If you’ve had an accident on your moped, you may be facing very serious injuries or still be unsure how long your recovery will take. As medical bills stack up, you likely want to pursue compensation from the person responsible for your accident.
Our moped accident attorneys in Atlanta can help you get the answers you need. Let us give you a FREE over-the-phone consultation. We can discuss your accident, explain your options, and let you know whether you have a valid claim. Call us or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
Why Moped Crashes Are Unique
In any roadway accident, size matters. In Georgia, the legal definition of a moped is a vehicle that can’t go faster than 30 MPH, has an engine no larger than 50 cubic centimeters, and doesn’t require clutching or shifting.
This makes mopeds among the smallest, lightest, and slowest vehicles on the road. Mopeds are also much quieter than larger motorcycles. Because of these features, mopeds are harder to see than other vehicles.
In addition, even if you’re wearing a helmet, no moped is equipped with the kind of protective features found in passenger cars. This means that a relatively minor accident can cause serious injuries to someone on a moped.
Fault in Atlanta Moped Wrecks
Mopeds have a legal right to be on most roads, but other drivers don’t always treat moped riders the same as other motorists. Other drivers may claim they didn’t see you, and while this may be true, that’s no excuse for causing an accident. Drivers are required to be attentive and obey traffic laws, and if you didn’t cause your accident, then someone else is almost certainly at fault.
Some of the most common reasons for moped accidents include:
- A driver cutting off a moped while making a turn
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive tailgating from an impatient driver
- A driver hitting a moped while changing lanes
- A driver not “sharing the road” and attempting to pass a moped in the same lane of traffic
- Road hazards
How Fault Affects Your Compensation
Fault is an important factor in your moped case in Atlanta because Georgia apportions your compensation based on how at-fault the opposing driver is. In other words, the court will reduce the amount of money you receive if it finds you to be partially responsible for your accident.
There are two crucial points to remember regarding fault in an Atlanta moped crash, both of which are governed by Georgia Code §51-12-33.
- You can only file a claim for compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of the blame.
For example, you will receive 20% less compensation if the court finds you to be 20% responsible for the crash.
Injuries Your Moped Accident Claim Can Cover
Most of the time, an accident claim will cover all the injuries you suffer as a result of the accident. This includes injuries that are treated right away and injuries that need ongoing care. Some of the most common injuries in moped accidents include:
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other head and face injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Skin injuries such as “road rash”
- Broken bones
- Sprains, strains, and other muscular injuries
- Fatalities
We frequently see moped injuries that are serious enough to be life-threatening. But even if you don’t think your injuries need medical attention, it’s best to have a doctor evaluate you as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is often the key to a speedy recovery, and it can also help you present a stronger insurance company claim.
The Value of Your Moped Accident Case
Georgia law allows you to recover ALL of your costs and damages from the party who was at fault. While your exact dollar amount will depend on your situation and your injuries, most accident victims are eligible for these types of costs:
- Medical costs: doctors, hospitals, surgeries, and tests
- Prescription medications
- Physical or rehabilitative therapy
- The cost of repairing or replacing your moped
- Lost wages: payment for your missed time from work
Some moped accident victims recover far more than this, usually because they have suffered an especially serious loss. This might include severe pain, a serious disability, or even the death of a loved one. We know that money is a poor attempt to make up for a devastating loss, but we have found that many accident victims appreciate regaining financial security even as they struggle to get the rest of their lives back on track.
Speak to a Moped Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Before the Insurance Company
Soon after your accident, an insurance company may come in with an offer that sounds pretty good. There are two things to keep in mind.
First, the offer is probably far less than your claim is worth. This is because insurance companies are out to make a profit, and one of their strategies is to avoid paying the full value of your claim if they can get away with it.
Second, until you have a very clear idea of the full extent of your injuries and what you will need to recover – including any complications and the time you may miss from work – it’s impossible to tell whether the insurance company’s offer is enough to cover your costs.
If you take the insurance company offer now, you have to sign away your rights and it’s unlikely you will be able to recover more money later.
A car accident lawyer in Atlanta Georgia is experienced in handling cases like yours and negotiating with insurance companies. A lawyer can tell you if you have a strong claim and can get you to doctors who know how to diagnose your injuries and predict what they will really cost.
Is Your Moped Accident Claim Valid?
It’s hard to evaluate your own accident, especially if the other driver is trying to blame it on you. But chances are, if you weren’t the cause of the accident, your claim is valid. It’s best not to second guess yourself. If you think you might have a claim, schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta moped accident lawyer who can listen to the facts and give you a professional opinion.
Evidence in an Atlanta Moped Accident Claim
One way of validating your case is to go through the evidence. An Atlanta moped accident attorney can help you by compiling evidence of your damages, the fault of the other driver or drivers, and more. Plus, lawyers are often able to prevent certain types of evidence from being lost in the shuffle.
Examples of common evidence in moped accidents include:
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Your medical records
- Statements from your employer regarding your missed wages
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage of the crash
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- The official police report of the accident
Talk to an Atlanta Moped Accident Lawyer for Free
Our law firm has built its reputation on helping accident victims recover money. If we don’t win money for you, we won’t charge you anything. Let us give you a FREE consultation to help you understand the right next steps for your case—with no obligation. Call us or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
