Motorized Tricycle Accidents

LAW BLOG  •

July 17, 2019

A motorized tricycle, or three-wheeled motorcycle, is a unique type of vehicle. If someone operates a motorized tricycle in Texas, he or she must obey specific traffic laws to avoid tickets and fines. Breaking the state’s motorized cycle laws is a traffic infraction. If someone breaks a law and causes an accident, it could be grounds for a civil lawsuit against the tricycle’s operator.

Motorized Tricycle Laws in Texas

Texas does not have laws in place specifically for motorized tricycles. Instead, it groups these vehicles in with others like it depending on the parameters of the vehicle. The state of Texas has unique laws in place for mopeds, motorcycles, autocycles and ATVs. A motorized tricycle could fall under a few different vehicle classifications depending on its specifications.

  • A motorized tricycle might technically be a motorcycle if it is a motorized vehicle with a seat and two or three wheels on the ground. The rider, therefore, must obey all relevant motorcycle laws when operating the motorized tricycle in Houston.
  • Motor-driven cycle. If the motor of the tricycle has a maximum engine piston displacement of 250 ccs, it is a motor-driven cycle, not a motorcycle. It will follow essentially the same rules as a motorcycle, however. Motor-driven cycles are not the same as electric cycles.
  • A moped is a motor-driven cycle with a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour, with an engine that has no more than two-brake horsepower. Most mopeds have two wheels, but they could have three as well.

Most motorized tricycles will fall under the definition of a standard motorcycle, found in Texas Transportation Code section 541.201(9). However, less advanced versions may qualify as motor-driven cycles in the eyes of Texas law. Identifying the type of motorized tricycle is one of the first steps an operator must take before taking the vehicle out. Otherwise, the rider might break traffic laws or cause an accident.

Why Do Motorized Tricycle Accidents Happen?

Motorized tricycle accidents happen for all the same reasons as other vehicle accidents – mainly, human error. Vehicle operators can make negligent or careless mistakes that increase the risks of collisions. A dangerous operator could break rules that are in place for everyone’s safety. This could lead to a preventable accident, along with personal injuries or fatalities.

  • Reckless or careless vehicle operation
  • Operating without a proper license
  • Speeding
  • Running red lights or rolling through stop signs
  • Ignoring the right-of-way
  • Failing to properly maintain the motorized tricycle
  • Operating a motorized tricycle that is not street legal

An operator could crash a motorized tricycle for many reasons, from driver distraction to incompetence. If a negligent or reckless operator causes someone else’s injuries or property damages, the operator will be financially liable. Texas is an at-fault accident state, meaning the party at-fault for the accident will be the one that pays for everyone’s losses.

What To Do After a Motorized Tricycle Accident in Houston

If you were recently in an accident involving a motorized tricycle, gather as much information as you can about the collision. Get the name, plate numbers and insurance information of the other party. Take photographs of property damages and the scene of the accident, as well as wide-lens photos of the roadway where it happened. Do not admit fault for the accident. Remain at the scene and wait for the police to arrive. When they do, give them an honest account of what you believe happened.

Once you have received medical care for any injuries, contact a personal injury attorney in Houston to review your case. One or more parties could owe you compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. A Houston personal injury lawyer can answer your questions and help you file an insurance claim. He or she can calculate an accurate settlement demand amount based on your damages. A lawyer may be able to help you fight for maximum compensation from the at-fault party in Houston.

Every state limits the amount of time you have to file a claim.

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