ATV Accidents
Off road vehicle injuries
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), also known as a quad, side by side, quad bike, three-wheelers or even four-wheelers have traditionally been a staple in rural areas to assist with farming, transporting goods and even hunting. However, ATV’s are also very popular for recreational activities and adults and children of all ages may not realize the risks associated with riding them.
Though ATV’s seem like safer alternatives to motorcycles and dirt bikes, the relative weight of the vehicle and strength in the engine (up to 1,000 cc) mean that accidents on 4-wheelers usually come with serious injuries.
More than 100,000 injuries are reported in emergency rooms across the country due to ATV accidents every year. A study conducted by University of Utah neurosurgeons found that rollovers were the most frequent type of ATV accident, followed by collisions with other vehicles and inanimate objects, such as hitting a tree.
Avoid ATV accidents
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you to follow the following safety tips when riding an ATV:
- Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.
- Do not allow a child under age 16 to drive or ride an adult-size ATV.
- Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
- Always protect your head. Helmets have been known to reduce the risk of fatalities in ATV accidents by as much as 42% and the possibility of a non-fatal head injury by 64%.
- In addition to a helmet, wear protective gear such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Take a hands-on safety training course before riding.
Rollover accidents
Due to their relative lack of weight and strength, and because ATVs have a high center of gravity and short wheelbase, children may also be at additional risk for rollovers crashes. Nationwide statistics confirm these findings as more than 25% of all ATV injuries, which are treated in an emergency room, are reported to involve children under age 16.
If you know someone who has been injured in an ATV accident or hurt as a result of an off-road vehicle, call Kaine Law, LLC for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury accident attorneys help obtain compensation for personal injuries throughout Atlanta and across Georgia.
We have physical office locations in DeKalb, Rockdale, Henry and Gwinnett County, and we serve individuals and families in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Conyers, Stockbridge, the surrounding communities and throughout Georgia.
Call us today at 877-884-8579 or contact us online to speak with someone today. Hablamos Español.