Riding a moped is a popular pastime in Hawaii. Many people choose mopeds because they are convenient: Mopeds are easier to navigate in crowded areas around Oahu. Operators don’t need special licenses to drive. And because drivers of privately-owned mopeds do not need liability insurance, they are an attractive option for people who are denied coverage or can’t afford it.
However, mopeds also come with built-in dangers. Like motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles, riders are exposed directly to the road, cars, or other obstacles in a crash. The chance of severe injuries is high ― and so are any accident-related medical bills.
If you suffered injuries in a moped accident in Waipahu, you could have a valid claim for compensation against the responsible party. The legal team at Recovery Law Center can investigate and prepare a claim demanding maximum compensation for you.
Acting quickly is important. Hawaii law requires victims to file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of an accident. Missing the deadline could prevent you from the money you rightfully deserve.
With your case in our hands, our attorneys can start pursuing justice today. Call or contact us for a free consultation with a Waipahu moped accident lawyer.
What Can Cause a Moped Accident?
Waipahu moped accidents happen far too frequently. One report found that the number of Hawaii moped, motorcycle and scooter accidents spiked by 250 percent in a single recent year. Many of these collisions happen for the same reasons as other motor vehicle crashes, such as:
- Speeding: Driving too fast is a longstanding problem in The Aloha State. When a vehicle or other object hits a moped driver at high speed, the risk for life-threatening injuries is high.
- Driving under the influence (DUI/OVUII): One recent study from a car insurance company found the state ranked No. 1 for drunk driving. The islands are densely populated, especially in Waipahu and Honolulu. There’s no room for error when mopeds and sober motorists ride close together, let alone drunk ones.
- Distracted driving: Moped drivers should ride single file and in bicycle lanes whenever possible. While riding in a bike lane provides a measure of safety, it doesn’t shield riders from distracted drivers who swerve out of their lanes while texting or talking on the phone.
- Lack of visibility: Mopeds are small and narrow, making them less visible to other motorists. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes can strike moped riders who are riding lawfully beside them.
- Poor road conditions: State and local governments must maintain roads free of potholes and debris that can compromise drivers’ safety. This is especially important for moped operators, whose vehicles will have difficulty handling safely around or through hazardous areas.
What Are the Most Common Moped Accident Injuries in Waipahu?
Little data exists focusing specifically on moped accident injuries. However, an article recently published in the Hawaii Journal of Health and Social Welfare sheds light on the most common moped accident injuries compared to motorcycle ones.
Researchers studied the different types of motorcycle and moped crash injuries reported at The Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu over a three-year period. Specifically, the study focused on broken bones but also reported on other common injuries among both types of riders.
Broken Bones
Over three years, 197 out of 357 moped operators suffered broken bones in the upper and lower extremities. The most common fractures among moped riders included:
- Collarbone
- Shoulder blades
- Hands
- Forearm (radius and ulna)
- Upper arm (humerus)
- Lower legs (tibia and fibula)
- Upper thigh (femur)
- Feet
- Kneecap
- Pelvis
Spinal Injuries
Spinal fractures were reported in approximately 18 percent of moped riders in the study. The most frequent injuries were evenly split among the spine’s cervical (neck) and thoracic (middle) regions. Lower spinal fractures were less common, representing five percent of injuries.
The spinal cord ― the nerve network protected by the vertebrae―is particularly vulnerable in moped accidents. A spinal cord injury (SCI) can also be catastrophic and life-threatening for a moped rider, leading to paralysis like paraplegia and quadriplegia.
Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIS)
Researchers found that moped riders had a significantly higher incidence of head injuries and facial fractures than motorcyclists. That was attributed to a dramatic lack of helmet use among moped drivers. While nearly half of all motorcyclists in the study were helmeted, just nine percent of moped operators were.
Road Rash
After a moped accident, skidding along the road can cause deep cuts and abrasions if riders are thrown from the vehicle onto the pavement.
Neck Injuries
The force of impact in a moped crash may result in whiplash, a soft-tissue injury due to the rapid snap of the neck back and forth in a collision. Though many people recover fully from whiplash, the injury may lead to permanent nerve damage and a limited range of motion.
Can I Recover Any Damages?
If you’re a victim of a moped accident, you may be eligible to recover damages, depending on the circumstances. Serious injuries from these accidents are common and can leave you dealing with hospital bills, loss of income, and emotional distress. Common injuries like road rash, broken bones, or even head trauma can have lasting effects.
First, it’s important to determine who is at fault. Honolulu Police typically investigate the incident, especially if it involves other vehicles or results in traffic deaths. If another driver was speeding, violating traffic laws, or failing to follow safety measures like yielding to bike lanes, they could be held responsible for their injuries. Even if you were operating the moped, other factors like poor road conditions or the actions of other drivers might play a role.
In some cases, damages could also be sought if the accident was caused by a defective moped or poorly marked bike lanes. If the incident occurred due to such reasons, you may be able to pursue legal action against the responsible party.
Seeking legal advice early on is important. A free consultation with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action. Compensation can cover damages resulting from a moped accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Other losses
If you’ve been hurt in a critical accident, don’t hesitate to explore your options. It could make a huge difference in your recovery and long-term well-being.
Legal Guidance After a Moped Accident
Moped accidents in Waipahu, Hawaii, often result in various injuries, some of which can be severe. These crashes can happen unexpectedly, leaving riders with injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions like broken bones or head trauma. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries, but not all riders follow this important safety measure.
At the scene of an accident, emergency responders quickly assess the injured and provide immediate care. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office can also evaluate injuries if the accident involves serious harm or a fatal outcome. In many cases, the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming, especially when trying to recover physically and mentally.
For those involved in moped accidents, seeking help from a trusted legal team can ease the burden. The Recovery Law Center in Honolulu assists injured riders in understanding their rights and securing fair compensation. If the crash occurred due to another’s negligence, we will assist you with the legal process while you focus on healing. Schedule a consultation with us today.
