ATVs are popular, but they are also dangerous! Although riding may be fun, ATV riders face a high risk of roll-overs and other accidents due to the nature of the vehicles and the surfaces on which they ride.
The statistics about deaths and injuries caused by ATV accidents are alarming. With the vehicles becoming faster (they can reach approximately 55 miles per hour), heavier (they can weigh up to 1000 pounds), and more powerful, stories of tragic deaths and life-changing personal injuries resulting from ATV accidents are becoming increasingly common.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents
Most ATV accidents are caused by unsafe and untested operators, and may be due to inexperience, reckless driving, speeding, or other factors. Like any other vehicle, the risk of accidents is also increased by the use of alcohol or drugs.
Although most ATV accidents are caused by the driver’s negligent operation of the vehicle, ATV accidents also may be caused by a defective part. If a part of the vehicle failed, the manufacturer or seller may be responsible for sale of a defective product.
Additionally, the owner of property may be responsible for accidents. Property owners who allow others to ride on their property must take precautions to inspect and maintain trails and to warn riders of known hazards. Even private landowners may be liable if they create ‘traps,’ such as pits or unmarked wire and rope boundaries.
Serious Injuries Caused By ATV Crashes
ATV accidents can cause a variety of serious injuries. Personal injuries from four-wheeler accidents can include lacerations, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, paralysis, and even death.
Many injuries caused by ATV accidents meet New York’s serious injury threshold. This means that if the accident that left you or a loved one injured was caused in whole or in part by the negligence of another individual, you could be entitled to compensation.
Even if you’re not sure that you have a personal injury case on your hands but you think you might, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced ATV accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you determine the logical next steps to take if you have a viable case.
Determining Who Is Responsible for an ATV Accident
As mentioned above, there are a variety of ATV accident causes that can lead to serious injury. In some cases, another person’s negligence may be one of the factors that contributed to the accident and the resulting injuries and damages.
Understanding who is responsible for an ATV accident is key if you hope to pursue compensation for your injuries. Even if another individual or party is only partially responsible, they could be held liable.
Reckless operators, equipment manufacturers and property owners are just a few of the possible parties that may be at fault depending on the circumstances of your ATV accident. If you’re not sure who may be at fault for the accident that left you injured but you are confident that another person or party played a part, it is in your best interest to get in touch with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your options.
It’s also important to keep in mind that you may have a viable personal injury case even if you were partially at fault for the ATV accident that left you or a loved one injured. While your actions may have contributed to the accident, another party could be found to be partially responsible as well – meaning you may still be able to pursue compensation. You can learn more about comparative negligence here.
The best way to find out for sure if you have a personal injury case on your hands is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Get the Help You Need After a Serious ATV Accident Injury
ATV accidents can be devastating and pursuing the compensation you are entitled to in the aftermath can be complicated. You’ll want an attorney you can trust on your side.
At Maynard O’Connor, we’ve been representing victims of ATV accidents in Albany, Johnstown, Saugerties and beyond for decades. We know what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve after you were injured as the result of another person’s negligence.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an ATV accident in New York State, please contact Maynard, O’Connor, Smith and Catalinotto today at (800) 721-3553 or get in touch with us online. We will review your case for free and help you understand your options as you move forward towards recovery.
Interested in learning more about ATV safety and your rights as a rider? Check out our post about ATV safety and New York State ATV laws.
Editor’s note: This content was originally published in 2013 but has been updated as of March 2019.
