An ATV is notorious for being a lot of fun, but it can also become the source of major injuries if the right conditions arise. Like a motorcycle, an ATV has no protection for the operator during a collision or when a rollover occurs, so the operator’s body is typically flung from the ATV or crushed beneath its weight, which can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries, some of which can claim the life of the operator. While driver error is sometimes to blame, that’s not always the case. Everything from road conditions to faulty parts or errors in assembly can lead to ATV accidents. When someone else’s negligence is to blame, then you have a right to collect compensation for your injuries. Contact SMT Legal right away if you or someone you love has been injured during an ATV accident. We can help you identify potential defendants, gather evidence, and file your personal injury claim.
Major Injuries from ATV Accidents
ATV accidents often result in severe injuries, as often the drivers and passengers either fall or are thrown from the off-road vehicle when it crashes. Some of the types of injuries that may result from such an accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries or other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Fractures or broken bones
- Comas
- Burns or scars
- Temporary or permanent paralysis
- Death
Determining Fault
It can be difficult to determine who is at fault for an ATV accident, as multiple parties may have been involved. The driver of the ATV could be at fault if their careless driving was responsible for the accident, or the ATV’s owner may be found liable. Additionally, a third party may be involved in contributing to the accident; this could include the owner of a dangerous or damaged trail that was not blocked off or properly maintained, the ATV manufacturer if the accident was due to an equipment malfunction, or the driver of another ATV if they were responsible for the crash.
Compensation for Injured Parties
ATV accidents are often serious, leaving passengers and drivers with severe, even fatal injuries that require long hospital stays and outrageously expensive medical bills. When you’re in the process of recovering from a serious accident, worries about how you’re going to pay for your medical care should be the last thing on your mind, especially if your injuries were due to another person’s reckless or negligent behavior. Our expert ATV accident lawyers will fight on your behalf to ensure that your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens are properly compensated.