There is no doubt that scooter use has been on the rise in Las Vegas. After all, they are pretty easy to drive, inexpensive, and a good way to get around on busy streets. However, with an increase in use comes an increase in potential accidents.
Scooter operators and drivers of other motor vehicles must become familiar with the laws for scooter drivers and the laws protecting them. If you have been injured in an accident while driving a scooter, you may be entitled to compensation. The Las Vegas scooter accident attorneys at Pacific West Injury Law can help.
Understanding Nevada’s Scooter Laws
Whether you have your own scooter and ride it a lot or occasionally rent a moped for transportation, you should have a good understanding of local moped laws. To ride a scooter on any public street, you must have a driver’s license.
In Nevada, wearing a helmet is required, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The scooter must be registered, and a license plate is needed. While not required, liability insurance is recommended.
Scooter drivers must follow the rules of the road for both Nevada and Las Vegas. They have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver. Scooters must be fitted with all street-safe safety equipment, including mirrors and lights.
What To Do If You Are In A Scooter Accident In Las Vegas
Whether you are in a minor scrape or a major scooter accident, you should always call to report an incident to the police.
If there are injuries or the accident is blocking the road, call 911. If the accident is minor, contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Even if you do not need emergency services, having the police file a report documents the incident and can help determine fault.
Get Treatment
Of utmost importance are your welfare and that of anyone else involved. Whether you feel you have suffered an injury or not, it is always a good idea to see a physician following a scooter accident.
If there are major injuries, the paramedics will take care of you at the scene and, if necessary, take you to the hospital. If your injuries are minor, you should visit urgent care, explain the accident, and let the doctor know where you feel any pain.
Contact A Scooter Accident Lawyer Immediately
After you have been seen for your injuries and are on the mend, contact the Pacific West Injury Law firm. It can be crucial to document the accident quickly, and let your attorney get to work collecting evidence. He or she will take your statement, get a copy of the police report, and contact any witnesses.
Whether you are ready to file your claim or not, give your Las Vegas scooter accident lawyer time to collect all the data and lay out a plan for moving forward.
What Is Your Scooter Accident Case Worth?
Just how much your Las Vegas scooter accident is worth depends upon the severity of your damages. Some factors involved include your medical bills, whether you are now healthy or require further treatment, the property damage to the scooter, and how the accident has affected you mentally and emotionally.
General Economic Damages
Economic damages are reimbursable expenses due to the accident. They include such things as:
- Medical bills, including the emergency room visit, follow-up doctor bills, x-rays, lab tests, surgery, prescription medicine, and anything else medically incurred from the accident
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages due to time off from work because of the accident
- A reduction in your ability to work and earn income
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of the scooter and anything you may have been carrying on it, such as a laptop
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses
Pain And Suffering And Other Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering are sometimes difficult to equivocate. Just how much mental anguish or loss of enjoyment in life you have had from the accident is what is to be considered here. If you have suffered a permanent disability or lasting scarring or disfigurement, that would also fall under non-economic damages—so would the loss of a companion or loved one.
Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify. However, due to the fact that they are generally irreplaceable losses, the amount you can recover for these damages tends to be substantial and often makes up the bulk of a settlement or court-ordered payout.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may or may not be involved in a scooter accident lawsuit. These are damages that are directed at the defendant for their accidental or intentional acts. If the defendant was under the influence or distracted while driving, for example, these damages could be awarded to encourage the defendant to not do those things again.
Punitive damages are only assessed in extreme cases where the at-fault party acted in a criminally negligent manner or with the wilful intent of causing harm.
Nevada’s Scooter Accident Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations for a scooter accident follows the same guidelines as any other motor vehicle accident in Nevada. You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, earlier filing is recommended. If you fail to file on time, you could lose your right to recover compensation.
Exceptions to this time limit may apply to your case. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may be able to file a lawsuit after the two-year period or alternatively find that you have far less than two years to file. A scooter accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help you understand the specifics of your deadline.
What Does A Scooter Accident Lawyer Do?
An experienced scooter accident lawyer will know how to follow up after your scooter accident and proceed with your case. Following your first meeting with Pacific West Injury Law, your attorney and his team will get right to work for you. Some of the actions they will take include:
- Collecting evidence
- Filing your claim
- Reaching a settlement
Collecting Evidence
After collecting your statement, your attorney will obtain the police report for the incident. They will also contact any insurance companies involved. Some things they will look for include:
- Corroborating witness statements
- Report findings and insurance claims for proof of a pattern by the defendant
- Whether the accident was caused by neglect, distraction, or impaired driving
Filing Your Claim
Filing a lawsuit claim can be a lengthy and complicated process. Your attorney should be familiar with just how to proceed in filing your claim for you.
The application process can differ with different types of claims. That is why it is important to work with an attorney experienced in motor vehicle law and, more specifically, scooter accidents. Collaborating with an experienced attorney will put your mind to rest so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
Reaching A Settlement
Many scooter accident claims result in a settlement before going to court. This is often a good thing for both parties involved. Negotiating a settlement is not an easy thing. However, your experienced scooter accident attorney will know how much compensation you should ask for, and what you can expect.
Scooter Accident Lawyers Work On A Contingency Fee Basis
When you hire a scooter accident attorney in Las Vegas, you will agree to pay them a set percentage of the money you recover from the liable party. This fee will be the only one that your attorney will collect for their services.
This system gives you the peace of mind that your attorney will do everything in their power to ensure you recover as much money as possible since the amount you receive directly affects how much they get paid.
If you recover a substantial amount from the at-fault party, your attorney will receive a significant payday. On the other hand, if you don’t collect compensation, your lawyer will not get paid for their services.
Contact Us Today To Find Out What A Las Vegas Scooter Accident Attorney Can Do for You
If you have been involved in a scooter accident, you need the best defense possible to get you the compensation you deserve. Look to Pacific West Injury Law with the knowledge and experience to help you maneuver your way through the legal process.
We serve the greater Las Vegas Valley. Contact our Las Vegas scooter accident lawyers today.
