Vespas and scooters are an increasingly popular mode of transportation, especially in large cities and the gig economy. They are generally seen as more fuel-efficient and affordable. Scooters fall under a category of transportation, along with e-bikes and hoverboards, known as micro-mobility devices.
The rise in motor scooter use also means a higher chance of catastrophic wrecks involving these vehicles. If you were injured in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Bakersfield, you should speak with an experienced auto collision attorney about taking legal action to recover compensation.
Due to their limited bodily protection, accidents involving Vespa or motor scooters in Bakersfield are more dangerous than those of passenger cars. These vehicles lack specific safety measures that cars have, such as seat belts or airbags.
E-scooters also present a unique concern of fire hazards due to the lithium-ion batteries that power them. Some of the most common injuries from these accidents are contusions or abrasions, mainly affecting the upper limbs, head, and neck areas.
Recognizing the risks of Vespa or scooter accidents in cities like Bakersfield, the state has implemented various laws to reduce the risk of deadly wrecks.
According to California Vehicle Code § 21235, individuals operating a scooter must comply with certain standards, including the following:
In addition, Cal. Veh. Code § 22411 prohibits operating a scooter at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour, and Cal. Veh. Code § 21229 generally requires scooter operators to use a bicycle lane on a roadway.
Many Vespa or motor scooter collisions in Bakersfield result from negligence. When negligent actions lead to catastrophic injuries, the harmed party can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
When a driver or scooter operator fails to use reasonable care, which leads to bodily injury, they are legally responsible for the damages incurred under California Civil Code § 1714.
To prove negligence, the injured plaintiff must show that the responsible party breached a duty of reasonable care. For example, drivers and scooter operators have a general duty to obey state traffic laws.
Some examples of negligent actions that can demonstrate a breach of care are:
The evidence required to prove negligence can include police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos or video footage, crash scene skid mark analysis, and cell phone records. A skilled personal injury attorney could help obtain and present these in a claim or court.
A devastating injury from Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Bakersfield can drastically impact not only the injured person’s life but also their family and loved ones. These catastrophic injuries can create a financial burden, leading to mounting bills and missed time from work.
You should contact an attorney as soon as reasonably possible if you or a loved one were injured in a scooter crash. Delays in filing your claim can impact your ability to recover damages. Call our law office today to schedule a consultation.
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