Tricycles are primarily used by small children, but older adults often use them for purposes of recreation, exercise, and transportation. Although they might give older adults a feeling of increased stability, a tricycle’s stability on either side is questionable. Much like the old three-wheel golf carts, riders must take turns slowly and carefully to avoid tipping a tricycle over.
Common Causes of Tricycle Accidents
As long as they’re compliant with the law, people who ride bicycles and tricycles have the same right to use roadways as the drivers of motor vehicles. It’s when motorists fail to share the roadway that crashes occur, and if a passenger car collides with a tricycle, it’s highly likely that its rider will be seriously injured. Here are some of the common causes of those accidents:
- Motorists backing over tricycle riders on sidewalks and streets.
- Motorists failing to yield the right-of-way to a person on a tricycle when turning left.
- Turning in front of a tricycle when making a right turn.
- Distracted driving, like a driver talking on a cell phone, texting or using a navigational device while driving.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two.
What to Do After a Tricycle Accident
If a motorist isn’t paying attention, even an experienced and defensive bike or trike rider can become an accident victim. Here’s a basic outline of what you should do if you suddenly find yourself the parent of an injured child or the actual victim of a tricycle accident:
- Call 911: You’ll want the crash documented by police. Don’t get talked out of calling 911 under any circumstances. As you’ve been injured, ask that paramedics also be dispatched to the scene. The investigating police officer will obtain all necessary contact information, including that of any eyewitnesses. In their records, paramedics will establish the fact that you were injured in the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Do not refuse medical treatment. Paramedics can transport you to an emergency room where a preliminary diagnosis of your injuries can be made, and you can be treated and cared for. Also important is the fact that another record of your injuries were caused in a crash will be made.
- Contact Us: As soon as possible after your accident, contact our offices, and we’ll arrange for a free consultation and case review with an experienced and effective tricycle or bicycle accident attorney from our offices. If you’re hospitalized or restricted to your home, we can come to you.
- Follow all Medical Instructions: You’re likely to be referred to your own doctor, a neurologist or an orthopedist. Attend all of your appointments, and if you’re referred out for physical therapy or rehab, attend all of those appointments too. Insurers will be looking for gaps in treatment. Then, they can argue that you weren’t injured to the extent that you claim.
- Don’t Give a Statement: Never give any kind of a statement to the insurer of the person who caused your accident. California law doesn’t require you to do that, so just refuse to give one. It’s not against the law for you to preserve your rights. If that insurer’s adjuster says that your personal injury claim will be closed without a statement, let him or her close it. We know how to have them open it up again in moments.
Contact Us Today
Bay Area Bicycle Law is the only law firm in Northern California that concentrates its practice on bicycle and tricycle accidents. Take advantage of our free consultation and case evaluation after you or your child were injured in any tricycle or bicycle accident. Contact us today to ensure you meet all of your deadline requirements.