Motor scooters, mopeds, and other similar machines—sometimes colloquially referred to as “Vespas” after the famous motor scooter brand—are street-legal in many parts of Nevada. These vehicles are broadly treated the same as other motor vehicles in terms of rights and responsibilities imposed on riders by state law. Unfortunately, not everyone else on the road can be trusted to act responsibly and safely around smaller vehicles, sometimes leading to collisions with life-changing and even life-threatening consequences.
Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Las Vegas can often serve as the basis for civil litigation in the same way accidents involving motorcycles or any other type of motor vehicle can. If you want a good chance of getting a favorable result from this sort of claim, the seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys at Shook & Stone know how to handle every aspect of your case effectively and efficiently.
What Does State Law Say About Motor Scooter Operation?
According to Nevada Revised Statutes § 482.069, a “moped” is any motor-driven scooter, motor-driven cycle, or similar machine that meets all the following criteria:
- Is not a tractor
- Does not travel with more than three wheels on the ground
- Cannot reach a speed higher than 30 miles per hour while being operated on a flat surface
- Has an engine that cannot produce more than two horsepower, cannot produce more than 1500 watts of energy output, or does not have a displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters
Moped operators do not need a motorcycle license to ride on public streets, but they do need a regular driver’s license, and they also must always wear a helmet and eye protection while riding.
Perhaps most importantly, moped riders must obey all traffic laws applicable to standard automobiles while traveling on public roads—except, in most situations, they should stick to the rightmost lane. Shook & Stone attorneys could answer any questions you have about your vehicle’s classification and how these laws might affect your filing options after a motor scooter crash in Las Vegas.
How Fault Works in Motor Scooter Crash Claims
When you find yourself hurt while riding a Vespa due to someone else breaking a traffic law or driving carelessly, you likely have grounds to file suit against them and demand compensation for all your losses. Additionally, you may be able to take legal action against other negligent parties, such as manufacturers who provided you with a defective motor scooter or local authorities who failed to reasonably maintain public roads.
However, if you also failed to obey the laws applicable to you as a motor scooter driver, you may be assigned a percentage of responsibility for your injuries from a Las Vegas moped wreck. This is known as “comparative fault.” In accordance with NRS § 41.141, your total compensation available may be reduced or even barred altogether—outcomes that our capable attorneys could help minimize.
Contact a Las Vegas Attorney for Help Following a Vespa Accident
Traveling at low speeds on a moped, whether that be a trip around the Strip or anywhere else in the Las Vegas area, could quickly turn into a disaster the moment someone around you fails to drive responsibly. Fortunately, state law gives you the same rights to take legal action as anyone else injured in a traffic collision, allowing you to seek justice and compensation against the person who caused your Vespa/motor scooter accident in Las Vegas.
At Shook & Stone, we understand how traumatic this sort of experience can be both physically and emotionally. Our compassionate lawyers will work tenaciously on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation for every negative effect the crash has on your life. Call today and schedule a free consultation.
