ATV Accidents

Driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is a popular pastime for adolescents and adults alike. But, the enjoyable nature of driving the vehicles can make the significant risk of injury that can happen due to negligent driving, and defective parts resulting in explosions and fires.

The Dangers of ATV Accidents, Fires, and Explosions

The most common kind of injury involves an all-terrain vehicle rolling or flipping. When this happens, the driver and passenger may be flung from the vehicle or pinned beneath it. Many people fail to realize that ATVs are not designed to carry passengers in the back of the vehicle, as doing so can put both the driver and the passengers at an increased risk for an accident.

The U.S. Department of Labor Occupation Safety and Health Administration reports that these vehicles lack the general stability of other types of vehicles and not supported to be driven on paved roads. Since children tend to lack the cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, and physical strength necessary to operate the vehicle properly, their risk of accidents and injuries is even greater than that of adults. Studies show that adolescent and teenage riders suffer more severe injuries, especially head injuries, than any other age group. While there are a number of federal and state laws in place, as well as standards and codes for all terrain vehicles, it remains that severe non-fatal accidents, injuries, and even death can still occur.

Faulty parts or manufacturing flaws often result in vehicle fires or explosions. Some of the most common causes of fires or explosions include gas leaks, fuel line or tank defects, improper gas tank positioning, poor electric wiring. ATV fires or explosions can result in a wide range of injuries, including but not limited to various types of burns, smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, traumatic injury caused by flying debris.

Drivers That Cause All-Terrain Vehicle Accidents

One of the most common reasons for these types of accidents is the lack of appropriate training. Not having an understanding of how the vehicle works on paved roads, hillsides, and rough terrain can lead to a rollover or crash.

What’s more, many children have accidents in all-terrain vehicles that are intended to be driven by adults. If your child drives someone else’s vehicle without supervision and is injured, you may be able to secure a settlement through the owner of the vehicles’ insurance provider.

Another common reason for accidents is that the operator hauls passengers or a load that exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendations. Adding additional weight makes the vehicle less maneuverable, and it is more likely to roll over. Faulty systems can result in a severe explosion or fire.

Is There Recourse for Those Who Are Injured?

Most of these cases turn on the fault. The main issue is who is responsible for the accident. If someone other than the injured victim caused the accident, the victim may sue on the grounds of negligence provided he or she can show that the responsible party:

• Had a duty of care to the victim
• This duty was broken
• The breach resulted in the accident
• The victim incurred losses and actual damages

Often, more than one person is responsible, though, and in most cases, a jury will allocate a percentage of fault to each of the parties and apportion damages accordingly.

Accident victims may be able to recover lost income, medical expenses, property repairs, pain and suffering, and psychological anguish. Even those involved in a single-vehicle accident or in a fire or explosion caused by faulty parts may be able to recover compensation in a product liability suit.