Dangers of All-Terrain Vehicles
April 12, 2017 | By Colombo Law
All-Terrain Vehicles, also known as ATVs, are a great source of fun and entertainment during many different seasons. Whether you are riding in deep snow or through the mud on a warm summer day, ATVs are sure to bring a smile to your face. However, ATVs are dangerous vehicles that injure many people each year. Thousands are injured and hospitalized each year after ATV accidents, and hundreds unnecessarily lose their lives. If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident or incident involving an ATV, you need to speak with an experienced attorney.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents
ATV accidents are not usually freak accidents. In fact, many ATV accidents could have been prevented. Accidents involving ATVs are usually the result of negligence. Some common reasons for accidents include:
- Defective parts: Society expects all consumer products to function as marketed and intended. However, some ATV accidents are the result of a defective product or part. When these defects occur, it becomes it difficult to prevent an accident and protect those you care about. Individuals injured in accidents that occur as a result of defective parts, improper assembly, or the failure of the manufacturer to warn about the danger of the product may be entitled to relief.
- Negligence: Another major cause of accidents is negligence. Speeding is one form of negligence that takes the lives of many every year. Some ATVs can exceed 70 miles per hour, and the seriousness of an injury is often related to how fast the ATV was traveling. Other forms of negligence include driving under the influence, driver inexperience, and riding with too many passengers.
Common Injuries
After an ATV accident, operators and their passengers are exposed to many of the same risks that are posed to motorcyclists. The most common injuries occur to a victim’s arm, head, neck, and torso. While most injuries can be medically treated, some injuries result in fatalities. Between 2013 and 2015, 84 people in West Virginia lost their lives in ATV accidents. This is the highest number of ATV-related deaths in the United States. To avoid injuries, ATV operators and their passengers should follow all safety precautions and comply with West Virginia’s laws.
About Colombo Law
Colombo Law firm is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Our attorneys are highly experienced personal injury lawyers who successfully handle hundreds of personal injury claims each year, obtaining justice and monetary relief for our clients.
Colombo Law assists clients located in and around West Virginia including in Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Kingwood, Grafton, Weston, Philippi, Buckhannon, Elkins, Parkersburg, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Preston, Taylor, and Lewis county. If you have been injured in an accident or incident but are unsure of whether you have a personal injury claim, contact Colombo Law today for a risk-free initial consultation.
