All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are 3-wheel and 4-wheel motorized vehicles designed for off-road riding. ATVs are used for both fun and rescue, as they provide quick and easy access in off-road areas.
Unfortunately, every year, many people – including children – are severely injured in ATV accidents. Some victims suffer fatal injuries.
Our experienced Long Island personal injury lawyers with Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can take action for you if you or your child has been hurt or died in an ATV accident caused by someone else’s negligence. We work to get maximum compensation for your suffering and financial hardships.
Personal injury, handled personally. Contact us today for a free consultation with proven injury attorneys.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents
According to the most recent available Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics, more than 100,000 ATV injuries occurred in a single recent year, with 25 percent of those injuries affecting children under the age of 16. CPSC reports that, on average, 568 adults and 144 children die in ATV crashes every year. New York is among the CPSC’s Top 10 States for ATV deaths.
ATVs have a high center of gravity and are prone to roll over. Riders can be trapped underneath these vehicles that weigh up to 600 pounds. They are not designed for use on public roads, and drivers often fail to see ATVs, which can result in collisions.
As with motorcycle riders, ATV riders have no protection whatsoever from the vehicle in an accident – only whatever protection their protective gear provides them.
Many different factors may contribute to ATV accidents, including:
- Vehicle defects.
- Improper positioning on the vehicle.
- Too many riders on the vehicle.
- Lack of protective gear.
- Operating an ATV at unsafe speeds.
- Riding on paved roads.
- Operating an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Negligence of other drivers.
Types of Injuries in ATV Accidents
Since ATV riders are virtually unprotected, a range of serious injuries can result from accidents. Of the more than 100,000 ATV injuries that occurred in one recent year, the CPSC reports that there were:
- 31,400 arm and hand injuries (29 percent).
- 29,300 head and neck injuries (27 percent).
- 23,100 torso injuries (22 percent).
- 22,800 injuries to the legs and feet (21 percent).
- 1,300 other injuries (1 percent).
Particularly when riders do not wear helmets, traumatic brain injury can be a devastating result of ATV accidents. Crushing injuries, torso injuries and paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries are common when ATVs roll over. Fractures, contusions and abrasions are also common. In the most tragic cases, ATV accidents result in death.
Who May be Liable for an ATV Accident?
Liability for an ATV accident depends on what caused the accident and how it occurred. If the accident and injuries were caused by the faulty design of the vehicle, the ATV manufacturer may be liable.
If a driver who failed to see an ATV on the road caused the accident, that driver may be liable for the ATV riders’ injuries. An ATV passenger injured in an accident caused by the negligence of the operator may be entitled to a claim for damages against the operator.
Injured on an ATV? Here’s How Our Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys can Help
If you have been injured in an ATV accident due to the negligence of another person or because of faulty manufacturing of the vehicle, speak with a Long Island four-wheeler injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to file a claim for compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
Our knowledgeable motor vehicle accident attorneys can evaluate the circumstances of your accident and advise you as to whether you have a case, who could be liable and what damages you may be able to claim.
The attorneys at Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have 100 years of combined experience and a history of success handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We handle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, and you will pay us no fees up front when you work with our firm. Contact us online now for a free consultation. We respond to messages as soon as possible, and we can come to you if you are in the hospital or unable to travel.
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