If you regularly ride a scooter, it’s probably always in the back of your mind that you might be involved in a life changing accident. However, this may not seem too large a risk when you compare it to the enjoyment you get from scooter riding and the huge amount you save on gas and parking lot fees.
If you are injured in a collision with another vehicle, you may be entitled to file a personal injury compensation claim to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses while you recover. You will need to be sure you have enough evidence to prove that the other driver was negligent, and that this caused the accident. A personal injury attorney will help you compile the evidence you need so that you have a greater chance of winning a settlement you deserve.
Determining Negligence for a Scooter Accident
This isn’t usually too difficult because if any larger vehicle caused the scooter accident, it’s relatively easy to prove because of the damage done to the scooter and the injuries to the rider. Sometimes the scooter rider may have acted in such a way that it could be said that he or she contributed to the accident. This doesn’t preclude the scooter rider from filing a PI claim, but contributory negligence could reduce the compensation amount. The laws on shared fault vary from state to state. Overall, determining fault requires that the scooter rider provides necessary evidence. This includes:
- eye witness written reports
- photographic evidence
- the attending police officer’s report
- a damage report on the scooter and other vehicle
Damages You May Incur Based on a Scooter Crash
Once you have obtained the evidence required to file a personal injury claim, you may expect to be compensated with economic damages. This could include:
Non-economic damages may be available to you as well. This could be an amount for the pain and suffering that has been caused to you as a result of the accident, and even punitive damages if it was the at fault driver’s negligence that caused the accident.
When you file the claim, you will need to provide an estimation of the amount you believe your claim is worth. This must be done within the statute of limitations set by your state, which could be anything from 12 months to three years after the accident took place.
How a Lawyer Can Help
To be sure you get the personal injury compensation you deserve, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced PI lawyer first who will assess your chances of reaching a satisfactory settlement. Insurance adjusters are not easy to handle on your own, but your attorney can file a claim on your behalf.
