Enjoy The Ride, But Know The Risks

Posted June 18th, 2018 by .

Categories: Personal Injury.

ATV AccidentsAll-Terrain Vehicles, also known as ATVs, make their way out of the garages and onto the trails once it’s warm and sunny. They can be a great way to entertain at a party, a fun getaway from the regular, and used as a way to get around a large farm, lead races, and travel off-road. As much fun as one can have with an ATV, there is ample risk involved as well. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 135,000 ATV accidents occur in the United States each year, resulting in more than 700 ATV accident-related deaths. Between 100 and 150 of those killed are riders under the age of 16.

Unfortunately, the “all-terrain vehicles” are not made for all terrains. They can be used to have a great time and give friends and family a thrilling ride, but the sad truth is many people who end up getting on them don’t know enough about them. Many ATV accidents involve negligence and recklessness of the person driving, or of another person nearby. The causes can range from drunk driving, reckless speeding, climbing hills, rolling the vehicle, too many people on at once, to a mechanical error.

Common injuries as a result of accidents include:

  • Head injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis

An injury from an ATV crash can be extremely expensive to treat and are often life-changing — from physical therapy and rehabilitation to skilled care for the resulting disability. A study performed in Alaska concluded that- assuming disabled victims lived to be 65- the costs could total to be as much as $11.5 million. Not only is this saddening and expensive enough, those who suffer usually have to deal with mental impairment and emotional damage. No one should have to go through this, as it is all preventable.

If you are someone who enjoys ATV riding, here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • Wear an approved helmet, footwear, and other recommended protective gear
  • Do not allow passengers on single rider ATVs
  • Make sure each driver understands how to operate the machine fully, especially in consideration of the terrain they will be riding on
  • Know the local and state ATV regulations
  • Make sure all drivers and riders get safety training and have practice operating an ATV
  • Don’t let young children drive an ATV (14 is the youngest age allowed in New Jersey)
  • Don’t operate ATVs under the influence (or any vehicle/machinery)
  • Make sure to have at least one type of communication device so that you can call for help if something were to happen.

If you or a loved one are injured in an ATV-related accident, you may be able to file a claim. The responsibility may fall on the ATV owner, the person/organization who owns the property, or the maker of the model (product liability). This all depends on the responsibility of supervision, the common sense/neglect of the driver, if the property was meant for ATV riding, and if the machine was faulty.

Contact Attorney Carbone

The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can help you with any and all personal injuries or accidents. If you or someone who know has been a victim of an ATV accident, let us know and we will get you the compensation you deserve. Our offices are one call, click, or text away.

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