Whenever there is a moped wreck involving a car or truck and a moped, it’s likely the moped driver will sustain serious personal injury or death.
The following guide examines what an injured moped operator needs to know following a serious moped wreck. What are the duties and responsibilities of other vehicles on the road to moped operators? Also, how have new South Carolina laws affected moped operators?
Uninsured or Underinsured (UIM) Motorist Coverage for Mopeds?
What happens if you have been severely injured while operating your moped and the driver that hit you has very little or no insurance? How will you be able to make an adequate recovery for the injuries that the negligent other driver caused you? Does uninsurance (UM) coverage apply? Would underinsurance motorist (UIM) coverage apply? Those questions involve complex insurance law that can only be answered on a case-by-case basis.
For answers to that question and any others, you might have, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone at 864-235-4999 or through our contact form, which you can find by clicking the button below.
Moped Wreck Responsibility
Mopeds are entitled to the same protection of the laws as any other motor vehicle. For example, other drivers must keep a proper lookout for mopeds. Other vehicles must yield to the right of way of mopeds, like any other vehicle. Other vehicles are prohibited from following mopeds too closely. Mopeds can’t travel at the same high rate of speed as a motorcycle. However, due to the lack of size compared to other vehicles, a moped accident can lead to serious injury and even death. Mopeds may be similar in size to motorcycles, but the slow rate of speed gives other vehicles on the road every opportunity to avoid collisions. Understanding these legal concepts can help keep all highway navigators safe.
With the increase in popularity of mopeds on the roads of the Upstate, drivers of cars and trucks need to take precautions to avoid collisions with mopeds. It’s the responsibility of other motorists to keep in mind the presence of mopeds.
Always remember that the duty is on other drivers to operate their vehicles safely, to keep their vehicles under control at all times, to expect moped drivers on the road, to exercise caution, and to keep a lookout so as to avoid a moped accident.
Important Moped Rules and Regulations
Here are a few of the rules and regulations moped owners need to be aware of when it comes to operating a moped legally in South Carolina.
- A Title is optional
- Mopeds aren’t required to carry insurance
- Owners don’t owe property taxes to the county the moped is registered in.
- Must be 15 years old to obtain a moped license.
Please visit the SCDMV website for more information on licensing requirements.
Wrap Up
All traffic-related deaths are a tragedy and usually avoidable. Following the rules of the road, paying attention and operating a vehicle as the conditions warrant helps prevent moped accidents.
If you or a loved one were injured in a moped accident, please don’t hesitate to request your free consultation via the form below.