Have You Been Injured in a Moped Accident?
South Carolina’s incredible climate and beautiful scenery invite both tourists and alternative methods of transportation. Tourism along the coast and in major cities remains consistently high, and mopeds are becoming an increasingly popular mode of travel for visitors and locals. These, along with a variety of other factors, combine to create an especially dangerous situation when accidents involving mopeds occur.
Moped Laws and Data
In South Carolina, you are not required to have a driver’s license to operate a moped. A special moped license can be obtained without completing a road skills test[1]. There are also laws governing how fast a moped can travel, which roads they can use, and who must wear helmets[2]. For example, a moped cannot be operated faster than 35 miles per hour nor be driven on roads with speed limits higher than 55 miles per hour[3].
Data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System over a 12-year period indicated that moped accidents are increasing, with weekdays and summer months being the most common crash periods[4]. The same data showed that, in crashes involving a moped and another motor vehicle, the most common injuries were skeletal and skin-related injuries to the head, neck, face, and torso[5].
At Burnside Law Firm, we are well-versed in the moped laws and regulations applicable to your accident case. We will work with you during every step of the process, making sure you feel heard and supported along the way.
Moped Accidents
The speed and operation requirements outlined in the state’s moped laws are meant to promote safety, but crashes are still common. However, because mopeds do not provide the same level of protection as cars and other motor vehicles, injuries sustained in a moped accident are often severe.
Collisions are often caused by the negligence of other drivers, including unsafe turns, speeding, driving too closely, and distracted driving. If you have been in a moped accident because of the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, the at-fault party may be liable for your injuries.
South Carolina only requires drivers under 21 years of age to wear a helmet while on a moped[6]. This may leave many moped users vulnerable to head injuries. In addition, many moped accidents frequently lead to:
- Roadrash and skin abrasions
- Broken bones
- Back injury
- Internal bleeding and damage
If you wish to file a lawsuit to recover economic and noneconomic damages for injuries related to your moped accident, you may be able to claim such damages as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Taking on a personal injury lawsuit while recovering from a moped accident can be overwhelming, leading to missed deadlines or settling for less than you deserve. Burnside Law Firm offers free consultations, so there is no risk for you to explore your options. Schedule with us today to discover how our legal team can help you.
[1] Department of Motor Vehicles. Scooter, Mopeds, Etc… in South Carolina. https://www.dmv.org/sc-south-carolina/other-types.php
[2] S.C. Code of Laws. Section 56-2-100. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c002.php
[3] Ibid.
[4] Johnson NK, Johnson BM, Denning GM, Jennissen CA. Adult moped-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments. Traffic Inj Prev. 2019;20(8):813-819. doi: 10.1080/15389588.2019.1665650. Epub 2019 Nov 7. PMID: 31697571.
[5] Ibid.
[6] S.C. Code of Laws. Section 56-2-100. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c002.php
