Causes of ATV Accidents

ATV-or all-terrain vehicle-accidents are responsible for thousands of serious injuries and deaths to adults and children every year in the US. Due to riding conditions and rider's exposure on ATVs, the risk of injury is high in ATV accidents. Furthermore, ATV rollover is another cause or factor in ATV accidents that can make them particularly dangerous. Understanding the common causes of ATV accidents can help riders understand these dangers and perhaps avoid them.

In ATV accident lawsuits, determining the cause of ATV accidents and what parties may be liable is a major aspect of an attorney's job when representing those injured or killed in such accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an ATV accident, it is a good idea to seek an evaluation of your case to determine the causes and factors involved in the accident. You may be able to seek compensation for your losses and suffering. Please contact us to learn more about ATV accidents.

Read on to learn more about the common causes of ATV accidents.

Children operating adult sized ATVs

A shockingly high percentage-almost 30 percent-of ATV accident fatalities happen to children younger than 16 years of age. Children often lack the skills, physical strength, and judgment abilities to safely operate ATVs, especially when unsupervised. Over the last decade, ATVs have gotten bigger, stronger and faster. Many of the larger and stronger ATVS are simply not safe for children.

Riding with a passenger

Riding with a passenger on an ATV designed for only one passenger is a common cause of ATV accidents. Sometimes, ATV riders are more risky and reckless when operating an ATV with a passenger. This increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. This is particularly dangerous, because the passenger is not securely in a seat and could be ejected off the ATV or otherwise seriously injured.

Defective product

ATV defects are a major cause of ATV accidents. As discussed in ATV recalls, thousands of ATVs are pulled off the market each year due to serious defects that can lead to loss of ATV control, fires, inability to steer an ATV, loss of speed control and many other serious dangers. If ATV defects are a factor in an accident, the manufacturer of the ATV can be held liable for an injured party's losses and suffering.

Reckless driving

Some ATV operators ride these vehicles recklessly-riding too fast, taking turns dangerously, riding on unsafe terrain, and other maneuvers-that can cause ATV accidents. Furthermore, terrain obstacles, such as rocks, puddles, ditches, and steep grades can increase the risk of an accident, especially when the operator is reckless.

Weather and terrain

While ATVs are more suited to rough terrain than other vehicles, they are not indestructible. Features of the terrain or environment can cause ATV rollover or other serious accidents.

To learn more about the causes of ATV accidents, please contact our qualified attorneys for an evaluation of your case.