How To Handle All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injuries And Mishaps

In our bid to have fun, we sometimes throw caution to the wind. When you become negligent with any activity, you endanger your life and that of others.

Though all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are mainly for recreational purposes, some (such as laborers and farmers) also use them to access remote worksites. Thousands of Americans sustain injuries from these small, motorized vehicles annually.

This piece gives an insight into how to deal with ATV injuries and accidents legally:

ATVs And The Implications Of Their Names

From their name, you might assume that all-terrain vehicles drive seamlessly on all terrains. However, this is far from the truth.

The first ATV version had three wheels. However, the authorities banned their production because they considered them too unstable. The manufacturers had to return to the drawing board and redesign the vehicles.

That is why ATVs now drive on four low-pressure wheels. This new version can comfortably travel on rough, rocky, and muddy ground.

Unfortunately, you will find it challenging to control them on paved surfaces. That is why several jurisdictions have banned driving ATVs on paved streets or roads.

The Dangers Of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATV drivers often sit on a seat placed on the engine of the vehicle. This design makes the ride fun. On the flip side, it can pose an unimaginable risk, as the vehicle can easily overturn when speeding or riding on pavement.

“Motor vehicle drivers have an extra layer of protection with a reinforced roof and seat belt. However, ATV drivers do not enjoy this luxury. You can get thrown out of your vehicle or crushed underneath your ATV if you are involved in an accident or collision,” observed personal injury attorney Joseph Marrone of Marrone Law Firm, LLC.

Data from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that an average of 700 people died in ATV mishaps in the U.S. between 2016 and 2018. Further, the Commission reports that over 500,000 individuals suffered severe injuries from ATV accidents between 2015 and 2020. There is no gainsaying that these figures are frightening.

Head and neck injuries are the most typical injuries that result from ATV accidents. Victims also suffer from fractured arms and legs, bruises, chest and abdominal injuries, dislocations, and burns.

However, one of the most devastating injuries is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A victim can become unconscious after a TBI. It is essential to add that consciousness does not consistently indicate the severity of one’s head injury.

You may experience some ringing in your ears, headache, dizziness, mood swings, memory issues, blurred vision, and confusion when suffering from a mild traumatic brain injury. On the other hand, convulsions, slurred speech, lack of coordination, difficulty in waking up after sleep, vomiting, and enlarged pupils are signs of moderate or severe TBIs.

It can take some time for the signs of a TBI to begin manifesting after an accident. Thus, quickly seek medical intervention if you sustain a head injury in an ATV mishap.

Treatment And Long-Term Care For ATV Injuries

You may need several weeks or months to properly treat an injury you sustain from an ATV accident. Physicians will need to run physical examinations and CT scans before adequately affirming the situation of your injury. If you have a mild condition, you may need to rest and desist from activities until you fully recuperate.

However, if your situation is severe, your physician may need to conduct physical tests, scans, and emergency surgery to repair fractured areas or remove blood clots.

How to Stay Safe With ATVs

Driving safely is often safer and more logical than treating injuries caused by negligent ATV driving. According to the CPSC, ATV drivers should avoid paved surfaces and overloading. Furthermore, they should undergo all the necessary training and wear protective gear.

You must also be law-abiding. Adhere to every law guiding ATV operation in your jurisdiction for your safety.

Underage children should also avoid riding adult ATVs as they lack the strength and maturity to control them. More importantly, a child under the age of six should not ride an ATV. It is an inappropriate venture for them.

The Legal Solutions To ATV Injuries

If you are a victim of an ATV accident, you can file a suit to demand compensation from the at-fault party. The personal injury lawsuit will contain your claims and the damages you are demanding. If your suit is successful, you can recover damages for lost wages, medical costs, property damage, and pain and suffering.

You can also file a product liability suit if the accident was due to a defective part or design of the vehicle. This means that the manufacturer or any other concerned entity failed to do due diligence on the ATV.

However, working closely with a local personal injury attorney is crucial to increasing your chances of success. Apart from defending your rights, the attorney understands how to interpret the relevant laws in favor of your suit.

Read Also:

• Essential Facts to Know Before Hiring Personal Injury Lawyers
• Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer You Did Not Know About!