ATV Accident Lawyers
For many Central New Yorkers, riding four-wheelers and ATVs are an exhilarating way to see beautiful landscapes and trails. Nonetheless, all vehicles come with safety concerns and an ATV does not escape the risk of injuries and collisions. Sometimes an enjoyable and carefree afternoon of ATV riding can take a turn for the worse and turn into a serious tragedy if safety rules are not followed.
During the first month of operating an ATV, inexperienced riders are 13 times more likely to have an accident than an experienced rider. It is the owner’s duty to make sure that young or inexperienced drivers receive proper safety training prior to operating an ATV. With ATVs being so popular in Central New York, there are several classes you can take to learn more about ATV safety. These classes will allow you to ask any questions you have and learn how to stay safe straight from ATV professionals.
Dangers of ATVs
Though ATVs are fun for recreational use, they also come with risks. ATVs can be unstable and difficult to control on multiple surfaces. Speed increases the risk of an ATV accident as well. A very common incident is a rollover, where the ATV loses balance and rolls to the side or upside down. Adult ATVs typically weigh over 800 pounds, meaning a rollover could cause life-threatening injuries. If a driver is inexperienced operating an ATV, riding on different types of land can be challenging to control, another factor of accidents. Forests and trails have many obstacles for riders including trees, fallen branches, or even animals. Driving near a road increases the chance of collision with another vehicle which could be fatal as riders are less protected on an ATV.
Most Common ATV Injuries
When it comes to accidents, some types of ATV injuries are more common than others. Head and neck injuries are some of the most serious fatal and non-fatal injuries from ATV accidents. It is especially dangerous because during the moments following the crash, it may not even look like the person is injured. Brain and spinal injuries often require extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation and costly medical bills.
The top types of ATV injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussions
- Skull Fractures
- Cerebral contusion
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Broken arms
- Crushed Wrists
- Loss of limb
- Broken Ribs
- Internal Organ Damage
Cost of Medical Treatment from ATV Injuries
If you are injured in an ATV accident, the cost of your injuries can be shocking, especially if a person becomes permanently disabled in an ATV crash and requires long-term medical care. Head and spinal cord injuries require extensive physical therapy that can be costly as well. For some people, these injuries may make it difficult to perform their job; and, paralysis may make it nearly impossible for them to work. As a result, victims of ATV crashes are not only left with paying an exorbitant medical bill for their care, but also may no longer have income from work or medical benefits available through their employer.
Common types of ATV Accidents
- Riding on paved roads– ATVs are designed for off-roading and are difficult to control on smooth surfaces. Driving an ATV on paved roads increases the risk of overturning or being hit by a car.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol – You know not to drink and drive, the same goes for ATVs. Alcohol can impair your vision and judgment and cause an accident, thereby making you more vulnerable on an ATV since you are exposed to outside elements.
- Speeding– Riding on rough terrain is risky enough, speed increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle and causing an accident.
- Allowing children child under 16 to drive an adult ATV – ATVs are not toys. They are very powerful vehicles that can cause death. Adult-sized ATVs are too large and heavy for children to control. A youth model is more appropriate for those under the age of 16.
- Allowing inexperienced operators to ride – Inexperienced or younger drivers that have not received proper safety training and instruction prior to operating an ATV, are more likely to become involved in an ATV accident.
- Riding with a passenger– Though it sounds fun to ride in pairs, overloading the ATV with two riders will make it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and increases the chances of overturning. Also, most ATVs are equipped for one rider, so riding double on an ATV that is not designed to carry passengers makes it unsafe and increases the chances for an accident.
- Performing dangerous stunts and maneuvers – Stunts are dangerous, require proper safety gear and should only be done by trained professionals. They are never recommended for new ATV riders, especially without instruction and supervision by a trained professional.
- Failing to observe state laws and local ordinances – You may not operate an ATV on a highway unless it has been designated and posted for ATV use by the state or local authority. You may not operate an ATV on public land unless it is specifically designated for ATV use, and it is allowed by a posted sign. You may not operate an ATV on private land unless you have the permission of the landowner or lessee. Also, certain restrictions apply to operators under the age of 16, who may require adult supervision or completion of an ATV safety course approved by the DMV. Adult Supervision means being accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age, or a person 16 or 17 years of age who holds an ATV safety course completion certificate from an approved safety course provider.
- Failure to wear a helmet– The most common injury on an ATV is traumatic brain injury, which can be caused by failure to protect your head by wearing a helmet while operating an ATV.
Why Choose Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman
As Your ATV Injury Lawyer?
Riding an ATV can be exhilarating and fun, but accidents do happen. Sometimes, these accidents happen because of the carelessness, recklessness and negligence of an ATV operator and can lead to serious consequences. As Utica ATV accident lawyers, we have the experience with ATV accidents in Central New York. Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman, LLP is here for you or your loved ones if an ATV accident does occur. If you are involved in an ATV accident, let The People’s Lawyer help. We know how to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.
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