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. And as the medical bills add up, you have questions: you need to know who’s at fault, how much insurance money you need, and what your legal rights are. Our attorneys can help you get the answers you need. Let us give you a FREE phone consultation. We can discuss your accident, explain your options, and let you know if you have a valid claim. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
- Why are moped accidents different than other types of accidents?
- Who is “at fault” in a moped accident in Atlanta?
- Will my moped accident claim cover all my injuries?
- How much money am I entitled to?
- If I’ve been offered insurance company money already, why should I talk to a lawyer?
- How can I tell whether I have a valid moped accident claim?
- Talk to an Atlanta Moped Accident Lawyer for Free
Why are moped accidents different than other types of accidents?
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.
Who is “at fault” in a moped accident in Atlanta?
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 their fault, not yours. 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
Will my moped accident claim cover all my injuries?
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.
How much money am I entitled to?
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.
If I’ve been offered insurance company money already, why should I talk to a lawyer?
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 any 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 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 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. A lawyer understands the games insurance companies play, and knows how to put together a strong case to persuade the insurance company to give you what your claim is worth. With a lawyer on your side, it’s not unusual to recover thousands of dollars more than the insurance company offered at first.
How can I tell whether I have a valid moped accident claim?
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 accident lawyer who can listen to the facts and give you a professional opinion.
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 at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
