Many Ohio residents consider rear-end collisions as “fender benders” that do not result in much damage to person or property. However, these types of vehicles accidents can, and sometimes do, result in fatalities. One instance in which a rear-end vehicle accidents could become fatal is when one of the vehicles involved is a motorcycle or tricycle.
The smaller profile of these vehicles and lack of a passenger cabin make riders particularly vulnerable in just about any crash. Unfortunately, one couple discovered this recently. As they rode a tricycle, they slowed in order to make a turn into a private driveway.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a vehicle coming up behind the tricycle failed to stop and slammed into the pair. The impact threw them both off the trike. Both suffered injuries, but the passenger, a 62-year-old woman, did not survive the injuries she suffered in the crash. Both parties were wearing helmets, it just was not enough for the woman. The driver’s condition is unknown, and the driver of the vehicle that struck the tricycle did not suffer any injuries.
Since the investigation remained open at last report, it is not yet known whether the driver that rear-ended the trike will face criminal charges connected with the crash. In the meantime, the trike driver and the family of the passenger may file civil actions against the other driver, seeking restitution for the losses incurred as a result of this collision. If the claims succeed, the parties could be awarded damages seen in other fatal vehicle accidents.
