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Florida Scooter and Moped Accident Lawyers
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we have represented victims in over 6,500 accident and injury cases. We understand the unique legal complexities of Florida’s scooter laws. From navigating insurance “No-Fault” exclusions to holding rental companies accountable for mechanical failures, our aggressive litigation team is here to fight for your recovery.
👉 Call (800) 337-7755 today or use our live chat for a free, confidential consultation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.
The Insurance Trap: Does PIP Cover Scooter Accidents?
This is where many victims get caught. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically only applies to “motor vehicles” with four or more wheels. Because scooters, mopeds, and Vespas often fall outside this definition, your own auto insurance may deny your medical claims.
However, if you are struck by a car or truck, you may be entitled to:
- The At-Fault Driver’s PIP: In specific circumstances, you may be able to file a claim against the PIP policy of the vehicle that hit you.
- Bodily Injury (BI) Claims: Pursuing the negligent driver’s liability insurance for your pain, suffering, and medical bills.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If the driver who hit you has no insurance (or flees the scene in a hit-and-run), your own UM policy may provide a vital safety net.
Scooter Accident Hotspots: Key West and Miami
While we handle cases statewide, we see a massive concentration of scooter injuries in high-tourism areas. Key West, in particular, has seen a dangerous surge in crashes, especially between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM when tourist traffic peaks and visibility decreases. Whether your accident occurred near Duval Street, the MacArthur Causeway in Miami Beach, or the busy streets of Fort Lauderdale, we understand the local traffic patterns and law enforcement procedures that could impact your claim.
Common Causes of Scooter and Moped Crashes
Our investigation team can look beyond the police report to determine the true cause of your crash. Common factors in Florida scooter litigation include:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers turning left in front of scooters or pulling out of side streets without seeing the smaller profile of a moped and can cause a car accident.
- Dooring: Occupants of parked cars opening doors directly into the path of a scooter rider (common in Downtown Miami and South Beach).
- Mechanical Failure: Defective brakes or stuck throttles on rental e-scooters (Bird, Lime, etc.), which could lead to a product liability lawsuit.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, unsecured construction plates, or loose gravel that would not bother a car but are deadly to a two-wheeled vehicle.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?
When you are injured, you may need an attorney who is not afraid to take on massive insurance carriers like GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive. Choosing us means you can benefit from:
- AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell: The highest level of professional excellence and ethics.
- 10.0 Superb AVVO Rating: Reflecting our commitment to client satisfaction and results.
- Track Record: Over 6,500 cases handled and millions recovered for victims of negligence. Each case is different so give us a call to see if we can help with your scooter accident claim.
- Nationwide Reach: We represent victims throughout the entire state of Florida, New York, New Jersey and Washington D.C., and are available for co-counsel nationwide.
Available 24/7: Tragedies don’t wait for business hours. Call us any time, including weekends and holidays, at (800) 337-7755.
Florida Scooter Accident FAQs
Do I need a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter in Florida?
No. Under Florida Statute § 316.2128, you do not need a driver’s license to operate a motorized scooter or micromobility device. However, you must be at least 16 years old to ride on public roads, and local ordinances (like those in Miami or Key West) may have additional age or ID requirements.
Can I sue a rental company like Bird or Lime if the scooter malfunctioned?
Yes. If your crash was caused by a mechanical failure such as brakes that failed to engage or a “sticky” throttle, you may have a product liability claim against the rental company. We can investigate maintenance records and previous complaints to hold these multi-billion dollar companies accountable.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my scooter accident?
In Florida, riders over 16 are generally not required by state law to wear a helmet on scooters. While the defense may try to argue “comparative negligence” to reduce your payout, not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from filing a lawsuit for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a scooter accident claim in Florida?
Due to recent changes in Florida law, you generally have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because evidence like scooter rental data and traffic camera footage can be deleted quickly, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately.
What damages can I recover after a moped or scooter crash?
You can pursue compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, permanent scarring, and significant pain and suffering. In tragic cases of fatal crashes, we also file wrongful death claims on behalf of the survivors.
