It’s no wonder that ATV enthusiasts love the greater Las Vegas area. We’re surrounded by all kinds of landscapes that lend themselves to ATV adventures, from the red dust trails of the Valley of Fire to the ragged rocks of Lake Mead Recreation Area. There’s nothing like the stomach flutter of a steep downhill or the heart-pumping thrill of navigating a rocky ridge on an ATV, all as the sun shines down and the wind hits your skin. It’s an unparalleled way to connect with nature, get your adrenaline pumping, explore new freedoms, and hone your riding skills.
But what happens when an ATV adventure goes wrong, leaving you with lingering injuries? In this article, we’ll talk about the biggest risks of ATV riding as well as the legal ramifications of an ATV injury accident.
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What’s an ATV?
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is a type of vehicle designed for off-road use. It typically has four low-pressure tires, a sturdy frame, and handlebars for steering. It is built to handle a variety of terrains, such as dirt trails, sand, mud, and rocky paths.
ATVs are popular for recreational use, including trail riding, sports, and farm work, and come in various types, from sport models to utility versions.
How Do ATV Injuries Occur?
Rollovers
ATVs can flip or roll over on steep or uneven terrain. Risks for a rollover are higher at high speeds or with sudden maneuvers like abrupt braking or turning.
Collisions
Just like when you are driving a car, you are at risk for collisions when behind the wheel of an ATV. You could collide with things like trees or fences if you’re not vigilant. And even if you are vigilant, other drivers may not be, increasing your chances of crashing into another vehicle (ATV, car, etc.)
Hazardous Terrain
The beauty of ATVs is that they can take you where many cars can’t go, but these offroad adventures can introduce you to hazards like mud, sand, loose gravel, boulders, and sudden drop-offs.
Lack of Safety Gear
In Nevada, helmets are required for riders under age 18 and highly recommended for all riders. If you fail to ride without a helmet, you make yourself vulnerable to injuries like concussions and skull fractures.
Back armor and chest protectors are optional, but they can go a long way in reducing spinal injury risks. Gloves and boots are also a great idea for protecting hands and feet.
High Speeds
The freedom of an ATV is exhilarating; it’s just you and the open air. But that freedom can make some people feel invincible and travel at reckless speeds. Speeding has contributed to many avoidable ATV wrecks as drivers take a turn too fast or hit an obstacle and lose control of their vehicle.
Poor Weather
Weather can make ATV riding more dangerous. Fog and rain can impair visibility. Rain, snow, and ice can make the road slippery, causing you to skid or spin out.
Inexperience
If it’s your first time behind the wheel of an ATV, you could be more susceptible to errors like shifting problems, oversteering, understeering, and misjudging terrain.
Mechanical Failure
Even the most cautious drivers can experience mechanical issues that jeopardize their safety, including problems with brakes, steering, or suspension. These issues are less likely when you maintain your ATV properly, but systems can still fail unexpectedly.
What are the Most Common Injuries from ATVs?
The list of common injuries includes, but is not limited to:
- Head injuries like traumatic brain injuries (including concussions) and skull fractures.
- Spinal injuries
- Fractured and/or broken bones (especially legs, arms, hands, feet, and collarbones)
- Internal injuries (it’s possible to damage organs like your spleen, liver, and kidney in high-impact crashes)
- Sprains and Strains
- Facial injuries (such as lacerations and fractures)
- Eye injuries
- Burns (from hot engine parts or exhaust pipes)
- Abrasions (such as road rash)
Can You Sue if You’re Injured on an ATV?
If you were injured while riding an ATV, start by talking to an accident injury lawyer. They can direct you to the best medical care and help you know if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
An attorney can be the go-between with the insurance company, making sure that you get a fair settlement. And if they don’t offer an acceptable settlement amount, your attorney can represent you in court.
Who Is Liable in a Personal Injury Case for ATV Accidents?
Driver
Sometimes, the driver is at fault. They may have been inexperienced or reckless or failed to follow safety rules.
ATV Manufacturer
The ATV could have design defects or manufacturing flaws, including faulty brakes, steering systems, or tires.
ATV Owner/Rental Company
The ATV owner may not have maintained the vehicle properly or may have lent it out without the appropriate safety precautions. For example, a company may rent ATVs to the public without the proper training, safety instructions, or protective gear.
Landowner
If you were riding on someone’s land and they broke the law by not marking off dangerous areas or failed to appropriately manage their land, they could be at fault. This applies not only to private property but to government-owned land.
Another Driver
If you were involved in a crash with another vehicle (ATV, car, motorcycle, etc.) who violated rules, they could be at fault.
What to Do After Sustaining an ATV Injury?
Call for Help
Call 9-1-1 immediately. If you can’t make the call, ask someone else in the vicinity to do it for you. Emergency services can attend to immediate injuries and document the accident scene. This documentation is vital for your insurance or legal claim.
Stay Still (if Injured)
Certain injuries, such as spinal injuries, can get worse if you try to move. If there is someone around to help you, have them stabilize the injured area. Then, wait for the professionals to get you to safety.
Get Medical Help
If you’re badly injured, emergency services can help get you the care you need. If you are able to walk away from the accident, it’s best to go see a doctor. Some injuries (such as spinal and head injuries) aren’t evident at first but can get worse with time. A doctor can help detect unseen injuries and keep you from making the injuries worse.
Follow your doctor’s orders. If they recommend ongoing care or therapies, comply with their guidelines. Otherwise, your injuries could worsen and your insurance claim could be affected (the other party’s insurance could argue that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim).
Talk to an Accident Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible
An attorney can direct you to the best medical specialists for your injuries and determine who bears responsibility for your wreck. They can also gather critical evidence for your injury claim. The earlier you involve an attorney, the better. Otherwise, details of the accident can blur with time, witnesses can disappear, and evidence can become difficult to procure.
If you are injured in an ATV accident, our accident injury attorneys here in the greater Las Vegas area can help. In 50 years of business, Tingey Injury Law Firm has fought for countless victims of vehicle accidents, and we’re ready to fight for your rights, helping you heal physically and financially.