New Jersey Moped Accident Lawyer

A moped is a small motorcycle, usually having less strict licensing requirements than motorcycles or automobiles, because mopeds generally travel at approximately the same velocity as bicycles on public roadways. A moped rider should take some of the same safety precautions as a motorcyclist. However, while the lower speed of a moped may reduce some perils, it could give rise to others.

The most dangerous aspect of riding a moped is that other motorists may fail to notice the moped. For this reason, it is helpful for the moped rider to wear brightly-colored clothes and reflective fittings. Nevertheless, motorists may fail to notice the moped. As a result, they may turn into the path of a moped and cause an accident resulting in severe injury or death to the moped rider.

In a similar manner, a driver of an automobile nearing a moped may drive toward it more rapidly than the motorist anticipates, and the motorist’s attention may be more accustomed to other traffic than the moped, thereby increasing the possibility of an accident.

Moped accident statistics
In 2014, the NHTSA issued a report that revealed that 92,000 injuries and 4,295 fatalities resulted from accidents involving motorcycles, mopeds and scooters in the United States. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), moped accidents are responsible for more than 20 percent of traumatic brain injuries. When riding a moped, safety should be of the utmost concern. Because mopeds have no enclosure, accidents can quickly become fatal. Here are some safety precautions that are recommended in the event you decide to ride a moped:

• Wear a helmet, which is required in the state of New Jersey.
• Wear appropriate clothing to help prevent skin abrasions in the event of an accident.
• Increase your visibility to other motorists and pedestrians by wearing brightly-colored clothing.
• Carefully adhere to all traffic regulations.
• Familiarize yourself with all laws regarding riding a moped in New Jersey.

Common causes of moped accidents
Among the common causes of moped accidents are:

• Motorists may force the moped rider off the road or cause the rider to abruptly stop
• Car doors opening may strike the moped rider or compel the rider to collide with oncoming traffic
• Animals, especially dogs, may attack the moped rider or run into the moped
• Mechanical issues concerning the moped may cause the engine to malfunction
• Broken spokes could cause the moped rider to lose control
• The surface of roadways could bruise or jolt the tires of the moped
• Being in a blind spot, thereby decreasing your chances of being noticed by another motorist
• Litter thrown on the road
• Tire blowout

Moped accident injuries
Due to the lack of external protections, moped accidents often result in serious injuries and even death. Here are some of the injuries that frequently result from moped accidents:

• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Back injuries
• Spine injuries (such as herniated discs)
• Head trauma/traumatic brain injuries
• Scarification

How a moped accident attorney can help
There are several ways in which a moped accident attorney can help you if you have been involved in a moped accident. An experienced attorney can assist you in the recovery of compensation, including the following:

• Lost earnings
• Loss of possible future earnings
• Medical expenses
• Possible future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

If you were injured in a moped accident, call the New Jersey Moped accident attorneys at Todd J. Leonard Law Firm at (973) 920-7900.