It’s hard having a car in New York City. Parking is always in short supply and long-term parking can be expensive. That’s why so many New Yorkers rely on public transportation, taxis, and smaller vehicles. To this end, mopeds can be a convenient solution for many New Yorkers who want to be self-sufficient with their transportation. They do, however, require some special consideration before use.
If you or a loved one ever has issues with moped insurance or accident claims, please contact the experienced New York auto accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers by dialing 516-342-2200 or scheduling your free consultation with our award-winning team online today.
If, however, you would prefer to first learn more on the subject, please continue reading.
Do You Need Insurance For A Moped In New York?
If you’re planning to ride a moped in New York City, one of your first considerations should be insurance. And to this, the short answer is yes, in most cases, insurance is required to publicly operate a moped in New York State.
That’s because New York State mandates that all drivers of motorized vehicles, including mopeds, carry insurance. This is required by state law to ensure that riders have financial protection in case of accidents.
Mopeds in New York City are classified as “motorized bicycles” and are subject to specific regulations. The state law requires that you carry liability insurance, which helps cover damages and injuries that you may cause to others. This insurance needs to be from a company authorized to operate in New York and must meet the state’s minimum coverage limits.
Class A Mopeds
Class A mopeds can reach speeds in excess of (30) mph. You need a motorcycle license, must register your vehicle with the DMV, and carry insurance. Wearing a helmet is required.
Class B Mopeds
Class B mopeds can reach speeds of (30) mph. You can ride one with either a car or motorcycle license. Registration and insurance are required. You must ride in the right-hand lane or on the shoulder and wear a helmet.
Class C Mopeds
Class C mopeds go up to (20) mph, slower than most bicycles. You can use a car or motorcycle license to ride them, and they must be registered. Here, insurance is optional but available.
How Common Are Moped Accidents In New York?
Moped accidents are relatively common in New York City, given the high volume of traffic and population density. The city’s chaotic streets, combined with the speed and maneuverability of mopeds, can increase the risk of collisions.
Data from the New York City Department of Transportation indicates that moped accidents have been on the rise, contributing to overall traffic incidents. This is likely because an increasing amount of New Yorkers are investing in mopeds, electric bicycles, and other city-friendly alternative forms of transportation.
Both experienced moped riders and first-time moped owners may have trouble getting around New York City on their mopeds. Traffic congestion, aggressive driving behaviors, and the sheer number of vehicles on the road can be dangerous.
To learn more now at no charge, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation and/or case evaluation online today.
What Types Of Injuries Do Moped Accidents Cause?
Moped accidents can cause any number of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. This is because, despite their small size, mopeds often travel as fast as cars. In this way, the injuries they cause can be similar to car crash injuries and may even be worse due to the lack of safety features a moped provides.
Common moped injuries include but aren’t limited to:
- Road Rash: Road rash injuries are large abrasions caused by sliding on the pavement, often seen in low-speed crashes.
- Fractures And Broken Bones: Impacts with other vehicles or the ground can cause broken bones.
- Head Injuries: Despite wearing helmets, riders can suffer concussions or more severe head trauma like traumatic brain injury (TBI). You should always wear a helmet to minimize your risk of developing a serious injury. It may be worth investing in a more expensive, safer motorcycle-style helmet if you intend to ride your moped near its top speed.
- Spinal Injuries: Spinal injuries are often serious and can result in long-term disability or even paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries like damage to organs or internal bleeding can occur from severe impact, being crushed, or being pinned.
These injuries can be exacerbated by the lack of protection compared to larger vehicles. Helmets and protective gear are crucial, but they cannot prevent all injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a moped accident, please don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead, contact the experienced New York City personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers by dialing 516-342-2200 or scheduling with us online today.
What To Do If You’re Involved In A Moped Accident In New York
If you find yourself in a moped accident in New York City, it’s important to prioritize your health and safety. To this end, you should manage your well-being first, and then look into your options for seeking accident-related financial compensation.
Ensure Your Immediate Safety
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. If you’re seriously hurt, stay put and call for medical help immediately.
- Take photos of the scene if you’re able to do so. If you can’t call for emergency help yourself, there are plenty of passers-by in the city — ask someone to call 911 for you.
Call A Skilled Attorney ASAP
- After an accident, it helps to contact a seasoned attorney to determine your best course of action. If you have questions or problems with moped insurance or accident claims, you can speak with a member of the award-winning New York personal injury firm of Schwartzapfel Lawyers by calling us at 516-342-2200 today.
- That said, you shouldn’t wait. Your window to file a claim and recover financially may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, you must act now. Your financial future is worth it.
Contact NYPD
- Report the accident to the police. They can document the scene and take photos, which can be important for insurance and legal purposes. This is especially important if the other person involved in the accident may have broken the law.
For instance, if the other party engaged in criminal activity like drunk driving, a hit-and-run, or driving without a license, the police can handle the situation.
Exchange Information
- Get contact and insurance details from the other party involved. Provide your information as well. If the other person caused serious damage to your moped or injured you and refuses to comply with an exchange of information, let the police handle it.
Don’t be aggressive or combative, and avoid escalating the situation if the other person is uncooperative.
Go To The Hospital
- Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries aren’t apparent right away. Brain injuries and internal bleeding can easily go undetected by the people who experience them, and a visit to the hospital can save your life.
Don’t worry about your medical insurance status or hospital bills. Put your health first and let Schwartzapfel Lawyers fight for all the money and benefits you’re owed.
Notify Your Insurance Company
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Provide all necessary documentation, like the police report and your medical bills.
- Stay in contact with your insurer and comply with all information requests.
What Happens If I Get In A Moped Accident Without Insurance?
It’s illegal to drive a Class A or a Class B moped without insurance in New York. If you do so, you’re committing a crime. Class C moped owners aren’t required to hold insurance and may be able to file a claim against the other party’s insurance company.
If you were involved in an accident while riding a legally uninsured moped, you’re going to want the assistance of an experienced attorney to recover for your damaged property and/or medical bills.
So, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced New York moped accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers at either 516-342-2200 or online today. No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you!
Do You Need Legal Assistance After A Moped Accident In New York?
Moped crashes can be just as serious as car crashes. In some cases, they may be worse.
Moped drivers aren’t protected by the same safety features as drivers of modern sedans. Serious property damage and serious personal injury resulting from a moped crash can have devastating personal and financial consequences.
The seasoned New York auto accident attorneys at SchwartzapfelLawyers have more than (150) years of combined experience helping accident victims recover the damages they’re owed after a crash.
To set up a free consultation for your moped crash case, you can schedule with us online or by dialing 516-342-2200 today. But remember, the clock is ticking. To recover the full compensation you deserve, you must act today to protect your tomorrows.
Call now!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Register a Moped | New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
