How many people are injured in ATV accidents?
Did you know that 135,000 people are injured every year due to ATV accidents? Over 700 people are killed in these accidents every year. Approximately 1/3 of the people killed in ATV accidents each year are under the age of 16. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control. ATVs are subdivided into two types as designated by the manufacturer.
Common causes of ATV accidents:
No helmet or safety equipment
Aggressive driving
Driving on city streets or roads that are paved
Operating ATV at high speeds/speeding
Rider doesn’t have experience
Not paying attention
Too many passengers
Who is responsible for an ATV accident?
Determining who the responsible party is following an accident will be one of the first steps a lawyer will take. If the vehicle itself was defective or malfunctioned, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer. If you were on the ATV owner’s private property, a claim with the homeowner’s insurance policy or against the owner may be the next step. Texas has had 773 reported deaths from ATV-Related accidents from 1982-2014, this counts for 6% of all reported ATV fatalities in the U.S. There has been a total of 58 deaths in Texas from ATVs in 2015-2017 alone.
How to be Safe on an ATV
-Wear a helmet
-Never allow more riders than designed
-Get training and experience before riding extreme conditions
-Stay off paved roads
-Never let children under 16 right an adult ATV
Houston ATV Accident Statistics
All-terrain vehicles are very fun and many people use them for work and play. The only issue with ATVs is that they can be dangerous when driven at high speeds or when an inexperienced rider is driving. The on safety CPSC government website states that in Texas 698 people have died from ATV-related deaths between 1982-2012. This makes Texas one of the top ten states where people die on ATVs. The far majority of places for ATV accidents are on paved surfaces which make up 33% of the fatalities. ATVs can be dangerous because the weight is up to 600 pounds, they are motorized, and some can drive up to speeds of 65 mph.
ATV Accident Lawyers
Have you or a loved one been injured in an ATV crash? In 2015, there was more than 97,000 ATV injuries reported. If you were injured due to another person’s reckless driving or wrongdoing, then you may be able to seek compensation for damages and injuries. At Gary S. Tucker & Associates, we have handled many cases regarding ATVs and we always seek justice for our clients. We are here 24/7 to answer any questions you have regarding ATV accidents and settlements. We understand that you may be in pain from the accident and adding medical bills to the equation is the last thing you want to do. This is a time sensitive matter, so please contact our law office right away so we can determine if hiring an ATV accident lawyer is the right option for you.
