A moped rider has been critically injured in a car accident in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. According to a News12 report, the collision occurred shortly after midnight on Sept. 4 at the intersection of Lorimer Street and Union Avenue. Surveillance video that captured the incident shows the moped and an SUV colliding as they both tried to navigate the four-way intersection, the report says.
According to police, the moped driver is in critical condition at a local hospital with head trauma. The 17-year-old driver of the SUV remained at the scene. It is not clear if the driver will face charges in connection with this incident. Investigators are still looking into right-of-way issues. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured crash victim and we wish the victim the very best for a speedy and full recovery.
Mopeds and Right-of-Way Laws
Right-of-way rules for mopeds are similar to those for bicycles and motorcycles. These rules are made with specific considerations to the size and speed of such vehicles. In New York, mopeds are treated as vehicles and are subject to the same traffic laws as cars, meaning they must yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, follow traffic signals, and obey speed limits.
Drivers should treat mopeds sharing the roadway as they would larger motorcycles or bicycles. Due to their smaller size, mopeds can be harder to see, and drivers should check blind spots and be cautious when turning or changing lanes. Mopeds, despite being smaller, have an equal right to the road.
The Role of Driver Negligence (carelessness)
Negligence (carelessness) on the part of drivers is a leading cause of moped accidents. One common form of negligence (carelessness) is failing to notice mopeds, especially when changing lanes or making turns. Drivers often misjudge the speed or distance of mopeds, cutting them off or merging into their path. Distracted driving, such as using a phone or adjusting the radio, greatly increases the risk of colliding with a moped in traffic.
Another major issue is failing to yield the right of way at intersections. Additionally, aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or speeding create hazardous situations for moped riders, who are more vulnerable due to the lack of safety features that are more commonly found in cars. These acts of driver negligence (carelessness) can result in severe injuries for moped riders, as they have little to no protection in collisions compared to other motor vehicles. Moped riders are particularly susceptible to head injuries, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, severe lacerations and internal organ damage.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Injured victims of scooter or moped accidents can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones in such accidents can seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a moped accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 52 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole.
We also obtained $295,000 out of a $300,000 insurance policy in compensation for the victim of a bicycle dooring accident (where a car door opens into the path of a bicyclist). Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://brooklyn.news12.com/nypd-moped-rider-in-critical-condition-after-collision-with-suv-in-williamsburg