Calling All Scooter Owners in Tennessee: What You Need To Know Before You Hit the Road
Just recently, a Hendersonville, Tennessee man was tragically killed when his scooter collided with a vehicle that turned in front of him. Terrible accidents like this remind us that as the scooter and moped populations rise in Middle-Tennessee, we must be more alert when driving. We must educate ourselves about the law’s requirements for these methods of transportation. Each of us probably all know someone who owns a moped or scooter. But we all may not currently be following Tennessee State guidelines put in place to protect ourselves and other drivers on the road.
Registering and insuring your moped or scooter
According to the Tennessee DMV website, in order to properly register a Motor-driven cycle (Scooter) or a Moped in this state you only need to have a valid Tennessee Driver’s license. Though the freedom of this generation’s 100-mile-to-the-gallon fun buggies may be just what we all need in order to relieve stress, save money, and shoot around town - we are not free from having to purchase insurance for these vehicles. Many folks are unaware that even though you do not have to show proof of insurance at the registration of a scooter or moped, you will be expected to present valid insurance at the time of an accident or if pulled over by an officer.
Additionally, just as with any other vehicle on the road, minimum coverage doesn’t always mean you are protected if someone hits you. Sadly, many scooter and moped injuries are just as catastrophic as motorcycle accidents and medical bills add up quickly. Purchasing Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage will protect you if the person that hits you is uninsured or does not have enough coverage to pay for your accident- related expenses.
Safety first: Wear a helmet
Lastly, no matter how much coverage you purchase or how safe you believe the roadway to be, always wear a helmet and eye protection and make your ride along buddy gear-up as well.
If you or anyone you know is injured on the roadway because of someone else’s negligence while driving a scooter, moped or otherwise, choosing the right attorney to help you seek damages and go to battle with insurance for you can make all the difference. Call today for a free consultation with any of our well-qualified attorneys, (615) 425-2500.
Nashville personal injury attorney Rocky McElhaney is a well-known and respected lawyer as well as published author, helping Tennesseans through difficult times since the turn of the century. Rocky builds friendships with his clients, not just professional relationships. Rocky McElhaney is a Super Lawyer, AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell, has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association and has been awarded Best Lawyer in Nashville by the Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll
The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm represents people who have been injured by car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, negligent premises owners, defective products and many other forms of negligence throughout the state of Tennessee. The firm also represents clients in the areas of workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability claims.