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Charleston’s historic streets, beach roads, and warm weather make mopeds and scooters a popular way to get around the city. But with distracted drivers, busy traffic, and tight downtown lanes, a fun ride can turn dangerous in seconds.
If you’ve been injured in a moped or scooter accident, the Charleston moped accident lawyers at Ted Law Firm can help. We fight for injured riders across the Lowcountry, holding negligent drivers, employers, and insurance companies accountable so you can focus on recovery.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Charleston’s moped community ranges from downtown commuters to delivery drivers and beachgoers. Unfortunately, the city’s most-traveled routes are also the most dangerous.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), Charleston County reports dozens of serious moped crashes each year, often involving distracted or speeding drivers.
We’ve helped victims injured on:
- Folly Road heading to Folly Beach.
- King Street and Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston.
- Savannah Highway (US-17) and Rivers Avenue in North Charleston.
- James Island Connector and Highway 61.
- I-26 on-ramps where cars merge aggressively.
If a careless driver caused your moped accident, we’ll investigate, prove liability, and demand full compensation.
Understanding South Carolina Moped Laws
South Carolina passed the Moped Reform Law (Act 89, 2018) to improve rider safety and clarify insurance coverage. Under S.C. Code § 56-5-3710 et seq., moped operators must:
- Be at least 15 years old and have a Class M license.
- Register the moped with the DMV and display a plate.
- Carry insurance coverage meeting minimum liability standards.
- Avoid roads with speed limits above 55 mph.
These laws affect who’s responsible in a crash and how compensation is recovered. Our attorneys understand the nuances of South Carolina’s moped statutes — and how to use them to protect your rights.
Understanding the Seriousness of Moped Accidents
Compared to motor vehicle crashes, moped collisions often result in more serious injuries because mopeds offer little protection to riders. Moped accidents are frequently caused by distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, or blind spot errors by vehicle drivers. In many cases, road rash, traumatic brain injury, and internal bleeding are common consequences. If you’ve suffered such personal injuries, you may be entitled to fair compensation.
Common Causes of Moped Accidents
- Distracted driving
- Negligent drivers
- Dangerous road conditions
- Failure to observe traffic laws
- Blind spot violations
- Improper merging or unsafe lane changes
Our law firm has represented many motorcycle accident victims and moped accident lawyers who understand how Charleston’s roads can pose risks to two-wheeled riders.
Common Injuries in Moped Accidents
Like motorcycle accidents, moped crashes often result in:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash
- Broken bones and nerve damage
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
These catastrophic injuries can require extensive medical care, including physical therapy, prescription medications, and long-term treatment, all contributing to mounting medical bills and medical expenses.
Who Pays After a Moped Accident?
In South Carolina, moped accidents often involve both driver and insurance issues. Compensation may come from:
- At-fault driver’s auto insurance – primary source of recovery.
- Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – required by SC law.
- Employer’s insurance – if you were injured while working.
- Government or contractors – for unsafe road conditions.
Who Can Be Liable in a Charleston Moped Crash?
We hold every negligent party accountable, including:
- Reckless car or truck drivers who caused the crash.
- Commercial companies or rideshare drivers operating negligently.
- Cities or counties responsible for dangerous road design.
- Manufacturers of defective mopeds or parts.
- Bars and restaurants under Dram Shop law if alcohol was involved.
We don’t stop until every responsible party is on the record.
Understanding Fault in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% rule).
- You can recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault.
- Your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Financial and Non-Economic Damages
At Ted Law Firm, we help clients pursue compensation for both economic damages (like property damage and financial losses) and non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment, emotional trauma, and chronic pain.
We help recover costs for:
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment
- Physical pain
- Loss of companionship
- Financial compensation
- Accident scene reconstruction costs
- Punitive damages
Holding the Fault Party Accountable
Many victims wonder who can be held liable. Our legal team investigates the accident scene, reviews police reports, gathers medical records, and works with accident reconstruction workers to identify the fault party.
Even if another driver claims you’re at fault, South Carolina’s comparative fault law may still allow you to recover damages.
Legal Steps After a Moped Crash
If you’ve been injured:
- Seek immediate medical care
- Report the crash and request police reports
- Preserve evidence like traffic camera footage and medical records
- Avoid talking to insurance companies without representation
- Contact a moped accident lawyer
Our Charleston accident lawyer team offers a free, no-obligation consultation and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. Their insurance adjusters often dispute claims or offer quick settlements that fail to reflect the true costs of:
- Severe injuries
- Long-term financial recovery
- Emotional trauma or mental anguish
Our legal team negotiates firmly to pursue maximum compensation and helps you file a strong personal injury claim or even a wrongful death action if a loved one was lost.
Motorcycle Accidents vs. Moped Crashes
Although different, motorcycle accidents and moped crashes share many characteristics. Riders are vulnerable, and injuries often involve helmet laws, motorcycle helmet effectiveness
, and road rash. Our Charleston moped accident lawyers also handle related cases like:
- Motorcycle accident claims
- Motorcycle accident injuries
- Motorcycle accident lawsuits
- Motorcycle accident victims
Even motorcycle accident attorneys recognize how dangerous Charleston roads are for two-wheeled riders.
Legal Options for Moped Accident Victims
You may have multiple legal options, including filing a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation may cover:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Financial losses
- Loss of enjoyment
- Non-economic damages
You may also qualify for punitive damages if the driver acted with gross negligence, such as in cases of drunk driving or reckless driver behavior.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Evidence from moped crashes disappears quickly — skid marks fade, witnesses move, and cameras overwrite footage. Acting fast allows us to:
- Secure accident reports and witness statements.
- Inspect the moped and vehicle damage.
- Preserve surveillance or dash-cam footage.
- File insurance claims and lawsuits within legal deadlines.
Under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need insurance to ride a moped in South Carolina?
Yes. Since 2018, all mopeds must be insured and registered under S.C. Act 89.
2. What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
You can recover through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy or pursue other liable parties.
3. Can I sue if I was partly at fault?
Yes. You can still recover if you were less than 51% responsible.
4. What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
South Carolina law doesn’t require helmets for riders over 21, and lack of one doesn’t bar recovery.
5. What should I do if I was hit while working (delivery, courier)?
You may qualify for workers’ compensation plus a personal-injury claim against the driver.
6. How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident.7. How much does it cost to hire Ted Law Firm?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis you only pay if we win.
How Ted Law Firm Can Help
With decades of combined experience, our Charleston moped accident lawyers know how to build strong claims, gather crucial evidence, and present persuasive arguments. Whether your injuries involve common injuries, injuries from motorcycle accidents, or unique cases involving motor vehicle accidents, we’re ready to help.
We’ve recovered millions for motorcycle accident victims and moped riders, helping them receive fair compensation for accident injury, physical pain, and other damages. If you’re looking for a committed personal injury lawyer who knows how to hold fault drivers accountable, Ted Law Firm is here.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
Don’t wait to get the legal support you deserve. At Ted Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming a moped accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation to help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
When you contact our office, you’ll speak directly with a dedicated Charleston moped accident lawyer who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and assess the potential of your claim. We take the time to explain your rights, legal options, and what to expect moving forward, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
At Ted Law Firm, we are proud to serve clients throughout South Carolina and Georgia, including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. Wherever you are in these states, we’re here to offer our expert help. There’s no risk just reliable support from a team you can count on. With Ted Law Firm, you’re in safe hands.
