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Vespas are fun and economical motor scooters that offer a convenient way to get around. Unfortunately, no matter how carefully you operate one, someone in a larger vehicle could still act recklessly and cause an accident that badly injures you.
Head and brain injuries, broken bones, and paralysis are common, with a high proportion of teens and young adults suffering these types of harm. The aftermath of Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Clearwater can be overwhelming, but we are here to offer caring and compassionate guidance. Our motorcycle collision attorneys at Herman & Wells are focused on making your legal journey successful. We build your confidence by helping you understand the process. Call us now to schedule your free case evaluation.
If your motor scooter runs on more than 2 brake horsepower (BHP), it is treated the same way motorcycles are treated under Florida Statutes § 322.01. Electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds with 2 BHP or less are treated differently under the law. Below are the requirements for each:
Owners of higher-powered motor scooters must comply with motorcycle laws, including:
Lower-powered scooters and electric mobility devices are not classified as motorcycles and are generally subject to different rules regarding licensing, helmet use, and where they may be operated.
If another motorist caused an accident that injured you while you were riding a motor scooter, our experienced Clearwater attorneys could review police reports, speak with witnesses, and analyze still photographs and surveillance videos to build a case seeking compensation from insurance companies or in a civil court trial. Injuries associated with these accidents are often not just physical but also emotional and financial, if they prevent you from working. Bringing vast trial experience to every case, our attorneys at Herman & Wells are prepared to fight to help you obtain the compensation you need.
Unlike car crashes, where Florida’s no-fault vehicle insurance, provides up to $10,000 of your medical bills, scooters and motorcyclists are not required to have PIP and your PIP does not usually cover you on a motorcycle or scooter, even if you are hit by a car. This often drives people to reach out to Clearwater attorneys who can initiate a lawsuit against the motorist responsible for the motor scooter accident, asking for actual damages.
The state revamped its laws governing negligence cases in 2023. The jury now compares the percentage of negligence attributable to the motorist and the scooter rider, and apportions this negligence to determine a damages award. The Vespa (scooter) rider’s damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault they contributed to causing the crash in Clearwater, and they cannot be more than 50 percent responsible for the Clearwater accident.
Additionally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims was shortened from four years to two years, making it especially important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue your claim.
You will never be left uncertain about the strategy or progress of your case because our attorneys believe in keeping you informed throughout the process. When you work with us, we encourage you to ask questions and help you feel confident in your decisions.
We consider the whole person when we fight for you, taking time to understand your goals, situation, family, and how compensation can secure your future. We have handled many cases involving Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Clearwater. Schedule a free consultation with our lawyers to discuss your case.
