All-terrain vehicles are fun. In fact, they are a part of the culture in many areas across the country. When used safely and correctly, they can be a great tool to use around a person’s property. They can also provide plenty of recreational fun. However, there are times when ATVs can be dangerous and can result in an ATV accident.
Unfortunately, there are times when another person’s negligence causes injuries or fatalities on an ATV. Sometimes, people are hurt while riding on another person’s personal ATV. Other times, the fault lies with a company that does not take proper safety measures. If you need a Pittsburgh ATV accident lawyer, you can count on the team at SMT Legal to be by your side.
What Are ATV Accident Statistics?
The Consumer Protection Safety Commission keeps track of all of the injury and death reports related to ATVs. For the latest reporting year, 2017, we know that there were:
- 93,800 ATV injuries treated in emergency rooms throughout the country
- There is an average of 500-600 fatalities each year due to ATV accidents
- A significant percentage of fatalities occur in children under 16 years of age
From 1982 to 2017, there were 15,250 reported ATV deaths in the United States and millions of injuries. According to the CPSC, there have been 702 reported deaths in that time frame in Pennsylvania, second only to Texas when it comes to fatalities. These vehicles, though safe when used appropriately, come with extreme risks to the operators. There is virtually no protection for riders. Injuries from these crashes can result in:
- Spinal cord damages
- Severe brain/head trauma
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- Massive internal injuries or bleeding
These injuries require immediate emergency medical care and often result in a person needing extended rehabilitation time in order to make a full recovery. Sometimes, though, an ATV crash victim is left permanently disabled.
Why They Happen
It is vital that any company operating these vehicles for recreational use follow all safety precautions. They should never allow a child to use an ATV and should always ensure that every rider is properly trained to use the vehicles. Helmets and other safety gear should be used. The ATVs themselves must be regularly inspected and maintained.
Trail operators should ensure that the trail being used is well-maintained and that riders are aware of any hazardous conditions.
Your Options Moving Forward
Please seek legal assistance if you think that another person’s negligence has caused you to harm in an ATV crash. At SMT Legal, we will work to investigate your claim so we can secure the compensation you need for all of your accident-related expenses. This can include:
- Your medical bills
- Lost income if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages
When you need a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 412-765-3345. We know that your focus needs to be on healing from your injuries and being with families. Let us handle the rest.