Last Sunday, four people driving scooters were injured in three separate motor vehicle collisions in Ocean City, Maryland.
In the first accident, scooter driver Christopher Herndon was hit by a vehicle at the Baltimore Avenue and 23rd Street intersection. His injuries were treated at AGH.
In the second accident, a vehicle turning left onto Convention Center Drive crashed into two scooters driving down the Coastal Highway. One of the scooter drivers was taken to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. In the third accident, a vehicle turning left on a green signal at 52nd street hit a scooter. Scooter driver Bradley Kidd was also taken to PRMC where he was treated for his injuries.
Riding a scooter can be dangerous, especially if you are struck by a car, motorcycle, truck, or other motor vehicle. Many scooter accidents involving a car collision on the road occur because the other driver did not see the scooter. Injuries sustained in a scooter-related accident can include broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death.
For purposes of Maryland State Law, a scooter is defined as:
-134.4 Motor Scooter
(a) In general – “Motor scooter” means a nonpedal vehicle that:
(1) Has a seat for the operator;
(2) Has two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or less;
(3) Has a step-through chassis;
(4) Has a motor;
(i) With a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less; or
(ii) If the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic
centimeters piston displacement or less; and
5) Is equipped with an automatic transmission.
(b) Off-road vehicles – “Motor scooter” does not include a vehicle that has been
manufactured for off-road use, including a motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle.
Like the drivers and passengers of cars, motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, and also pedestrians, the drivers and passengers of scooter who are injured in a traffic collision because another party was negligent have a right to compensation.
If you were injured in an accident involving a moped and/or other motor vehicle in Maryland or Washington D.C., the personal injury law firm of Lebowitz and Mzhen can help you. We offer a free consultation to all prospective clients.
Four Injured In Three Separate Moped Accidents, The Dispatch, June 15, 2007
Annotated Code of Maryland – Transportation
Related Web Resource:
Scooter/Moped Riding Safety Tips, GSM Motorworks.com