PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY – PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) include three- or four-wheeled motorized vehicles used for a variety of recreational and/or professional outdoor activities. They are often used for “off-roading,” “mudding” or riding in natural conditions. Many ATVs can reach speeds of up to 55 MPH and weigh as much as a quarter of a ton.
Unfortunately, the number of ATV accidents has risen significantly in recent years, especially among children and young adults. With this rise has come an increase in the number of deaths and injuries from ATV accidents. Possible causes for the rising death and injury rate include the ever-increasing strength, size, and speed of ATVs, and the driver’s inexperience in handling vehicles of this scale. Injuries from ATV accidents also occur when there is a lack of adult supervision and a failure to wear a helmet. Other contributing factors in ATV accidents are inadequate operator training by ATV dealers or failure to take instructional classes, when such training is offered.
Devastating injuries and fatalities can occur in ATV accidents. Most ATV deaths and injuries occur when the ATV overturns or hits something. When an ATV collides with something, the driver is often thrown from the vehicle, which can cause severe injury due to the driver’s impact with the ground. Although 4-wheel ATVs are much safer than the 3-wheel variety, many, if not all, ATVs are prone to rollover crashes, whether it be due to a defective design in some or a high or unbalanced center of gravity. Drivers and riders who are involved in rollover accidents often sustain devastating injuries, largely due to the driver’s lack of protection and impact with the ground. Many ATV injury victims sustain nerve damage, severe head injury, fractured vertebrae or spinal cord injury. Injuries of this nature can cause permanent disability, paralysis, or death.
Steps can be taken to prevent ATV deaths and accidents. It is always a good idea to wear a helmet and to ride a slower, lighter ATV. Instructional classes or operator training, if available, should be taken. Children should always ride with adult supervision.
If you have been injured in an ATV accident, you should immediately:
- Seek medical attention
- Contact the police
- Consult an ATV accident attorney
As a victim of an ATV accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the party responsible for the accident. The experienced attorneys at Rice will work diligently to protect your rights and to obtain the compensation you deserve..
