Atlanta Scooter Accident Lawyer

Georgia Moped and Scooter Laws

Do you need a license to drive a scooter in GA?

In Georgia, electric scooters are considered those that go 35 mph or less or are less than 50cc’s. These are typically scooters offered by services such as Lime or Lyft. You do not need a special license to operate electric scooters in Georgia. However, you need a valid driver’s license or valid learner’s permit.

If your scooter has an engine of 50cc or more, you must obtain a class M license from Georgia.

Can you ride a scooter on the sidewalk in Georgia?

Operating electric scooters on sidewalks in Georgia is illegal, as their speeds can cause pedestrians a greater chance of injury. Scooters should only use bike paths or lanes where available and in roadways where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.

Are helmets required for scooters in Georgia?

Helmets are not required to operate electric scooters that only reach up to 35 mph speeds.

Do you need insurance on a 50cc scooter in Georgia?

If your scooter has an engine of 50cc or greater, you must obtain insurance and registration for it just as you would a car or truck.
When insuring your scooter, the state of Georgia requires that the insurance covers:

• Bodily injury liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability insurance of at least $25,000 per accident

Common Causes of Scooter Accidents

Distracted Driving

Many scooter operators become distracted by using their cell phones or listening to music with headphones, which takes their focus away from their surroundings. This is similar to distracted driving in motor vehicles and can lead to increased accidents or injuries.

Intoxicated Driving

Operating a scooter while intoxicated is not only discouraged, it is also illegal. Intoxication causes an impairment to one’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, which are all critical to operating a scooter safely.

Poor Road Conditions

Many urban areas in Georgia have high traffic volumes, which can deteriorate road conditions. If you are riding a scooter on poor road conditions, such as uneven pavement, potholes, or debris, this can increase the possibility of an accident on a scooter.

Mechanical Failures

While there are many ways a rider could cause an accident on a scooter, mechanical failures of the scooter itself can also cause injury. If a tire blows out, the brakes fail, or the steering becomes an issue, those mechanical problems could cause accidents, leading to severe injuries.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Scooter Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs, can be caused by falling off a scooter without the proper safety gear or being run into by a scooter driver. TBIs can range in severity and can involve skull fractures, brain bleeds, and contusions. TBI injuries could become long-term and affect a person’s daily cognitive or physical functions if they become severe.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Scooters can be operated at higher speeds than traditional bicycles or pedestrians, and, as such, they are more likely to cause bone fractures or breaks if they collide with another person.

Soft Tissue Injuries

A scooter could malfunction and suddenly accelerate or stop, which may cause a driver to have to stop the scooter with their foot and cause a sprain.

If a scooter runs into you, you may jump out of the way or fall and sprain a muscle.

If you find yourself injured by either the scooter itself or a scooter driver, contact the qualified attorneys at Merritt & Merritt to see how they can help you get the compensation you need.

Importance of Legal Representation: How an Atlanta Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating Compensation Claims

The process of obtaining compensation after a scooter accident can be complicated. That is why having an experienced scooter accident attorney by your side is essential through the process.

When you are injured by a scooter, many steps are involved in getting the compensation you need for your medical bills, time off work, etc. These steps involve gathering evidence, filing a claim, and calculating damages. If a settlement offer is unfair or not what you expected, contact an attorney at Merritt & Merritt to see your next steps.

Establishing Liability

Georgia is an “at-fault” state, which means that to receive compensation for an injury, you must prove that the other person’s negligence caused the accident that was responsible for the injury. To do so, you must collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Evidence could include photos, police reports, witness statements, medical bills, or traffic camera footage. The more evidence you can gather, the more likely you will prove your claim. Obtaining lawyers at Merritt & Merritt who understand what evidence you need can help you get the most out of your claim and get the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating with Insurance Adjusters

Georgia does not require insurance for electric scooters that go less than 35 mph so that the negotiation process could be complicated. The insurance may be covered by the company that owns the scooter, or a scooter rider could be personally liable if they own a scooter with an engine under 50cc. If you find yourself injured by a scooter or scooter operator, you can be sure that Merritt & Merritt will be there to answer any questions.

Steps to Take After a Scooter Accident

#1: Ensure Safety

When you are injured in a scooter accident, you should first ensure your safety. Ensure you are in a safe area away from oncoming traffic, assess your injuries, and call for medical assistance if needed.

#2: Document the Accident

When you are sure you are safe, document as much as you can about the accident from a safe location. Do not put yourself in an unsafe situation to obtain photographs of the accident.

#3: Report the Incident

If there are any injuries to a person involved in the scooter accident, or if there seem to be damages of $500 or more, then the State of Georgia requires that you call the police to report the incident. When the police arrive, give as much detail as possible and obtain the police officer’s information so you may include a police report in your evidence.

#4: Consulting with an Atlanta Scooter Accident Lawyer

If you find yourself injured in a scooter accident, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the process of getting compensation for your injuries. Should you need a reliable and experienced personal injury attorney, the lawyers at Merritt & Merritt are here for you and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Liability in Scooter Accidents

Rider Negligence

In Georgia, scooter accident liability is often determined by considering multiple parties. The riders of the scooter could be found negligent if they violate traffic laws, are distracted while riding the scooter, are intoxicated while riding, or fail to maintain control of the scooter. All of these actions by a scooter rider could lead to injuries to others that could be determined as negligence of the scooter rider.

Driver Negligence

Although a scooter rider could have been negligent when causing injuries, a driver of a motor vehicle could also be determined negligent in a scooter-related accident. A motor vehicle driver could be found negligent if they are distracted while driving and runs into a scooter, fail to yield to a scooter, speed, drive intoxicated, drive aggressively, or open a vehicle door in the path of a scooter. If any of these factors lead to an injury, the driver may be found negligent and liable for injury compensation.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence

The “modified comparative negligence rule” is the standard for personal injury claims in Georgia. This means that multiple parties can share the accident’s fault, which is divided into percentages. For example, one party could be found to be 30% at fault and another 70% at fault.

If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you can file a personal injury claim, and your compensation will be based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were the party who was 30% at fault, and your claim was awarded $100,000, you would only recover $70,000, as the claim would be reduced by 30%. To make sure you get the most out of your claim, having a qualified attorney from Merritt & Merritt to get you the most out of your compensation is essential.

Tips for Choosing the Right Atlanta Scooter Accident Lawyer Lawyer

Experience in Scooter Accident Cases

If you need a personal injury lawyer for an accident caused by a scooter, don’t just look for a general “personal injury” lawyer. Seek out a lawyer who has specific experience in scooter accident cases. Scooter accident claims are unique and have particular legal and factual issues different from car accidents or other personal injury cases. That is why at Merritt & Merritt, we have lawyers experienced in scooter accident cases who are here to fight for your rights.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

Check client reviews and testimonials when searching for a lawyer to represent your case. At Merritt & Merritt, client testimonials and reviews show that our firm does whatever it takes to help you win your scooter injury case.

Fee Structures and Payment Plans

When choosing an attorney, consult about fee structures and payments. Merritt & Merritt offers a free consultation and will review the pay structure to meet your needs.

After an Accident, Speak with an Atlanta Scooter Accident Lawyer for Free

Call Merritt & Merritt today to schedule a free consultation about your case and see what our Atlanta scooter accident lawyer team can do for you!