The increased use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has also resulted in increased ATV-related injuries and fatalities. There are serious safety concerns involving these vehicles particularly when children operate adult-sized all-terrain vehicles as a source of recreational activities. There are size limitations imposed on children of a certain age range when it comes to the operations of all-terrain vehicles mainly due to a direct correlation between driver inexperience and risk of catastrophic injury and fatalities. Parents should be aware that adult-sized ATVs could weigh up to 800 pounds. It is recommended that the ATV a child operates weigh no more than 150 pounds and have a maximum speed of 15 mph as opposed to ATVs that can go up to sixty miles per hour.
There is a growing concern over ATV-related injuries involving children under 16 years of age that are operating adult-sized ATVs. When a child is injured in an ATV rollover or another type of ATV wreck, injuries sustained can be devastating because of the difference in weight between the child and the all-terrain vehicle. Tragically, a recent accident claimed the life of a six-year-old when he was riding on a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle. Although the child was wearing safety equipment and was under the supervision of his parents, the vehicle tipped when the child turned.
There are many causes of ATV-related injuries and deaths. One common cause involves defective parts that fail to perform as expected. When purchasing any type of product, consumers expect them to operate and perform according to reasonable expectations. When an ATV has a defective part, it poses an exceptionally high risk of causing injury because of the inherent instability of the vehicles. Defective parts that catch on fire or tire failures and blowouts may cause ATV accidents. Unfortunately, ATVs with defective components and parts are not always recalled in time to prevent life-threatening injuries or fatal ATV accidents.
Common serious injuries sustained in an ATV-related accident may include head or abdominal injuries, liver injuries, injuries to the spine and even death. The financial impact of being involved in an ATV-related accident can be enormous including massive hospital bills and expenses as well as impaired present and future earning capacity. If you or someone you love has been injured because of a defective component or part on an ATV, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries by filing a product liability lawsuit.
Many people injured in serious ATV accidents are also able to include a claim based on the unstable design of an ATV. ATV lawsuits can be complicated because the insurance company for the ATV manufacturers will often claim that the rider’s unsafe operation of the vehicle caused the accident. The manufacturer will seek to have the value of your claim reduced by the rider’s percentage of fault. This is a defense called comparative negligence. It is recommended that you contact an attorney immediately to gather evidence and initiate investigations immediately in order to effectively litigate your case, and maximize the compensation available to you.
The Barrett Law Firm handles serious ATV accidents throughout Mississippi and offers a free case evaluation so contact us today at (662) 834-2376.
