How Safe Are Motor Scooters in Miami, FL?
August 11, 2021 | Sagi Shaked | Personal Injury
For many, motor scooters provide a convenient way of traveling around Miami, FL. However, you may have questions regarding how safe these motor scooters are in a crowded city environment like South Florida.
Numerous factors influence motor scooter safety. The following overview will help you better understand them.
What is a Motor Scooter?
A motor scooter is a motor-powered vehicle with handlebars designed for standing riders. Motor scooters don’t have seats and typically have no more than three wheels.
Florida law doesn’t define motor scooters; they fall under the same classification as motorcycles. Accordingly, you must have a license to operate a motor scooter in Miami. However, you only need to have the motorcycle endorsement if you’re riding a scooter with a displacement of greater than 50 cubic centimeters.
Motor scooters aren’t just convenient. They reduce traffic congestion and are environmentally friendly.
How Common Motor Scooters Accidents?
Motor scooters have become increasingly popular throughout numerous cities. A pilot program in Miami has even been established to allow residents and visitors to rent motor scooters. This program aims to determine if scooters could have a positive impact on Miami’s transportation system.
Data regarding precisely how safe or unsafe motor scooters are is currently somewhat limited. That said, it is known that accidents involving electric scooters sent almost 40,000 Americans to the ER over just four years. It’s extremely important to exercise caution when using a motor scooter in Miami.
Common causes of motor scooter accidents include the following:
- Motor scooter malfunction or disrepair
- Hazards, such as potholes or debris
- Failure to yield the right of way
- The inexperience of a motor scooter’s operator
Motor scooters may be involved in single-scooter accidents or regular motor vehicle accidents, such as car accidents and truck accidents.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Motor Scooter Accident in Miami?
Unfortunately, you could be involved in a motor scooter accident as a scooter driver, pedestrian, or driver of a passenger vehicle.
You should take the following steps after a scooter accident:
- Check yourself for injuries and get to a safe spot away from traffic
- Identify anyone else involved in the accident and get their contact information
- Call the police to report the accident if it resulted in injury, death, or significant property damage
- Document the scene by taking pictures
- Wait for an officer and/or emergency services to arrive, if applicable
You should seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t believe you’ve sustained any injuries. You may not notice symptoms of an injury until days or even weeks after your accident. It’s important for a medical professional to confirm you’re unharmed.
Additionally, you might be able to file a claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for losses resulting from a motor scooter accident. You’re far more likely to secure compensation if you see a doctor right away.
A Miami personal injury attorney can strengthen your claim for compensation after a motor scooter accident. They can investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather proof about who’s at fault. They can evaluate your damages and negotiate with insurers and defense attorneys for a settlement that compensates you for your losses.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami personal injury lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191