Moped Accident Lawyer in Lancaster, SC

moped accident lawyer - David Blackwell Law

Mopeds and scooters are lightweight, inexpensive and fuel-efficient forms of transportation. No wonder that they have become common sights on South Carolina roads. But a moped is no match for a car or larger vehicle in a collision. A serious moped or motor scooter accident can turn your life upside down and leave you unable to work or attend school for weeks or months. Many moped riders are injured due to the carelessness or inattention of other motorists. If you were injured while riding a moped or scooter and the accident was not your fault, then you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. You should talk to a moped accident lawyer about whether you have a personal injury case.

The legal team at David Blackwell Law has extensive experience handling moped accident injury claims in South Carolina. Our compassionate attorneys help injured riders seek the maximum compensation available to address their losses and help them rebuild their lives. We help moped accident victims in Lancaster, Indian Land, Fort Mill, Van Wyck, Buford and throughout South Carolina.

If you have been seriously injured in a moped accident or scooter crash, you may be facing a long recovery and struggling physically, emotionally and financially. The last thing you need to add to your load is the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters. The adjusters may act friendly, but they do not have your best interests in mind. If another motorist caused your moped accident or motor scooter accident, you may be entitled to seek an insurance settlement to pay your medical bills and other expenses. You should seek the guidance of an experienced moped injury lawyer who will fight for you to receive full compensation for your injuries.

What Are Moped Licensing Requirements?

In South Carolina, operators of mopeds on public streets and highways are required to be at least 14 years old and to have a valid driver’s license or moped operator’s license. An individual whose driver’s license has been suspended for six months or less may operate a moped without obtaining a moped operator’s license during the suspension.

South Carolina law defines a moped as a cycle with or without pedals, with a motor of not more than fifty cubic centimeters. Anything with an engine larger than 50 cc is either a motor scooter or a motorcycle. If the moped has an internal combustion engine, the moped must have a power drive that functions automatically when engaged without clutching or shifting by the driver.

Serious and fatal accidents involving moped riders have been increasing in South Carolina. The number of collisions in South Carolina involving a moped reached a high of 819 in 2015. Mopeds are smaller than other vehicles and easier for automobile drivers to overlook.

Common Injuries in Moped Accidents

Operators of mopeds and motor scooters are categorized as vulnerable roadway users in South Carolina for good reason. Moped and scooter riders are vulnerable to severe injuries in collisions with larger, heavier vehicles. Mopeds have an open design that does not afford riders protection in the event of a collision with a car or truck.

South Carolina law limits mopeds to traveling at speeds of no more than 25 miles per hour. That means mopeds are often moving more slowly than other traffic. That difference in speed between mopeds and other vehicles accounts for many accidents.