Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer Series: Part 6 – All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Accidents
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be a fun source of recreation. You can jump over hills, ride through rough paths, and add adventure to your day at the beach. However, ATVs are also dangerous. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 700 people are killed and 135,000 injured annually in ATV accidents. A Philadelphia car accident personal injury lawyer from Alfred Abel Law Offices can help in the event you have been injured in an ATV accident.
ATVs, like motorcycles, leave their riders exposed significantly increasing the damage that the driver can sustain in an accident. Unlike motorcycle riders, ATV operators can drive without a license in many states, resulting in a substantial number of rider fatalities in those aged 16 and younger. Additionally, many riders fail to wear helmets and other protective gear because of the lack of regulation surrounding ATV operation.
ATV Accidents: What are the causes and who is involved?
Common ATV accidents are rollovers and collisions. The factors that lead to these accidents are:
- Inadequate maintenance
- Driver inexperience
- Intoxication
- Reckless riding
- Defective parts and equipment
The parties who may be liable for these accidents usually include:
- The owner of the ATV
- The driver of the ATV or other ATVs involved in the collision
- The parents if the driver is a minor
- The property owner of the land in which the ATVs were operated
- The manufacturer
How do you know when you have a claim?
In the case of an ATV negligence claim, you must prove that you suffered harm caused by another person’s negligence. Often ATV accidents will involve multiple parties and can be complicated. Certain factors will be considered, including Duty of Care and Assumption of Risk.
Immediately contacting an accident personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia will help ensure the claim is processed accurately and will secure experienced guidance for you. However, any evidence you can provide to the attorney will be helpful, such as:
- Statements by involved parties or witnesses
- Incident reports from responding police and rescue personnel
- Photographs (of the vehicles, the terrain, or anything that could be a factor in the accident, such as alcohol)
- Medical opinions from attending doctors that attribute your injuries to the accident
Compensation
Once you know you have a valid claim, you may receive money for any loss that is connected to the ATV injury. For instance, if you miss work, you can collect lost wages. You may receive reimbursement for your medical expenses, anticipated medical expenses, suffering, repair or replacement for damaged property, and other losses connected to the accident.
Philadelphia Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist
ATVs can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, and many people are injured in the course of riding them. An Alfred Abel Law Offices Philadelphia car accident personal injury lawyer can review your case, discuss your options, and help you recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a consultation.