If you are hit by someone on the road while riding a scooter, you are unlikely to escape without injuries. Even slow moving cars, SUVs and trucks can cause very serious injuries if they hit a scooter rider.
Even if you believe that you were hit through another road user’s lack of care, it may be still difficult to prove fault. It is even possible that the other road user’s insurance adjuster disputes your account and claims that you were to blame for your own injuries.
In these circumstances it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to help you claim compensation for your injuries.
Damages You May be Claiming After a Scooter Accident
Scooter accident injuries can be very serious. Scooter riders are much more likely to suffer serious injuries or be killed than the occupants of any closed, four wheeled vehicle that collide with them.
You will want to claim for compensation for medical treatment, damage to your scooter and any lost earnings. You will also need to have medical advice on any long term expenses, especially if your injuries are severe or likely to be permanent.
Most claims also include non-economic damages such as compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the accident and injuries incurred. You will need a personal injury attorney’s advice on calculating a fair figure when claiming non-economic damages as they tend to be more subjective.
Disputing an Allegation That You Were at Fault
Determining fault in any personal injury claim is very important. Each state has different rules when it comes to questions of shared fault. In some states, you would be unable to obtain any compensation at all if you were even slightly to blame. In others, you may be able to claim a proportion.
It is important after an accident not to admit any fault at the outset as this could compromise any chance you have later claiming compensation.
In the end, whether you can dispute any allegation of fault made against you by the other road user’s insurer will depend on just how much evidence you can obtain showing just how the accident happened.
Disputing fault can be achieved by carefully assembling evidence that can help prove your case. This includes photographic and other crash scene evidence, the police report made at the scene of the crash, witness statements and an examination of the damaged scooter and the other vehicle involved.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Dispute Fault After Being Hit on a Scooter
Your account of how you were injured in a scooter accident may be disputed by the insurance adjuster representing the person who was driving when you were hit. This can seriously affect your chances of obtaining compensation.
You will find that a personal injury lawyer can provide valuable advice, help with evidence that can be used to dispute an allegation that you were to blame for your own injuries and negotiate with the other driver’s insurer.
