Like motorcycles, scooters and mopeds can be a handy way of navigating Scottish cities, but they do not offer riders much in the way of protection if they are involved in a road traffic accident.
Therefore, when a moped or scooter rider is knocked off their vehicle, they are likely to suffer more serious injuries than parties who are travelling in cars and lorries.
Many young road users choose mopeds and scooters as a cheap, accessible means of getting around independently. Also, a full driving licence is not required to ride the smaller models (but riders do need to have completed the Compulsory Basic Training course). Inexperience adds to the drivers' vulnerability and is a prominent contributing factor in many scooter and moped accidents.
Common types of moped and scooter injuries
Several different types of injuries may occur as the result of a moped accident. If the impact happens at low speed, the rider may only suffer scrapes and bruises (although some of these minor injuries such as road rash can have lasting effects which require a claim for scooter accident compensation).
Sometimes accidents are more serious and the following are some of the injuries that may be sustained in a scooter or moped accident:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Injuries that result in amputation
- Neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Broken bones and crush injuries
Preventing serious moped injury
Of course, as a moped and scooter user, you should make sure you're as fully protected as possible to help reduce the likelihood of injury. This means that you need to make sure your helmet fits properly and is in good condition – it's not wise to buy a second-hand helmet, as you can't be sure whether the protective material has already been weakened by a previous accident. To be safe, always buy your scooter helmet brand new.
As for your clothing, you should always wear high visibility clothing and also take the weather conditions into account, so ensure your clothing is wind resistant and waterproof. It's also crucial for your gloves to fit properly and aren't too loose or too thick so that you have a good grip on the handlebars.
It's also recommended that, if you haven't completed your full moped or motorcycle test, to do so instead of just completing the Compulsory Basic Training Course, as this will help you gain as much experience as possible before taking to the road.
Contact an experienced moped injury lawyer today
Thompsons Solicitors has moped injury lawyers with decades' worth of experience helping people injured in road traffic accidents, including moped and scooter users. If you would like to speak to a moped injury lawyer who you can rest assured will always have your best interests at heart at all times, contact Thompsons today.
Scooter accident injuries can affect your life in many different ways, from the pain and suffering they cause during the recovery period to the potential loss of earnings you sustain as a result of not being able to work. A Thompsons' road traffic accident solicitor will help ensure you get the full amount of scooter accident compensation you deserve. While we can't turn the clock back, we can at least make your recovery and rehabilitation more manageable, for you and your loved ones.
For instance, for those who have sustained severe injuries, we can help seek interim payments to help pay for specialist rehabilitation equipment required so you can start the recovery process as soon as possible instead of waiting for a final settlement to be reached.
Even if you're worried that your own actions may mean you're partially liable for your accident, you shouldn't let this put you off pursuing a claim. Even in cases of contributory negligence, our expert road traffic accident solicitors can still help claimants make successful scooter injury claims.
You can give us a call on 0800 0891 331 to have an initial discussion about your case with a moped accident lawyer, who will advise you on the best way forward.
