South Carolina Moped Accident Attorneys

Mopeds are small-sized vehicles, similar to motorcycles. Mopeds have less stringent licensing requirements. They are also slower than motorcycles and other full-sized vehicles. For this reason, mopeds are an excellent option for individuals to travel within cities and towns. In South Carolina, drivers are not allowed to drive mopeds on highways 55 mph or higher. 

Because mopeds have a speed limitation, accidents involving mopeds and large vehicles, like cars, are common. Mopeds do not provide the same amount of protection as cars. Therefore, moped accidents frequently result in severe injuries to the moped driver and their passengers. 

A collision between a moped and an automobile may result in severe damages and injuries. If you or your loved one was injured by an at-fault driver while riding a moped, contact an experienced and knowledgeable South Carolina accident attorney at Steinberg Law Firm today at (843) 720-2800.

What Are Mopeds

Mopeds are slow-moving motorized vehicles. Under South Carolina law, a vehicle is considered a moped when it meets the following requirements: 

• Has two or three wheels
• No gear shifter
• Motor under 50cc/2 horsepower or between 750 and 1500 watts if electric
• Must not be able to travel at a speed of more than 30 mph

Under South Carolina law, as of 2018, all mopeds must be registered and have a license plate. Mopeds are not required to carry insurance. In South Carolina, you must be 15 to get a moped license. 

South Carolina Moped Accidents

Like all other automobiles, mopeds must follow the same rules of the road. In other words, moped drivers have a duty to obey all of the traffic laws. However, most accidents that involve mopeds are caused by other drivers and their carelessness. Because mopeds are small and slow, they can be overlooked by vehicle drivers. Often, drivers will not notice a moped in their car’s blind spots. 

Causes of Moped Accidents

Traffic collisions can occur at anytime and anywhere. However, most accidents involving a moped are the result of the negligence of the other drivers. Drivers owe a duty of care to all other occupants of roads and highways. If drivers do not uphold this duty, they can be held liable for damages and injuries in the event of a crash caused by their negligence. 

Some of the most common causes of moped accidents include:

• Unsafe turns 
• Negligent operation of the automobile, motorcycle or truck
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving or riding too closely 
• Speeding 
• Distracted driving 

Moped Injuries

Moped drivers do not have a protective covering. Therefore, injuries resulting from moped accidents are often serious. While helmets offer some degree of protection, South Carolina only requires drivers and riders under the age of 21 years old to wear one. 

Moreover, cars and other large vehicles are not only heavier; they are also much faster. This means that the sheer impact of an automobile will contribute to the severity of the damages and injuries. 

Injuries from moped accidents can range from minor cuts to death. Below is a list of the most frequent injuries moped riders sustain: 

• Cuts
• Bruises
• Roadrash 
• Broken bones
• Head or brain injury
• Back injury
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Death

Moped Accident Compensation

Moped drivers do not need to have liability insurance to drive on the roadway. However, registered automobiles must have the minimum insurance policy limits South Carolina law requires. If moped is hit by an automobile, the moped driver may file a claim against the motorist’s insurance carrier. 

If the at-fault driver’s insurance provider denies the claim or the damages exceed the policy limits, the moped driver may file a lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. Injured moped drivers have three years from the date of the accident to file the lawsuit. In their lawsuit, they may seek recovery for economic and noneconomic damages.                      

Economic damages include: 

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Medical care

Noneconomic damages include: 

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotion distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Fear of loss or injury 

Lawsuits are time-consuming and complicated. They require a strong understanding of the litigation process. Court deadlines can be short and strict. If you were injured in a moped accident, then you should hire an attorney right away. An attorney will be able to protect your rights and help resolve your case.

South Carolina Moped Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been injured or died, in a moped accident, contact the experienced and knowledgeable South Carolina attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm today. We represent clients in all types of injury claims, including those involving moped accidents. Our attorneys have over 200 years of collective experience handling personal injury cases. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation based on the catastrophic injuries you or your loved one has sustained, contact us at (843) 720-2800 to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. Calling is free, and because we offer a No Fee Promise, you do not pay unless we win.