A collision between a car and a moped on Rt. 460 resulted in the moped rider’s death on Friday, July 14th. A spokesperson for the Virginia State Police said the accident took place at about 8:00 p.m. close to the Sussex and Prince George’s county lines.
Who can I turn to after a fatal or injury-causing moped accident?
According to investigators, Chesapeake resident Onyx Preston Boyd, 25, was heading eastbound along Rt 460 on a 2022 Baodia moped when he was struck in the back by a 22-year-old male driving a Mazda sedan. The impact forced the moped into a roadside ditch, ejecting Boyd as it did so.
He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he passed away due to the severity of his injuries.
Police said they have ruled out alcohol and speed as factors in the accident.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a moped accident caused by a careless driver, contact the Norfolk-area moped accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. You can schedule a free case review and learn what legal actions we suggest for your circumstances.
Aren’t Mopeds Supposed to Be Safe?
Occasionally referred to as electric scooters, mopeds are increasing in popularity nationwide. They are quick, reasonably inexpensive, and more environmentally agreeable than a car, truck, or SUV. Unfortunately, many people think because mopeds have a lower top speed, it means they are not dangerous to ride. The reality is that moped accidents take place every day in Virginia and across the country and they often result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
The drivers of larger vehicles who should be sharing the road instead choose to act negligently, leading to accidents that have serious repercussions for the moped rider.
Some recent moped accident statistics show that:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention places mopeds into the “motorbike” category of vehicles which is responsible for roughly 20% of all traumatic brain injury cases.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people who ride scooters or mopeds are 35 times more likely to be killed during an accident than the occupants of a passenger vehicle.
- Moped and scooter accidents were responsible for 4,295 fatalities and 92,000 injuries nationwide in 2014.
What is Considered a Moped in Virginia?
Not all electric scooters qualify as mopeds and are required to follow moped laws. According to Virginia law, a moped must:
- Travelon no more than three wheels
- Run on a gas or electric engine that is no larger than 46 cubic centimeters
- No be able to go faster than 35 miles per hour
Are There Special Laws That Moped Riders Have to Follow?
Even though mopeds are not regulated as extensively as other vehicles in Virginia, moped operators are still expected to abide by Virginia’s moped laws, including:
- Moped operators must be at least 16 years old.
- Mopeds may not be operated on freeways or interstate highways.
- Mopeds have to be registered before they can be legally ridden.
- Moped operators are required to wear eye protection gear and a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation.
- Moped operators must be in possession of a valid state-issued ID while riding.
- Drivers whose licenses have been revoked for DUI cannot legally operate a moped.
Unlike motorcyclists, moped operators do not have to get a special driver’s license. They actually do not need a driver’s license at all. Any government-issued form of valid ID will do, such as a state ID card or a passport, both of which can be obtained without taking a driving test.
Although passenger vehicle drivers and their insurers will almost certainly attempt to use this against a moped rider after an accident, moped riders also have rights. In fact, in most moped vs passenger vehicle accidents, the driver of the larger vehicle is at fault.
Has a Moped Accident Impacted Your Life?
If you or someone you love was injured or worse in a Virginia moped accident, you are probably wondering who can help. Moped accidents are often devastating, and the furthest thing from your mind while you are recovering from your injuries or mourning a family member, is haggling with an insurance carrier. Turn to the Virginia moped accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for help. Schedule a free consultation with our Virginia Beach moped accident attorneys by calling us at (833) 997-1774 or contact us through our website.