UT Student Killed in Moped Accident
A University of Texas at Austin student passed away on Monday, April 17 after being involved in an accident on her moped on Manor Road. Around 7:30 p.m., the student is believed to have swerved into traffic after experiencing a mechanical issue on her moped, at which point she collided head-on with a privately owned bus.
The tragic accident is a reminder of the unique dangers of motorcycles and mopeds. If you lost a loved one in a moped or scooter accident, contact an experienced Austin personal injury attorney for help.
What Is a Moped?
Mopeds are motorized scooters. They have small engines and can usually only go as fast as 30 mph. While they can look a great deal like scooters, mopeds must have a license plate. If a moped can move faster than 30 mpg, requires shifting gears, or has a piston displacement of more than 50 ccs, then it is actually considered a motorcycle. Texas provides a certified mopeds list for individuals to be sure of how their vehicle is classified.
Obtaining a Class M Motorcycle
Texas requires moped riders to obtain a Class M license. If the license is for a moped and not a motorcycle, then riders must have their driver’s license, pass a basic driver’s license knowledge test, and pass the motorcycle knowledge test. However, moped riders do not have to take the motorcycle skills course and test.
Safety Tips for Moped Riders
For individuals who want to ride mopeds around town, it is important to look into moped safety. Some safety tips include:
- Wearing a helmet. It may not feel cool to wear a helmet while driving a moped, but it can save you from deadly head injuries.
- Boosting visibility. Ensuring that other motorists see you is the key to avoiding accidents. Add reflective tape or wear reflective gear while on your moped.
- Avoiding vehicle blind spots. Both passenger vehicles and large trucks have significant blind spots. As a moped rider, you should make sure to stay out of these vehicles blind spots, including their back corners and directly behind semi-trucks.
- Using your turn signals. Never get too comfortable or too lazy to use the proper signals when necessary.
- Keeping your moped regularly maintained. It may be a less complicated vehicle than a car or truck, but it still needs regular maintenance. Get your moped checked out every year and whenever you notice changes in its efficiency or capabilities.
- Taking a motorcycle safety course. While Texas does not require you to take a safety course to get a moped license, but it benefits you to do so.
- Having a good insurance policy. In case you are in an accident and get hurt, you should have a good auto insurance policy.
Recovering Compensation after a Moped Accident
If you were injured in a moped accident or you lost a loved one in a crash, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical costs, lost earning capacity, disability, disfigurement, and pain and suffering through an insurance claim or personal injury suit. If you are a surviving family member, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to obtain damages. For more information, contact the passionate New Braunfels personal injury attorneys at the Bettersworth Law Firm.
Source:
http://www.statesman.com/news/breaking-news/wednesday-night-hundreds-gather-tower-mourn-student-killed-crash/3Dcwx80zbzcAi9JXoeJaCM/
