Moped and Scooter Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured while riding your moped or scooter and it was caused by somebody else’s negligence, whatever the nature of the accident, you may be able to claim compensation.
The personal injury solicitors at JMW have years of experience working with vulnerable road users such as moped riders, so you can rest assured that we will ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and the damage to your moped or scooter.
To speak to a solicitor about making a scooter accident claim, contact us now by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and we will call you back as soon as possible.
What Our Clients Say
How JMW Can Help
In a similar way to motorbikers and cyclists, moped and scooter accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries to riders, even at relatively low speeds, and don’t always involve collisions with other vehicles. For this reason, injuries vary widely, including broken bones, brain damage or spinal injury, and even fatalities.
Compensation can be claimed for any financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of your scooter or moped accident, including time taken off work, damaged kit and accessories and, of course, the cost of repairing or replacing your moped. We will review all of your losses and put together the strongest possible case to ensure you are able to focus on making a recovery.
We can also arrange the most appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation needed for your injury and help you with access at an early stage to begin the recovery process.
The team has handled claims for over 35 years, so we recognise and understand the differences between car and scooter accidents and injuries. This means we can ensure your case is dealt with emphatically, you receive the right treatment, make a good recovery and have a claim that accounts for all the losses you have suffered as a result of your accident.
What to Do Following a Scooter Accident
There are a number of steps you can take to help your claim should you be involved in an accident while on your moped. However, you should only follow these steps if you are well and able.
Once you’re safe and any immediate medical treatment has been administered, you should try to:
- Take down the names, addresses and telephone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Photograph the scene, including what caused the accident and the damage to any vehicles involved.
- Contact the police and report the accident as soon as possible. This should be a priority if the driver flees the scene.
What is the Legal Process for Making a Personal Injury Claim for a Moped Accident?
The legal process for a moped or scooter accident claim can be complex, but with the help of expert road traffic accident solicitors, it doesn't have to be. Our team understands the steps to make a personal injury claim efficiently and effectively.
Here is a general outline of the process of making injury claims for moped accidents:
- Initial consultation: during the initial consultation, you'll discuss the details of your accident, including the date, location and any evidence such as photographs or witness contacts.
- Gathering evidence: we will collect all necessary documentation, including medical reports, police reports and any correspondence related to the accident. This will help us build a strong case for why you deserve compensation.
- Negotiations: your solicitor will negotiate with the party at fault or their insurance company to reach a compensation settlement. In many road traffic accident cases, insurers offer an early settlement to make the process easier for them; however, this amount will not likely be enough to meet your needs. We will advise you on whether to accept settlement offers or to push for higher ones.
- Court proceedings (if necessary): the majority of personal injury claims are resolved in the negotiation stage. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, we may escalate your case to court. Your solicitor will prepare all the necessary legal arguments and evidence. When the time comes, we will represent you, presenting your case to the court and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
- Receiving compensation: once a settlement is agreed upon or awarded by the court, you will receive compensation for your injuries and any other losses you have incurred due to the accident. We will make sure the other party meets their obligations.
What Can I Claim Compensation For?
Compensation is typically divided into two categories:
- General damages: cover non-monetary aspects such as pain, suffering and loss of amenity resulting from the injuries. The amount is determined by the severity and impact of the injuries on your life. For instance, compensation for a life-altering injury like a spinal injury would be higher compared to a less severe injury.
- Special damages: special damages compensate for financial losses incurred due to the accident. This can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of earnings (including future earnings if your capacity to work is affected), and any other expenses directly linked to the accident, like travel costs to medical appointments or costs for home modifications. Make sure to keep receipts and detailed records of all expenses.
A solicitor can assess your situation, ensuring all aspects of your claim are appropriately valued when it comes to negotiating your compensation amount.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive for a Moped or Scooter Accident Claim?
A large portion of the compensation you will be entitled to when you claim for a moped or scooter accident will depend on the injuries you sustained as a result and the circumstances in which your accident took place.
The figures below provide a rough idea of the value of the general damages you could receive for a moped or scooter accident compensation claim, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much compensation you could be entitled to, based on your circumstances, contact JMW today.
| Minor brain or head injury | £1,760 - £10,180 |
| Minor to moderate brain damage | £12,210 - £174,620 |
| Minor to moderate knee injury | £13,000 - £38,000 |
| Loss of one leg below the knee | £83,550 - £109,570 |
| Loss of both legs below the knee | £160,600 - £215,310 |
| Hip and pelvis injury | £3,150 - £104,370 |
| Minor to serious arm injury | £5,280 - £47,720 |
| Loss of one arm below the elbow | £76,650 - £87,410 |
| Shoulder injury | £6,290 - £15,300 |
How Do I Know I Have a Valid Scooter Accident Claim?
Eligibility to claim for a scooter or moped crash requires you to prove the following:
- That your accident happened
- That it was the fault of another party
- That your accident has caused you tangible losses, such as physical pain, mental trauma or financial losses
If you can prove all of these with evidence, you likely have a valid claim.
For example, if another road user's action or inaction caused your accident, or if poor road conditions were a factor, you likely have grounds for a claim. It's vital to discuss your specific circumstances with a solicitor who can evaluate the details of your case and advise on its viability. Even if you are unsure about your chances of making a claim, speak to our team. We can help you to understand angles of your situation that you may not have thought of.
Uninsured and Untraced Drivers
If the person responsible for your scooter accident is found to be uninsured or fled the scene and can’t be traced, you are still able to make a claim through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB).
The MIB is a government organisation set up to ensure victims of road traffic accidents have access to the compensation they deserve.
To claim through the MIB, the criteria you have to meet includes:
- Doing everything in your power to identify the driver responsible for your injuries
- Reporting the accident to the police within five days of the accident
- Making a claim with the MIB within nine months of the accident
We will work with you to ensure your claim with the MIB is successful by ensuring you meet the criteria and liaising with the MIB.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Scooter Accident Claim?
The general rule for personal injury claims in the UK, including moped and scooter accidents, is that you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim. This is known as the 'limitation period'. However, there are some important exceptions to this rule:
- Claims for children: for individuals under 18 at the time of the accident, a claim can be made at any time up until their 18th birthday. From then, the three-year time frame begins, giving them until their 21st birthday to make their claim.
- Mental capacity: if the injured party lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, there may be no time limit until their capacity is regained.
- Court discretion: in exceptional circumstances, courts have discretion to allow claims outside the standard time limits, although this is rare and subject to specific legal criteria.
Seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident. Early consultation with a solicitor can ensure that your claim is processed within the relevant timeframes, and all necessary evidence is collected promptly to strengthen your case.
Why Choose JMW?
JMW has gained recognition from prestigious legal institutions, including The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners guides, highlighting our proven expertise across a range of areas of personal injury law. We secure millions of pounds in compensation annually for clients across the UK.
Our solicitors pride themselves on offering exceptional customer service. We understand the impact personal injuries have on individuals' lives and want to make the process of seeking compensation as stress-free and transparent as possible.
JMW operates on a no win, no fee basis for all personal injury claims, meaning you are at minimal financial risk when you claim compensation with us. You will only need to pay our legal fees if we are successful in claiming the compensation you need.
To learn more about how we've helped people like you to claim compensation, take a look at our case studies.
FAQs About Making a Scooter Accident Claim
- How can I stay safe on a scooter or moped?
Due to the lack of protection scooters offer, you must take every step you can to improve your safety. Considering the following tips can help you to reduce the chance of being in an accident and the severity of any injuries you may suffer:
- Wear appropriate protective gear: always wear a helmet that meets safety standards. A full-face helmet provides the best protection. As well as this, wear protective clothing, including a jacket, trousers, gloves and boots, ideally made from abrasion-resistant materials. Your clothing and helmet should have reflective elements to increase your visibility, especially at night.
- Regular maintenance checks: check the pressure of your tyres and the quality of your treads regularly. Properly inflated tyres with good tread are essential for safe handling. You should also pay attention to the responsiveness of your breaks and the function of your lights (headlights, brake lights and indicators). Regularly service your moped or scooter to keep it in optimal condition.
- Riding in traffic: stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially near intersections, driveways, and when lane filtering. Position yourself on the road where you are most visible to other drivers and have a good view of the road ahead. Always use indicators when turning or changing lanes and ensure you're visible to drivers behind you.
- Road condition awareness: be cautious in wet or icy conditions, as mopeds and scooters have less traction than cars. Watch out for potholes, oil slicks and other hazards that could cause you to lose control.
- Riding skills and training: anticipate potential hazards and have a plan to avoid them. Consider taking advanced riding courses to improve your skills, especially if you're a new rider.
- Passenger safety: if carrying a passenger, ensure they also have appropriate protective gear and understand how to sit and behave on the scooter to maintain balance.
- Alcohol and drug awareness: never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as they impair judgement and reaction times. Doing so is also a serious offence and carries penalties.
- What evidence do I need for my moped accident claim?
The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your claim will be. This includes photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries, details of any vehicles involved, contact information of witnesses, and medical reports detailing your injuries. Additionally, keep records of any expenses incurred due to the accident, such as medical bills or loss of earnings.
Your solicitor will help you to identify and gather evidence that will be useful in your claim.
- Can I claim for an accident caused by road conditions?
Claims can be made against organisations responsible for road maintenance if it's proven that their negligence in maintaining safe road conditions led to your accident. This could be local councils, private companies or other authorities. Documenting the hazardous condition (through photographs, for instance) may be necessary.
- How long does it take to make a road traffic accident claim for moped accident injuries?
The timeframe for making a claim varies based on factors like the severity of injuries, the clarity of facts around liability, and whether the claim is settled out of court. While straightforward cases may be resolved within months, more complex cases, especially those requiring court proceedings, can take longer.
Your solicitor will provide you with general advice during your initial consultation as we learn about the details of your circumstances, and we will keep you informed throughout the process of making a claim.
- Will I need to go to court to make a moped accident claim?
It is unlikely that court proceedings will be necessary for your claim to be successful. This may change if an agreement cannot be reached or liability is disputed. In such cases, JMW provides expert legal representation to ensure your case is presented effectively.
Talk to Us
If you have been injured in a scooter accident, whether as a driver or passenger, and your injuries were caused by somebody else’s negligence, contact JMW today to make a claim for compensation. You can either call us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.
