Deadly Injuries in ATV Accidents

By Grant Law Office on July 5, 2021

ATVs are heavy, high-speed vehicles that are designed to handle rough terrain. Unfortunately, in the wrong hands, these vehicles can cause serious injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other riders. If a rider acts negligently, it can lead to a catastrophic accident. Victims should not have to bear these costs alone, and if you were injured in an ATV accident, you may be able to recover compensation with a personal injury claim.

How Safe Are ATVs?

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average, 712 individuals die every year from ATV accidents and other off-road vehicle accidents from 2004 to 2013. While deaths did decline during that period, recent reports have shown that fatality rates have risen as high as 752 deaths per year from 2015 to 2017. The CPSC also broke down the fatalities by age groups, which include:

• Under 16-years-old: 16%
• 16-24-years-old: 15%
• 25-34-years-old: 15%
• 35-44-years-old: 11%
• 45-54-years-old: 16%
• 55 or older: 27%

The risk of dying in an ATV accident depends on a variety of factors, including the experience of the rider, the type of collision, and the design of the vehicle. These vehicles can be operated safely when riders act responsible and when manufacturers rigorously test their vehicles for safety hazards.

The Dangers of Rollovers

One of the biggest risks with ATVs are rollovers. ATVs are top-heavy vehicles, meaning their engines are raised higher off the ground than other vehicles. Due to this, the vehicle’s center of gravity is higher, which makes it more prone to tipping over during a collision. A rollover can result in a rider or passenger being thrown from the ATV or crushed underneath it. The CPSC has determined that at least two-thirds of ATV fatalities involve rollovers, making them the deadliest type of ATV accident.

Common Injuries in ATV Accidents

The CPSC has reported that over 524,600 emergency room visits were due to ATV accidents over a four-year period. After analyzing accident and hospital reports, the CPSC determined that the most commonly injured parts of the body in ATV accidents:

• 27% involve the head or neck, including traumatic brain injuries
• 20% involve the torso, including spinal cord injuries and internal injuries
• 29% involve the arms and hands, including as broken bones and amputations
• 22% involve the legs and feet, including crush injuries
• 2% involve other parts of the body

Recovering Compensation After an Accident

Victims of ATV accidents may be able to recover compensation for their injuries if they were caused by another negligent party. This can range from reckless ATV riders to other vehicles, drivers, to even manufacturers. Determining who caused your injuries may require an in-depth investigation and review of all available evidence. Our husband and wife law team at Grant Law Office have decades of experience evaluating serious injury claims and can use our legal knowledge to determine if you can pursue compensation. If you were injured in an ATV accident that was not your fault and suffered a serious injury, contact us at (404) 995-3955 to get a free case evaluation from an Atlanta personal injury attorney.