ATV Accidents

An all-terrain vehicle, or 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 generally used on off-road terrain for recreational purposes.

An ATV rider — ATVs and other recreational vehicles lack basic safety equipment and commonly result in severe injuries when an accident occurs.

Possible ATV Accident Injuries

Several types of injuries can occur in ATV accidents:

Head injuries can include a concussion, severe brain injury, or spinal cord injury
Broken bones
Sprained extremities
Scrapes, bruises, broken nose, road rash

The risk of certain injuries is increased if the rider of the ATV is not wearing a helmet.

ATV Accident Causes

There are several factors that can cause an ATV accident, including:

Speeding: taking a fast turn can cause the ATV to roll over
Drinking and driving: drinking and driving while operating an ATV can increase the risk of accidents
Driving on paved roads: heightens the risk of accidents with cars and trucks
Unsafe weather conditions: Rain, high winds, and icy conditions can cause ATV riders to get in accidents
Three-wheeled ATVs: these ATVs have been removed from the market due to a poor safety record (increased risk of ATV rollover)

ATV Accident Prevention

Here are some tips for preventing ATV accidents:

Always drive at or below the speed limit
Follow safety recommendations
Do not drink and drive
Do not ride on paved roads
Avoid riding after dark
Be aware of weather conditions
Never use a three-wheeled ATV

Consult an Injury Accident Lawyer about Your Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, you may want to contact an ATV accident attorney for a case evaluation. You may be entitled to damages depending on the circumstances of your case.