Mopeds are small motorcycles or scooters that have recently become more common in Johns Creek. Companies like Uber now allow you to reserve mopeds or electric scooters for transportation around the city. Unfortunately, the rise in these small vehicles often means an increase in accidents and injuries.
Mopeds provide much less protection than other vehicle types. When a crash happens, the moped driver can suffer serious injuries. It’s common for damages to be significant after this type of accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in a moped accident, our Johns Creeks moped accident lawyers are here to help. We have over 20 years of experience handling accident cases, including moped and scooter crashes. Contact us at (404) 341-6555 or online for a free consultation to go over your options.
Moped Laws in Johns Creek, GA
Mopeds are technically small motorcycles. However, scooters, which are simpler than motorcycles, are defined as mopeds in Georgia too.
According to Georgia Code §40-1-1, a moped means a “motor-driven cycle” that:
- Has two or three wheels
- Is with or without foot pedals
- Has an independent power source up to two brake horsepower
A moped also should not be able to go above 30 miles per hour on a level road. It should also have a direct or automatic power system without a shift of clutch for the driver. There is no mention of scooters in the Georgia Code, so scooters typically fall under the moped laws.
Moped riders have pretty much the same traffic laws as other drivers in Johns Creek. Also, moped riders have the same rights as other drivers on the road. According to Georgia Code §40-6-351, moped and scooter drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and be at least 15 years of age.
Dangers of Mopeds and Scooters in Johns Creek
Mopeds are easy to operate, cheaper than cars, and fun for riding around the city. However, there are also safety disadvantages of using mopeds.
Compared to cars and trucks, mopeds offer very little protection. Even compared to full motorcycles, they are less equipped for safe road driving. If an accident happens, there’s nothing to protect the rider from harm.
Mopeds and scooters have become more prevalent in recent years. Because of that, many drivers are not used to seeing these vehicles on the road. They might not know to look for smaller vehicles and treat them the same as other automobiles. This can lead to serious and unexpected crashes.
Common Causes of Moped Accidents
Moped accidents can happen because of:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
Other drivers are often the cause of moped and scooter accidents. Car and truck drivers might claim that they overlooked the moped. But drivers have a duty of care to all motorists on the roads, including watching for smaller vehicles like mopeds.
If someone’s actions lead to your moped accident, that someone is responsible for the costs. You have a right to seek compensation for your damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Moped accident damages tend to be severe. Since mopeds provide little to no protection during an accident, you might have serious injuries and other damages. In extreme cases, moped accidents can lead to death.
Contact a Johns Creek moped accident lawyer if you or a loved one were victims. You’ll want to know your legal rights and how you can seek compensation. If you were not at fault, you might deserve a full financial recovery.
What to Do After a Moped Accident in Johns Creek
The actions you take after a moped accident are crucial. Here are some steps that will help gather evidence and build your case.
Get Medical Attention
After the accident:
- Check your injuries.
- If you or someone else needs emergency medical care, call 911 immediately.
- Don’t wait to get the treatment that you need.
If you don’t get medical care at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor will create a paper trail of you getting treatment, which is important for your case. The other driver’s insurance company will have trouble accounting for your injuries if there’s not proof of a doctor visit.
Report the Accident
Call the police to report the accident. In Georgia, you must report any auto accident with physical injuries or at least $500 in property damage.
When the police arrive, tell them what happened. Also, ask how you can get a copy of the accident report. You’ll want to make sure the police make this report and that you have a copy.
Document the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of:
- Your accident injuries
- Damage to your vehicle, moped, or scooter
- The entire accident scene
Picture evidence helps show how the scene looked right after the accident. Don’t be afraid to take plenty of photos of what happened. These pictures will support your injury claim against the other driver.
Also, talk to anyone who witnessed the crash happen. Ask for their names and contact information. Your lawyer can reach out to them later for statements to support your claim. Don’t wait to talk to these people, as they might leave the scene soon after the crash.
Keep Track of Your Damages
If someone else caused your accident, they are responsible for your damages. You can probably seek compensation through a claim with the driver’s insurance company. But you’ll need to provide proof of your accident damages.
Save evidence like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication receipts
- Vehicle repair quotes
- Recent pay stubs
- Last year’s tax return
Keep a folder with all of these documents so that you have them in one place. You’ll need proof of your damages when you file your case.
Call a Johns Creek Moped Accident Lawyer
Protect your legal rights from the beginning by calling a moped accident lawyer. The sooner you can do this, the better it will prepare you for your legal case.
Avoid talking to anyone besides your lawyer about fault in the accident. Also, don’t accept anything from the insurance company before calling a lawyer. Your lawyer can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. They can also make sure your rights are protected from beginning to end.
Our accident lawyers know what it takes to build a strong claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 20 years of experience, we understand moped driver rights, and we’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online.
