ATV Accidents an Ongoing Problem

ATVs (or All Terrain Vehicles) are 4-wheeled vehicles designed to be ridden in a variety of environments, including through forest trails and on sand dunes. Popularly known as quads, ATVs are popular for outdoor recreation, and enthusiasts might perform tricks or jumps on them. A license is not required to ride these vehicles in many jurisdictions, and some parts of the country do not even have minimum age requirements.

Though ATVs can be expensive, many owners will share them with their friends, lowering the barrier to entry and increasing the number of people riding quads. Unfortunately, as ATV riding has become more common, the incidence of accidents has increased at an even more rapid rate. Even the most responsible rider can be involved in an accident, either due to unexpected terrain or the behavior of other irresponsible drivers.

A cursory review of the news demonstrates just how common these accidents are. Examples include:

• A 14-year-old was killed in an ATV accident in Ohio on May 25th, 2018
• A 16-year-girl in North Carolina was killed on May 29th, 2018
• One man was injured and another killed in New Hampshire on May 30th, 2018

During the spring and summer, casualties from ATV accidents are a near daily occurrence. So many of the injured and killed are minors who have limited experience operating any motorized vehicles. In a difficult situation, an accident can be even more likely if the driver is inexperienced.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an ATV accident, determining the cause of the incident is important. Whether due to ATV malfunction, driver error, or any other cause, if someone else was responsible for the accident, they should be held accountable. Please consult with an experienced attorney regarding your case.