ATV Accident Death and Injury Statistics – Wyoming

A range of ATV-related deaths and injuries have been reported in Wyoming. In Hot Springs County in 2015, a man died in an ATV accident while out looking for antler sheds. Bear hunters who were setting traps found the man’s body under his ATV in the Grass Creek area. In May of this year, a 34-year old man died in an ATV accident in the northeast of Wyoming. Richard Schumacker of Douglas died after the ATV he was riding turned over, crushing him in Southern Campbell County. And, in June this year, another death was reported in southern Wyoming when a 13-year old boy from Utah perished in a crash in the Ryan Park area when he and his cousin were riding on a United States Forest Service road, and the ATV struck a tree.

Fire Hazards and Recalls of All-Terrain Vehicles

This year both Suzuki and Polaris have issued recalls. Polaris is recalling many of their Sportsman 570 all-terrain vehicles due to fire hazards. The manufacturer has received 35 reports of leaks and damaged fuel rails. The recall revolves around models manufactured between 2014 and 2016 and includes the Sportsman 570 Touring as well as the X2 model ATVs along with the 2017 Sportsman 570 6x6. The recalled models comprise one or two seats and four or six tires.

Furthermore, Suzuki has issued a recall of 3,400 of their KingQuad ATVs due to potential crash hazards. The ATV’s battery may fail, leading to the engine stopping while in use, and posing a crash hazard. Kawasaki also issued a recall in June of more than 6,000 off-road vehicles because of fire hazards. The Teryx and Teryx4 off-highway vehicles, as well as the Mule utility vehicles and Brute Force 750 all-terrain vehicles all present potential hairline cracks in the fuel level sensor plate which could lead to the pump separating from the tank and a fuel leakage ensuing.

Who is Liable?

In Wyoming, if you are injured or lose a loved one due to a fire or explosion on an ATV, the manufacturer, and even the supplier may be held liable. An experienced ATV injury attorney will be able to assess the case and advise on who is liable and what sort of compensation may be sought. Often, faulty parts and defective pieces can lead to severe burns, injuries, and death in cases of ATV accidents.