To many, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are the picture of adventure and recreation. First introduced into the United States in the early 1970’s, ATVs—now known as three-wheelers and four-wheelers—originated in rural Japan as a way to travel on poorly maintained roads between farms and towns. In the States, the vehicle was quickly transformed into a pleasure-seeking off road device. Many realized that ATVs could go places where SUVs and other four-wheel drive vehicles cannot.

It is commonly known that these vehicles can be extremely dangerous. Spokespeople for ATV companies will assert that the drivers, and not the vehicles, are at fault for the often catastrophic accidents. In truth, driver error may be a factor, but not necessarily. Statistics suggest that just under a third of all ATV-related fatalities occur when the driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or is not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Still, what many fail to realize is that both experienced and inexperienced drivers are sometimes unprepared for the unexpected way in which ATVs handle.

Tragically, many fatalities that occur from ATV accidents involve children or teens that are passengers or drivers. Because children use ATV’s off road and may not be licensed, they are inexperienced by definition. This inexperience in operating motor vehicles can be a factor leading to severe ATV accidents and injuries.

ATVs tend to be prone to rolling over, which means that serious head and spinal injuries happen all too often, the most serious cases ending in paralysis and death. This is largely due to the fact that most ATVs do not have covered roofs or roll bars, making their occupants completely vulnerable to these injuries. In 2006, it was reported that 555 people were killed in ATV accidents. Roughly one fourth of those were children. In 2007, roughly 40,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries, and 107 of those children died. Many children die when the vehicle crushes their lungs, or they suffocate from being crushed beneath the vehicle.

Many factors can contribute to an ATV accident, and many different parties can possibly be at fault. There are instances in which a given ATV is defective, for which the company who made it and/or any mechanics who worked on the ATV recently could be held accountable. Sometimes, an entire line of ATVs may be defective. If an accident occurs on a man-made course that was somehow flawed and contributed to instigating the accident, the party who made or maintained the course could be held liable for damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an ATV, you are wise to investigate the possibility that the victim might not have been at fault. Contact the Law Office of Scott Righthand with any questions you might have, and we will help you to procure the compensation that you deserve.