Moped Accident Statistics in Hawaii
Moped and scooter use has surged in Hawaii in recent years. Sadly, the spike has also been accompanied by a rise in moped accidents in The Aloha State ― many with heartbreaking consequences.
Statistics reported in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser indicate out of the 66 traffic-related fatalities in Hawaii during the first 10 months of 2021, 26 involved motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters.
If you or a loved one sustained moped injuries after a crash caused by someone’s carelessness, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses under Hawaii personal injury law. The moped accident attorneys at Recovery Law Center have the knowledge and skills can pursue justice and financial relief for you.
Reach out today for a free case review.
How Dangerous Is Riding a Moped?
Many people assume that riding a moped is less dangerous than riding a motorcycle due to a moped’s smaller size and slower speed. However, riding a moped can be deadly for those very reasons.
Mopeds are lightweight and slim, making them difficult to spot in traffic. It’s already difficult for drivers to spot motorcycles, so an even smaller vehicle presents a greater challenge.
Mopeds also lack the safety advantages that come with a passenger vehicle. Motorists can rely on airbags, seat belts, and the metal frame of their car to offer them some protection from the force of a collision. Moped riders are exposed to direct impact when a collision occurs, increasing the chance of serious injuries.
Moped Accident Statistics in Hawaii
Statistical analysis of moped accidents often includes other two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles and scooters. This makes it difficult to pinpoint precisely how common moped accidents are compared to their counterparts.
Regardless, the statistics for Hawaii are sobering. On Oahu, the number of motorcycle, moped, and scooter deaths jumped 250 percent in a single year. The spike was so concerning that police issued warnings urging riders to wear helmets, avoid speeding, and stay sober while riding.
In addition, a study in the journal Trauma found that moped sales have increased by 60 percent in recent years. And an Australian study concluded that as the use of mopeds and scooters has increased, so have moped crashes. That trend will likely continue as moped use grows, so riders must take every precaution to protect themselves on Hawaii roads.
Common Injuries Caused by a Moped Accident
When a moped accident occurs, the rider is usually directly impacted by the collision. Motorists enjoy numerous safety features ―including airbags, seat belts, and the metal frame of the vehicle’s cab ― that protect them from the force of a collision. Moped riders only have the clothes they are wearing and their helmet, if they have one.
Because moped riders bear the brunt of a collision, they are most likely to sustain severe injuries, such as
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can range from minor concussions to life-threatening hematomas. Many traumatic brain injuries require emergency care and long-term rehabilitation. TBIs can cause memory, reasoning, logic, emotion, and personality issues.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Back strains, pinched nerves, slipped discs, and fractured vertebrae are common injuries sustained in moped accidents.
- Paralysis: If the moped rider’s spinal cord is injured or severed, paralysis may occur. Depending on the location of the injury, a spinal cord injury could render the victim partially or fully paralyzed, sometimes permanently.
- Internal injuries: The violent impact of a moped accident can cause organ damage, such as ruptured kidneys, livers, spleens, and punctured lungs. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening. Internal injuries don’t always manifest symptoms immediately after a crash, so seek medical attention immediately after a collision.
- Broken bones: Moped riders commonly sustain bone fractures in the arms, shoulders, elbows, legs, and knees. These injuries may require surgery and can take months to recover fully.
- Road rash: Road rash is a common moped accident injury, caused when riders slide across the pavement and suffer painful skin abrasions.
- Burns and disfigurement: A moped rider exposed to fuel, fire, or toxic chemicals could suffer severe burns in a wreck, resulting in permanent injury and significant disfigurement.
If you were seriously injured in a moped accident, the legal team at Recovery Law Center will work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other costs as you recover.
