Riding a scooter makes economic sense and in busy, congested cities where the majority of commuting goes on, they are often a more efficient way of getting around than using a car or even public transport. It’s no wonder why scooters are becoming increasingly popular. The only real problem is that scooter riders are very exposed to other traffic and do not necessarily have the acceleration of higher powered two wheeled vehicles like motorbikes. Being hit by a large truck like a mail delivery truck could be very serious indeed. If this has happened to you, you will need to get help from a personal injury lawyer to obtain the compensation you need.
Damages Possible after Being Hit by a Mail Truck on a Scooter
Scooter accidents are rarely minor. If you have been hit by a large truck like a mail truck, you would most likely have significant injuries. Your scooter and anything you were carrying on it may be ruined or at least be very costly to repair. Assuming that the fault lay with the driver and you were not to blame yourself, you would be looking at filing a claim for damages from either the driver or the postal service or both. The claim would include the following components:
- compensation for all medical costs, including future medical costs
- compensation for any lost earnings, such as wages, including estimated future lost earnings
- payment to repair or replace any property damaged, particularly the scooter
- non-economic damages, depending on state rules for personal injury claims, such as an amount for "pain and suffering"
- punitive damages, if the accident was caused by extreme negligence
How Can You Determine Fault in a Scooter Collision?
Most scooter collisions are the fault of the other road user, but you will need to prove this if you hope to make a claim for compensation. Personal injury claims, even if the victim’s injuries are serious, are rarely successful unless there is convincing evidence that someone was at fault.
There may be things you can do in the immediate aftermath of the accident if you are not badly injured. It is likely that other road users will stop to render assistance and it is quite possible that at least someone else saw the incident and may be able to back up your account of what happened. In addition to witness statements, photos taken at the scene of the collision can be valuable evidence as will be the police report made at the scene. Other evidence may come from the repair yard that deals with your scooter. There may have been video footage of the accident if you were at a controlled intersection.
Your lawyer can help find ways that fault can be determined. Note that in many states you can still claim compensation even if it is eventually determined that you were partly to blame for the accident, but it is better not to admit fault when filing a claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Even if you are sure that your injuries were caused by poor driving by the vehicle’s driver, it can be hard proving negligence and claiming compensation. It may be a long drawn out battle to secure adequate compensation. You are advised to seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able. They invariably offer free consultations and defer any legal fees until a claim is settled.
Additional Resources
- Help! I Crashed While Merging with a USPS Truck!
- Debris Fell Off a USPS* Truck & Hit My Car. Can I File a Claim?
*Disclaimer
The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against the USPS, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
