Can I File An Insurance Claim For A Vespa Accident Injury In Miami?

If you own a Vespa or a motor scooter, you know the fun that comes with riding one. However, sharing roadways with bigger and faster automobiles such as cars, trucks, and buses makes any Vespa or motor scooter driver vulnerable to collisions. Other road users might fail to see you or might disregard your safety, thereby subjecting you to severe personal injuries and hefty medical bills. Fortunately, Florida law protects every road user against negligent parties, and you can always seek justice if you feel that the negligence of another road user subjected you to damages and suffering.

What Differentiates Vespa Accidents from Motorcycles?

The key threshold that differentiates motor scooters, mopeds, and Vespas from motorcycles is their engine size. A vehicle with an engine that is 50 cc or smaller is not subject to the road usage and legal requirements as scooters and motorcycles that have larger engines of more than 50ccs. However, keep in mind that even Vespas vary in size.

You are not required to insure a Vespa that is less than 50 ccs. Such Vespas are also not subject to licensing requirements as other bikes are, and to ride such a Vespa, you need not undergo any special certification or take special classes. You only need to be 16 years old or older and drive no more than 20 miles per hour.

Insurance of Motor Vespas

There are minor differences between the insurance requirements of motorcycles and Vespas. This is because insurance is only needed on scooters or for motorists using an engine bigger than 50 ccs. In order to be insured, an automobile must be registered just like any other.

Like motorbikes, Vespas and scooters come in a wide range of engine sizes and can reach different speeds. A Vespa driver is required to have a license if the vehicle is large enough and must also carry insurance coverage.

Penalties that apply on Vespas that are more than 50 ccs are similar to those on other automobiles or motorcycles of more than 50ccs. This means that if you have a Vespa with an engine of more than 50 cubic centimeters, you may face significant fines have your license suspended or have your registration renewal denied if you fail to carry your insurance with you.

Accidents Commonly Faced by Scooter Drivers

For enhanced safety, Vespa and motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet. Common causes of accidents include:

• Speeding
• Blind sports
• Impaired drivers
• Low visibility
• Road defects and potholes
• Distracted driving
• Poor weather

Compensation for Vespa accidents

Regardless of the nature of your Vespa injuries, you can file an insurance claim to cover all of your losses.  All you need in this case is to prove fault on the part of the other motorist who caused your accident. This involves:

1. Proving that the other road user owed you a duty of care.
2. Proving that out of the motorist’s negligence, the duty of care was breached.
3. Showing that an accident resulted from that violation.
4. Showing that injuries to you or damages to your Vespa resulted from that accident.

What Compensation Can You Get From a Vespa Insurance Claim?

Once fault is proven, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages from a settlement.

Economic Damages

• Medical bills – This includes ambulance services after the accident, emergency care, special doctor appointments, specialized medical equipment such as wheelchairs, doctor prescriptions, physical therapy costs, and therapy, among others.
• Loss of income.
• Reduced capacity to earn.

Non-economic Damages

• Loss of consortium.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of service.
• Loss of company.
• Emotional anguish.
• Pain and suffering.

Why You Should Hire An Attorney for Your Vespa Accident Injury Claim

• Your lawyer will collect and keep all evidence intact to build your case.
• A Vespa accident attorney will help in proving fault in your accident.
• A good lawyer will handle all negotiations with insurance companies to protect your rights and get you the right compensation.
• Should a Vespa accident call for settlement in court, your lawyer will handle all of the litigation for you.

Comparative Negligence in Vespa Accidents

Florida is governed by comparative negligence laws. This means that the amount of money you are entitled to in damages will be proportional to your level of fault for the accident. The following factors will determine the fault on you as a Vespa driver:

• Have you taken driving courses?
• Did you use hand signals?
• Did you wear a helmet?
• Were you driving too fast?

Work With a Skilled Vespa Scooter Injury Attorney

If you have had a Vespa injury in Miami, you have options to seek damages. Our auto accident lawyers are on standby to evaluate your case and provide you with free expert consultation and to discuss your legal options with you. Call us now on 305-928-2909 to speak with us today.