ATV accidents are on the rise, and not just because more people are riding them. Different types of ATV accidents happen every year to riders of all experience levels, though ATV collisions are most common with novice riders or children.
In addition, most ATV injuries and ATV deaths occur on the nation's roads and highways, not just at local venues such as trails and driveways. With ATV accidents happening everywhere, from backyards to busy streets, you must know how to avoid ATV crashes wherever you go and when you ride your ATV.
ATV Accident Causes
ATV accidents don't fit into one single cause. Therefore, you should be aware of numerous ATV accident causes if you or someone you know operates an ATV.
Carelessness
Carelessness is one of the most common ATV accident causes and perhaps the easiest one to avoid. However, carelessness, in general, can result in an accident. When it comes to ATVs, that carelessness could include confusing your throttle and brake controls, speeding, failing to wear a helmet at all times, or neglecting proper maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a significant epidemic on America's roads. People take their eyes off the road while eating behind the wheel or talking on cell phones at red lights or stop signs. The same concept applies to distracted driving when riding an ATV - you have to be in the moment at all times and avoid distractions at all costs.
Alcohol and Drug Use
For obvious reasons, this is never a good idea - ATV accidents and injuries resulting from alcohol and drug use (on your part or someone else's) can devastate you, your family members, and even bystanders when it comes to lawsuits.
If you plan on riding an ATV at any point, don't drink at all before heading out on your ride. If you're hosting an event such as a bridal party or bachelor party with at least one member wanting to go for a ride after the festivities have ended, make sure that person doesn’t drink before going out on their ride.
Road Conditions
ATVs can handle certain types of terrain with ease, including sand and mud. However, some ATVs are more proficient at handling icy roads that other ATVs might not be able to deal with at all.
If you plan on riding your ATV in less-than-desirable road conditions, you need to keep the risks involved in mind at all times - especially during inclement weather where it's snowing outside or there is heavy rain.
Mechanical Failure
Of course, you want to do everything you can to avoid ATV accidents at all times, especially while riding your ATV. Mechanical failures are one way for your ride to come to a quick, sudden stop.
Unfortunately, numerous things can go wrong while you're out on your ATV, including an engine malfunction, which could result in your ATV dying altogether while you're still on top of it. So if you notice anything at all amiss when it comes to your ATV's performance or mechanics, make sure you turn around immediately.
Lack of Experience
If you're a novice ATV or dirt bike rider, you need to be extra careful and keep the risks involved with ATVs at the forefront of your mind at all times.
Novice riders make many mistakes compared to those who have been riding for years, from failing to wear helmets at all times after they've become legal in your state to driving at excessive speeds for their experience level.
Unauthorized Riders
More and more ATV crashes happen because someone other than the owner takes their ATV out on public roads or trails - an unauthorized rider might not know how to ride an ATV safely and could result in a significant accident for all involved parties.
Therefore, never lend anyone your ATV at any time at all - especially if they have never ridden before.
Riding Double
Most ATVs are not designed for two riders at the same time. ATVs are built for one rider at a time, generally have a high weight limit, and handle a lot of weight without sacrificing performance.
In comparison, ATVs designed to carry two riders simultaneously will sacrifice some performance compared to ATVs made for single riders. If you're planning on riding your ATV with another person on it, make sure you check your ATV’s manual beforehand to see if it's safe or legal to do so.
What to Do If You’re Injured
Many ATV accidents are preventable and in some cases, it may be possible to file an ATV accident lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim. In legal terms, a personal injury claim hinges on proving that the other party was negligent in their actions, for instance by using drugs and alcohol before operating the ATV.
When you file a personal injury claim after an ATV accident, you do so to receive compensation for your losses from your injuries, such as medical bills, loss of income, and intangible damages like pain and suffering. If you believe your injuries suffered after an ATV accident were caused by the negligence of another party, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law
Working with an attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim after an accident. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it? When you hire an ATV injury lawyer from Brandon J. Broderick, you are assured a passionate team fighting for your best interest and putting your needs first. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.
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