ROV Accidents
Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) refer to motorized recreational off-highway vehicles that have a dry weight of 1,500 pounds or below and measures 60 inches or less in width. These vehicles are intended to travel on four, or sometimes more, non-highway tires. Unlike all-terrain vehicles (ATV), these vehicles have a steering wheel and non-straddle seating. Motorized go-karts usually fall into this category, too.
About Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles
ROVs are a type of vehicle that is typically used for sporting and recreation purposes. Recreational off-highway vehicles are designed for being used off-road. For example, they are regularly used for racing or touring on trails, on rocky terrain, in hilly areas, and even up mountains. Some people choose to alter or modify their vehicle for more power and faster performance.
Usually, the term ROV indicates either a four-seater or side-by-side two-seater vehicle, unlike an all-terrain vehicle that indicates a single-seater quad cycle vehicle. Both ATVs and ROVs are used for off-road purposes, and both pose risks and dangers, especially in terms of defective parts that can result in a fire or explosion.
ROVs and Their Associated Dangers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for a range of different ROVs in April 2016. This was due to the fire hazards associated with the recreational vehicles. The CPSC received more than 150 reports of these vehicles catching fire while people were driving them, resulting in serious fire, burn, and even explosion risks to drivers. In the report, one death was reported in association with a particular brand of vehicle’s fires.
In addition to fire hazards, ROVs are also usually associated with accidents that are relatively common to off-road vehicles, such as:
- Flips
- Collisions
- Rollovers
- Other types of accidents
Any of these accidents can result in severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, whiplash, neck injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and facial injuries.
Are There Legal Remedies for Accidents and Injuries?
These kinds of off-road injuries and accidents can be serious, and they may require legal action in order to settle. Often, these cases involve legal theories such as product liability (particularly for fire breakouts) and negligence. These kinds of suits can result in remedies including damages to compensate the injured person for their losses. Compensation may include lost wages, medical expenses, and related costs. A range of parties may be held liable for an accident, depending on the circumstances, for example, an owner, manufacturer, distributor, driver, or operator.
Do You Need a Lawyer’s Help for an ROV Lawsuit?
Since certain brands of recreational off-highway vehicles have been identified as presenting risks to consumers, you may need the help of a personal injury attorney for legal representation for your injury claim. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to provide research, guidance, and advice, and can represent you at hearings or meetings to help seek compensation for your injuries.
Overall, the correct training and protective gear are two particular measures you can take to avoid getting into an off-road vehicle accident or to limit the negative effects of a vehicle fire or explosion. It is also advisable to never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.