Though ATV Manufactures Tell You How Their Products are Safe and Easy to Handle, It Doesn't Change the Fact That Thousands of Adults and Children Get Injured or Killed From an ATV Accident Every Year.
Riding ATVs, or all-terrain vehicle, has been growing in popularity for the last several years. In San Diego areas or homes with lots of acreage, having an ATV, can be an enjoyable pastime for adults and teens. However, like other activities involving high speeds and heavy machinery, riding an ATV can be very risky.
ATVs are motorized vehicles with large, low-pressure tires. They are usually designed to carry one rider on an uneven surface and are generally used for recreation and farm, ranch and industrial work. When riders are reckless and don't take the proper safety precautions, it can lead to serious injuries and even death. An estimated 704,000 people were injured operating ATVs (usually by way of flipping over) in the U.S. from 2004 through 2008, and some 3,373 people were killed. Of that number, about a third of those deaths were children under the age of 16.
The most common ATV-related injuries occur due to rollover, collisions with stationary object, and falling off the vehicle. Non-fatal ATV-related injuries commonly include fractured bones and head and facial injuries. The majority of ATV-related fatalities result from injuries to the head and neck.
ATV Laws and Regulations
Currently, 27 states have a minimum age requirement for operation of an ATV. Of these, only three states (Missouri, New Hampshire and Virginia) require ATV operators to be 16 or older. Most states only require that the ride have a valid driver's license.
In 1998, ATV manufacturers assumed responsibility of self-regulation, relying on the fine print to inform consumers about safety and restrictions. An accident occurs while riding one of their ATVs, manufacturers blame the rider, never their machine-even if that rider is a child.
According to the ATV manufacturers, over 10,000 deaths and millions of serious injuries are never the result of driving their inherently dangerous ATVs. In fact, they downplay the grim statistics by saying that ATV-related injuries and deaths have been on the decrease, even though studies have shown the opposite.
ATV Safety Tips
- Take a hands-on safety training course before you ride.
- Always wear protective gear, especially a helmet.
- Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
- Do not drive ATVs on paved roads. Do not permit children to drive or ride adult ATVs.
- Never drive an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an ATV-related accident in San Diego, it may be an issue with the machine, not rider error. Most ATV manufacturers brush this off without looking into the fact, making the rider and his family assume the responsibility and absorb the medical costs. The California ATV accident lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group will get you the money you need to pay for these steep costs. Call our personal injury office at 888-233-5020.
The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:
San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.
