A motor scooter or moped can offer an affordable alternative to a car, especially around college towns. These smaller vehicles are less expensive than larger, more traditional vehicles, and are often friendlier to the environment. Yet they come with their own challenges regarding insurance matters.
Taking time to learn the laws regarding insurance and personal injury claims is vital if you choose to ride a motor scooter. Should an accident happen, a strong understanding of your rights to insurance claims and compensation will help you to receive all the compensation you are entitled to.
Compensation for Damage to Your Motor Scooter
Should your moped or scooter be damaged because of another driver’s negligence, you have options for receiving the money you need to make repairs. While Florida law does not require collision insurance on scooters or similar vehicles, you may wish to purchase it anyway. This offers you guaranteed coverage in the event of an accident.
Motor vehicle owners are required to carry at least $10,000 in insurance against property damage. This insurance pays you in the event of an accident where the other driver is at fault. Payment should be made proportionally to the amount of the other driver’s negligence. The driver’s insurance can pay you for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.
Compensation for Medical Bills in Case of Injury
By Florida law, mopeds and similar conveyances are not considered motor vehicles. Instead, they are classified as bicycles depending on the size of the scooter’s motor. Thus, it is very important to know if your chosen motor scooter qualifies as a self-propelled vehicle.
The laws surrounding this classification are not exact. However, certain guidelines can be applied. The lower the CC’s of any motor on the vehicle, the more likely it is to qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits. If it can be powered by the rider, it is also likely to qualify.
Motorcycles and other larger, two-wheeled vehicles, do not qualify a rider for Personal Injury Protection benefits if a driver should hit you while you are riding. Motorized bicycles, low-horsepower vehicles, and skateboard scooters which can be kicked for propulsion should also qualify. Bicycles certainly qualify. Remember, if you qualify, the driver’s PIP will pay $10,000 toward your medical bills and wages.
Legal Assistance You Can Count On
Whether you have questions about the laws surrounding your motor scooter, or you have been involved in an accident and need help to receive the compensation you are entitled to, we can help. Contact Steven A. Bagen & Associates for more information on how we can work together to achieve your goals.
