Moped Accident Attorney in North Myrtle Beach

Mopeds are a popular way to get around tourist towns like North Myrtle Beach. Unfortunately, moped users and the drivers they encounter are not always as careful as they should be, which can lead to accidents – accidents that frequently cause severe and costly injuries for the moped rider.

If you were hurt in a moped accident someone else caused, the Jebaily Law Firm wants to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys have more than 50 years of experience and a proven record of success. We don’t charge any fees unless we win you compensation. We are ready to get started on your case right away.

Contact us today for a free case review with a North Myrtle Beach moped accident lawyer.

What Is a Moped Accident?

A moped accident is a traffic collision involving a small motorcycle that also has bicycle pedals. Like other two-wheeled vehicles, mopeds offer little protection to riders and passengers, who absorb more of the force of a crash and often suffer severe injuries as a consequence.

While South Carolina does not specifically track the number of moped-specific accidents, the Department of Public Safety recently reported that 522 vehicles in the “other motorbike” category were involved in accidents in one recent year.

Moped Licensing Requirements in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, anyone aged 15 or older may apply for a moped operator’s license, also known as a Class G license. People aged 15 may operate a moped alone only during daylight hours. They must have a licensed operator age 21 or older with them at night. The other operator must have at least one year of experience and either be a passenger on the moped or follow closely enough to watch the moped operator. Licensees age 16 and older can ride a moped at any time.

Aside from meeting the age requirements, people applying for a moped license in South Carolina must:

• Bring an adult to fill out a consent form if they are age 18 or younger
• Complete the application form
• Provide their Social Security number
• Provide an original birth certificate
• Provide two forms of ID showing they live in South Carolina
• Pass a vision and knowledge test
• Pay a $25 license fee

Anyone operating a moped in South Carolina must also register their vehicle. You can find more information on moped registration requirements from the DMV.

Common Causes of Moped Accidents in North Myrtle Beach

Some common causes of North Myrtle Beach moped accidents include:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who are talking on the phone, texting, snacking, or otherwise distracted might not see a moped at an intersection or when one is crossing the street. That can lead to an accident. Likewise, moped operators can crash into cars if they do not pay attention.
• Impaired driving – A driver impaired by alcohol or drugs might not see a moped next to them or at an intersection, leading to a crash. Impaired drivers are also more likely to speed, run a red light, or do other dangerous things that can cause an accident. Moped operators should, of course, also avoid drinking or using drugs.
• Drowsy driving – Mopeds are smaller than cars and harder to see, especially at night or early morning. A drowsy driver might not notice a nearby moped, or they might fall asleep behind the wheel and hit a moped.
• Speeding and aggressive driving – When drivers speed, it takes longer to slow down safely and stop. If a speeding driver does not notice a nearby moped in time, they could cause an accident. Speeding also tends to cause more severe injuries in accidents. Similarly, aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, taking corners too quickly, changing lanes without signaling, or running a red light can cause a moped accident.
• Bad weather – Rain and other weather hazards can lead to an accident if drivers do not take poor conditions into account. Drivers should give themselves more room to stop and drive slower in bad weather to avoid crashes.
• Drivers not checking their blind spots – Mopeds are small and difficult to see in certain areas around a car. If drivers do not check their blind spots carefully before changing lanes, they could easily hit a nearby moped.
• Hit-and-run accidents – It is unfortunately common for drivers who hit a moped to flee the scene out of panic or fear of legal repercussions. It can be challenging for injured moped riders to recover compensation after a hit-and-run. However, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other forms of insurance could be available.

Common Injuries from Moped Accidents

Moped accidents in North Myrtle Beach frequently lead to the following injuries: