Electric scooters are everywhere on Florida’s roads, and unfortunately, they present a danger to the scooter rider and to other passengers and vehicles on the road. While there are laws in place that aim to ensure safe operation, the fact remains that scooters present a major safety risk.
If you or someone you love is injured in a collision involving a scooter, you have legal rights. This is true whether you are riding a scooter and a driver hurts you, or whether you are a pedestrian, passenger, or other motorist who is injured because of the irresponsible and negligent behavior of a scooter operator.
Diaco Law understands the ins and outs of the evolving laws on scooters in the state of Florida, and we can put our extensive knowledge to work for you. Give our Carrollwood personal injury lawyers a call today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Florida Laws on Scooters and Scooter Safety
Florida statute section 316.003(44) defines a motorized scooter as “any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.”
Many stand-up electric scooters and similar motorized scooters fit within this definition, although some seated scooters and mopeds may be governed by different Florida laws. State laws also require that:
- Scooter operators must be at least 16 years old
- A valid driver’s license may be required to operate a scooter, depending on local laws and the type of vehicle involved
- Scooter operators must obey all traffic laws and road signs and must share the road safely with others
- Motorized scooters generally are prohibited on limited-access highways, and local governments may regulate whether they can be ridden on sidewalks, bike paths, or certain public roadways.
- Florida generally doesn’t require insurance for stand-up motorized scooters, but requirements may differ for mopeds or other motor vehicles.
When a violation of these safety laws occurs, this can be clear evidence of negligence on the part of the scooter operator.
However, drivers are also expected to obey the rules of the road and cannot make unreasonably dangerous decisions behind the wheel that put scooter riders at risk.
How can a Carrollwood Scooter Accident Attorney Help You?
A Carrollwood scooter accident lawyer at Diaco Law can provide invaluable assistance if you or someone you love is injured in an accident involving an electric or motor scooter.
Our legal team has represented both scooter operators and passengers, as well as others injured in a crash with a scooter, including passengers, pedestrians, bicycle riders, motorcycle riders, and those in vehicles.
We understand the laws applied in these situations and will help you to:
- Identify potential defendants liable for your losses
- Help you to understand how Florida’s no-fault rules and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) affect your ability to obtain compensation
- Assist you in gathering evidence from the accident scene so you can prove liability
- Help you to negotiate a settlement out of court or go to trial if necessary when you are entitled to compensation and don’t receive an air settlement offer.
Diaco Law has helped clients recover millions of dollars after scooter incidents. Our deep knowledge of Florida’s evolving laws on these vehicles gives us the ability to develop a sound legal strategy and fight hard for your compensation.
Contact Diaco Law Today
Don’t wait to get help. Diaco Law is here and ready to fight for you, and our firm will be there at every step to navigate the justice system and help you get paid for economic and non-financial damage. To find out more about how we can represent you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Carrollwood scooter accident lawyer.