ArticlesAs scooters and mopeds continue to gain popularity, you need to understand Alabama scooter laws. This popularity has increased scooter-related injuries.
Scooters and mopeds offer users the convenience of mobility within towns and cities.
However, their operation on the same roadways as cars and motorcyclists puts scooter riders at an increased risk of accidents.
What Is Alabama’s Scooter Law?
Alabama scooter laws require riders to satisfy specific legal requirements before operating a scooter on Alabama streets.
Alabama scooter and moped laws require the following of all riders:
- Be age 14 years or older for a moped license;
- Be age 16 years or older for a motorcycle license;
- Possess a class M license;
- Wear a helmet at all times;
- Obtain registration and license;
- Operate the scooter on the right side of roadways; and
- No riding on sidewalks or bike paths.
Despite the existence of these safety requirements, rider inexperience, scooter misuse, and failure to use proper safety equipment contribute to scooter accidents and injuries every year.
How Do Alabama Scooter Laws Determine Fault in an Accident?
In Alabama, to seek recovery there must be no evidence you played an active role in causing the accident.
Alabama scooter laws require the operation of scooters responsibly while abiding by all traffic laws.
Alabama moped and scooter laws are subject to the same rules as other motor vehicles on the roadway.
Causes of Scooter Accidents
The use of scooters on public roadways presents inherent risks.
On roadways, you must operate your scooter responsibly while relying on other drivers to behave similarly.
Unfortunately, many people fail to drive with the appropriate amount of caution.
Additionally, road hazards may exist which contribute to scooter accidents, including:
- Poorly maintained roads with potholes and cracks;
- Lack of safe lanes for scooters;
- Limited visibility;
- Poor maintenance of scooters;
- Distracted riding; and
- Operators under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While they fail to move as quickly as motorcycles or cars, Alabama moped laws prohibit the operation of scooters on sidewalks.
This is because scooters can operate at relatively high rates of speed compared to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Therefore, their use on sidewalks could easily result in pedestrian or cyclist injuries.
Contact an Alabama Scooter Lawyer for Help
Obtaining a fair settlement after a scooter accident in Alabama requires the assistance of a qualified personal injury attorney.
The exceptional legal team at Fob James Law Firm understands Alabama scooter laws. And if you have been injured in a scooter accident, we know how to recover compensation for you.
Scooter accidents can result from the actions of negligent car or motorcycle drivers and are often devastating.
So if you were injured due to the negligence of another person, let the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm get to work for you.
We provide clients with specialized and focused legal representation.
We know how to aggressively pursuing compensation on your behalf. And since we provide free initial consultations, there is no risk in coming to see us.
We invite you to give us a call today or schedule a consultation and let us help you get on the road to recovery!
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.