Long Island Vespa/Motor Scooter Traffic Laws

Different traffic laws apply to motor scooters and Vespas on Long Island. Although many people may think that the laws that apply to them are similar to those that apply to motorcycles, that is not true. Instead, they are treated similarly to bikes. This can make the laws surrounding motor scooters confusing. However, an experienced injury lawyer can help explain the laws. This can help you better understand your rights following an accident as well as your options when operating a Vespa. With their help, you can make sure you are following the necessary laws and asserting your rights.

How do Long Island Traffic Laws Apply to Motor Scooters?

Vespas and motor scooters generally are not covered under motor vehicle law like a motorcycle is. Instead, they are treated similarly to bicycles. Because of that, the potential consequences associated with motor scooters differ from those associated with motorcycles. A motor scooter or a Vespa has less protection from any impact, meaning the injuries could be more significant.

Motor scooters are also smaller than motorcycles. They can weave in and out of traffic more easily, which puts them at a higher risk for an accident. Generally, Vespa drivers and motor scooter drivers also do not have to know as much about the vehicle and the laws surrounding the operation of the vehicle as motorcyclists. Anyone with questions about how the law applies to motor scooterists in Long Island or the risk associated with them should reach out to a knowledgeable attorney.

How Vespa Accident Cases Are Treated

An attorney might deal with a motor scooter accident case differently than they would handle a motorcycle accident case. The major difference, from a lawyer’s point of view, is that the New York State no-fault law, in some jurisdictions called the PIP law, does not apply to motorcyclists. This means injured motorcyclists do not have to meet an injury threshold to be able to bring a claim. However, these laws do apply to Vespa and moped drivers. That means that, if a person did not have a serious injury and they were operating a motor scooter or Vespa, they could not bring a claim against the responsible party.

An attorney can further explain how the laws for bringing a claim are different for motor scooter operators. An attorney can also assess an accident to determine whether the injured individual can bring a claim.

How can a lawyer help someone involved in a motor scooter accident in Long Island?

Following a motor scooter accident, an attorney can help by assessing the accident through police reports, photographs, witness statements, the design of the road, and traffic lights. They will perform an investigation of the area and determine whether the individual who caused the accident was negligent. If another’s negligence caused the crash and the injured party’s injuries meet the minimum threshold, an attorney can help bring a claim against the responsible party. To learn more about Long Island motor scooter/Vespa traffic laws, call today to speak with a well-versed attorney.

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