With its inviting climate and landscape, Reno is the perfect place to enjoy a casual ride on your motorized scooter, moped, Vespa, or bike. When other motorists—such as an intoxicated or inexperienced driver—cause you harm because they do not respect your right to use and move about the road, Nevada’s personal injury laws may equip you with the tools you need to hold them accountable. After the stress and discomfort of an auto wreck, you may find it challenging to find the motivation or knowledge to file a lawsuit; however, you do not have to take this step alone.
At Shook & Stone, we are well-versed in the complex rules and procedures at play in claims involving Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Reno. Our steadfast team is willing—and capable—to put in the tireless work required to maximize your chances of receiving a fair payout from the at-fault motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist, or company. We understand what a difference this financial award can make in your ability to begin to pick up the pieces and move forward after your motorcycle wreck.
What Situations May Lead to People on a Motorized Scooter or Vespa Getting Into a Crash?
Just like their passenger car peers, those who drive two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicles—like a Vespa—are at risk of getting hurt while on the roadways in Reno. For example, a teenage driver may text their friends about upcoming plans instead of paying attention to their surroundings, in violation of Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.165. As a result, they may not see the light change to red and be able to stop in time to avoid colliding with someone on their scooter.
Likewise, despite the well-documented dangers of attempting to use a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, some careless partiers may ignore this rule and do so anyway. Not only is this violating the law—specifically, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 484C.110—but it is also a thoughtless and dangerous decision that costs many people their lives or livelihoods each year.
Additionally, poor road conditions—such as inclement weather or significant, unmarked potholes—may cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and get into a crash. Many casualties may find relief by working with a seasoned attorney who can fight for them to help ensure their best interests are fully represented during the claims process and court proceedings.
What Are the Rights of Vespa Drivers to Receive Damages if They Are in a Collision?
Ideally, when you are an injured Vespa user in Reno, your insurance policy will adequately cover your losses—such as by paying for your medical bills and other costs—and seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer. However, many insurance companies like to use tactics to try to undermine a casualty’s claim for damages, which makes it difficult to secure a fair settlement using out-of-court channels. In that scenario, filing a formal lawsuit may be the most effective way for the person who is injured to access relief.
As Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190 describes, you—as the person harmed in the incident—may have up to three years to sue for property damage. The law may give you two years to request compensation for your personal injuries, which might include healthcare costs, docked pay, and inconvenience. In some situations—such as if the at-fault person or agency acted fraudulently, oppressively, or maliciously—you may call on Nev. Rev. Stat. § 42.005 to also request exemplary and punitive damages.
A knowledgeable attorney at our firm could help you gather sufficient evidence to build a case against those who harmed you. For example, they can find creative and well-reasoned legal arguments to respond to a defense the other person may bring up, such as the comparative negligence theory under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 41.141.
Our Team at Shook & Stone Is Here To Fight for You if You Get Into a Wreck While on Your Vespa or Motor Scooter in Reno
You have every right to spend time out on the road while riding your vehicle—whether it is a compact car, motorcycle, or Vespa—without undue interference from others on the street. And, when someone—such as an organization or individual—harms you because of their mistakes, you may be entitled to bring a claim through the insurance system or file suit in a court of law.
Shook & Stone has helped dozens of casualties of Vespa/motor scooter accidents in Reno gain access to vital sources of relief, such as payment of their related medical bills and lost wages. We welcome the chance to do the same for you. Reach out to our team today to set a time to discuss your legal needs during a free, no-obligation consultation.
