Vespa/Motor Scooter Accidents in Palm Springs
Palm Springs attracts many residents and tourists who enjoy exploring the city on Vespas and other motor scooters. Despite the environmentally-friendly benefits, riding a Vespa can be dangerous and it can lead to potential accidents and injuries.
When you are injured in a Vespa/motor scooter accident in Palm Springs, enlisting the help of an experienced motorcycle collision lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group could help you secure the compensation you need to recover.
Causes of Motor Scooter Wrecks
Frequent causes of Vespa and scooter accidents in Palm Springs include:
- Mechanical scooter failures
- Inexperienced scooter drivers
- Failure to yield or check blind spots
- Distracted driving by others on the road
- Road hazards such as debris, potholes, and uneven surfaces
Since motor scooters are not as sturdy as cars, scooter drivers need to exercise extreme caution when sharing the roadway with other drivers.
Determining Liability After a Vespa Collision
Just like in any other motor vehicle accident, determining liability involves investigating the negligent driving of other motorists on the road. This can include reckless behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and failing to yield to other motorists. Our legal team will also inquire about the road hazards and conditions on the day of the accident, such as debris, lack of street signs, and potholes.
If the crash was caused by a defect in the scooter, our attorneys could investigate the scooter’s construction, safety features, maintenance records, and manufacturer and distributor information. This inquiry includes researching the company’s history, analyzing previous complaints related to similar scooters, and examining any relevant industry regulations.
Recoverable Damages for Moped Accident Victims
A personal injury lawsuit aims to compensate an individual who has suffered an injury due to a third party’s negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional actions. The type of compensation an injured scooterist can receive is determined by the specific circumstances surrounding the case and the type of injuries sustained. Common types of compensation include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
A loss of consortium is a damage award appearing in scooter accident cases that compensates a family member for the loss of support, companionship, and affection due to the injury or death of a loved one. This theory recognizes that when an individual is injured due to the negligence or intentional conduct of another, their family members also suffer significant losses beyond monetary damages.
Our firm also handles punitive damages claims. Punitive damage awards go beyond compensatory damages because they penalize the at-fault party and aim to prevent similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are not awarded in common negligence cases; they are provided when an act is particularly egregious, reckless, or intentional.
Comparative Fault in Scooter Accidents
A common worry among injured parties is the recovery of damages if they were partially at fault—by not wearing a helmet or speeding themselves. California follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that scooter accident victims can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the wreck. However, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
Call a Palm Springs Attorney to File a Vespa/Motor Scooter Accident Lawsuit
Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Palm Springs are more common than you may think. Collisions involving these vehicles can result in serious injuries due to the rider’s lack of protection. If you’ve been involved in a wreck while riding a scooter, it is important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. Call Walter Clark Legal Group today.
