Vespa Rider Catapults Off Freeway
Posted on August 30, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
While riding his Vespa on the 101 Highway, a male rider was severely injured once he lost control of his scooter on Wednesday, August 29 around 3:20 p.m. But that is not all; after losing control of his Vespa, the male driver catapulted off his bike and fell off the elevated freeway, landing on a stopped car below. While this accident must have been terrifying and painful for the victim, it is a surprise and in good fortune that he did not die from the impact.
The Vespa owner, 42-year old Timothy Bergman, was riding his motor scooter northbound on Highway 101. While he was going through central San Rafael, he lost control of his vehicle and ended up slamming into the median. This resulted in Bergman being thrown in the air and over the highway railing. The portion of the highway Bergman was in was elevated about 40 feet in the air. When the Vespa owner went over the railing, he fell down about 40 feet, landing on a stopped car in traffic.
Thankfully, Bergman was not killed from the impact. However, he did suffer from serious personal injuries including a broken pelvis, broken femur, hurt knees, wrist, ribs, and scapula. He was taken by paramedics to Marin General Hospital. So far, no further updates about his condition have been given. The car Bergman landed on, a Volkswagen Jetta, was occupied by two teenagers. Neither occupants were hurt.
Witnesses who saw the scenario said that they saw the scooter drift during the bend in the road and it was obvious that the driver was going to go down. After the motor scooter rider smacked into the highway median, witnesses said they looked for the man but could not find him anywhere. Two men helped move the scooter out of the way of oncoming traffic. Upon coming closer to the Vespa, one man said that they saw a small dog breathing slowly in the middle of the road. Apparently, the dog had been riding in the Vespa basket and was also ejected on impact. The two men moved the dog out of the highway so that it would not get any further injuries.
After the accident, two lanes in the Second Street of the road were closed briefly. Officers looked over the situation and did further investigation.
Vespa scooters are allowed by law on freeways. The law, however, requires the scooters to have engines that are 150 cubic centimeters or more. The Vespa involved in the accident had exactly 150 cubic centimeters for its engine.
The accident which occurred must have been terrifying and heart-clenching for the victim and on-lookers. Being in a motorcycle is already dangerous much less a Vespa. It was a lucky day that no wrongful death accident cases were involved.
If you have received personal injury due to a car collision, consult with a car accident attorney today.
