more of these economic vehicles on the road, scooter and e-bike riders are at greater risk of becoming injured than before. If you’re injured in a Vespa or motor scooter accident in Athens because of another driver’s carelessness or negligence, you need legal help from the motorcycle crash attorneys at Massey Law Group.

What Is the Law Regarding Motor Scooters?

Motor scooters and mopeds with an engine capacity of 50ccs or less require drivers to be at least 15 years old. Larger scooters and mopeds are considered motorcycles, and riders must have a Class M license and carry auto insurance. All motor scooter and Vespa riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet.

E-bikes (electric bikes) are classified as bicycles, but they cannot be ridden on sidewalks. Riders under 16 must wear bike helmets when using e-bikes.

All small scooters, mopeds, and e-bikes must use bike lanes where available. Small scooters are prohibited from highways, interstates, and any roadway where the speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour. These regulations for riders in Athens help limit motor scooter accidents.

Causes of Motor Scooter Accidents

Like bicycles and motorcycles, motor scooters, Vespas, and e-bikes have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as other vehicles. Common causes of accidents in Athens between scooters and cars include:

• Left turns: Cyclists of all types are most vulnerable when making left turns, since they must enter the intersection. Drivers who do not come to a full stop or do not look before turning may hit a scooter rider in the turn lane.
• Right turns: During right turns, drivers often look over their left shoulder to check for oncoming traffic. Scooters and e-bikes can be trapped between the car and the curb if the driver doesn’t look back before turning.
• Door accidents: Scooters should ride close to the right edge of the traffic lane. If a driver in a parked car flings their door open without looking to see if anyone is coming, a scooter or e-bike rider can hit the door with disastrous results.
• Distracted driving: Both parties should pay close attention when on the road. This means not texting, talking on the phone, or using earbuds when driving or riding.

If you’ve been the victim of these types of accidents, you could be seriously injured due to another person’s negligence. You need legal advice from an injury attorney to plan your next steps.

Get Legal Advice from an Athens Vespa/Motor Scooter Accident Attorney

After serious Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Athens, you have the legal right to compensation for your injuries. At Massey Law Group, we have the experience to help you deal with insurance companies and their attorneys and get the settlement you need. When you’ve been hurt because another driver was careless, you have more to worry about than filing paperwork and collecting witness statements.

Our legal team can give you the guidance you need after a serious accident. When it’s time to discuss a settlement offer or discuss going to court, our attorneys will be there for you. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation.