ATV Accidents
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as any motor vehicle with two or more wheels that is no wider than 70 inches and weighs no more than 1,000 pounds. ATVs are typically used on off-road terrain for recreational purposes.
ATV Injuries
There are several types of injuries that can occur in ATV accidents, including:
- Head injury – including concussion and severe brain injury. The risk of a traumatic brain injury is higher if the ATV rider does not wear a helmet.
- Broken bones – especially the arms and legs.
- Sprained extremities – especially the wrists and ankles.
- Facial injury – including scrapes, bruises, broken nose, etc. The risk of facial injury is higher if the ATV rider does not wear a helmet.
- Wrongful death
Causes of ATV Accidents
There are several factors that can cause an ATV accident, including:
- Speeding – taking a turn too fast can lead to ATV rollovers or crashes
- Intoxication – as with any motor vehicle, driving an ATV under the influence can lead to disaster (e.g. alcohol, illegal drugs, etc.)
- Driving on paved roads – leads to accidents with automobiles and large trucks
- Unsafe weather conditions – off-road trails made unsafe by inclement weather can lead to ATV accidents or crash
- Three-wheeled ATVs – this type of ATV has been removed from the market due to its poor safety record (high risk of ATV rollover)
- Vehicle Defects
Hiring a Lawyer
If you or a loved one were seriously injured or died as a result of an ATV accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit. If you plan on filing a lawsuit, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Each state has a time limit, called a statute of limitations, restricting how long you have to file a claim. The time limit varies from state to state. If you wait too long you will not be able to take legal action. Contact an experienced ATV lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.
