The Dangers Of All-terrain Vehicles (Atvs)
by King Law
All-terrain vehicles, or more commonly referred to as ATVs, are compact vehicles with low-pressure tires that are used by individuals throughout the United States for both work and recreation purposes. Also known as quads and quad bikes due to their appearance and similar function to a motorcycle with four wheels, these vehicles are characterized by fun, vacationing, and off-road adventures. As exhilarating as it may be to ride an ATV, these vehicles can also be extremely dangerous. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), roughly 135,000 people are injured every year in ATV accidents and rollovers, with roughly one-third of all people killed in ATV accidents each year being 16 years of age or younger.
ATV accidents can result in a wide range of debilitating injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Neck injuries
- Joint dislocations
- Chest injuries
- Abdominal injuries
WHAT MAKES ATVS DANGEROUS?
The name “all-terrain vehicle” is somewhat of a misnomer, as ATVs are not always appropriate for every type of terrain that exists. Riders are frequently injured by ATVs when the vehicles flip or roll, causing them to be thrown from the vehicle or pinned beneath it. Many people also do not understand that most ATVs are not designed to carry more than one rider, which can create an uneven weight distribution and put both a driver and their passenger at a higher risk of injury. Furthermore, children often lack the physical strength and fine motor skills to operate these vehicles properly, making them more prone to lose control of an ATV.
Among many other dangers, a large number of ATV accidents are caused by defects in the vehicles’ design or manufacturing. Virtually any part of a vehicle can be defective, including the tires, brakes, throttle, gas tank, fender, clutch, or gear shifter.
INJURED? REVIEW YOUR CASE FOR FREE
If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident and you believe it is the fault of another person or manufacturing company, contact the Rochester personal injury lawyers at King Law. Our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options and pursue fair compensation from those responsible.
Call us 24/7 at (585) 270-8882 or schedule a complimentary case review today to discuss your case.
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