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ATV Accidents Can Result In Serious, Potentially Life-Threatening Injuries

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), also known as quads, are popular among teens and adults, both to have fun and haul heavy objects. However, even when operated properly, ATVs can still cause serious injuries and death. While rider error can sometimes be the cause of accidents, mechanical failures and design flaws often contribute to injury.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, the Directorate for Economic Analysis and the Directorate for Epidemiology/Division of Hazard Analysis report that every four seconds, someone goes to an emergency room somewhere in America to be treated for an injury sustained in an ATV accident. The study reports that:

  • In Florida alone, there has been a total reported death toll of 485 due to ATV accidents.
  • Further, in 2010, a total of 115,000 were treated in emergency rooms for ATV accident injuries. That figure is significantly less than in previous years. In 2009, there were 131,900 emergency room visits for ATC accidents. In 2008, there were 135,100 emergency room visits. In 2007, that figure was 150,900.

Despite best efforts and precautions, even safe drivers can lose control of their ATV and become injured.

ATV Injuries Can Impact Your Entire Body And Lessen Your Quality Of Life

The injuries sustained by victims of ATV accidents often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. They include but are not limited to:

If you have been involved in an ATV accident, here are some things you need to do.

  • Seek medical attention even if you do not feel any symptoms immediately: Too common, parties involved in accidents do not experience any symptoms until days or even weeks following the accident. You will need documentation of your condition if you proceed with the legal process, and the longer you wait, the harder it will be to prove that the injuries sustained were caused by the ATV accident.
  • Take pictures: Take pictures of the accident, scene and injuries you sustained. It is especially consequential to take photos of bruises, cuts and scrapes you sustained because they heal quickly.
  • Get as much information as you can about your accident: Key items include the names, numbers and addresses of all the people involved, including witnesses, the precise location of the crash and information about the ATV, including the make and model number, etc. You will also need copies of all the insurance information.
  • Take notes regarding your medical treatment and have the contact information of chiropractors, physical therapists, or medical professionals you have been visiting: This information will be necessary to receive reimbursement from your insurance company.
  • Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. An experienced ATV accident attorney will make sure that your legal rights are protected and will know how to properly deal with all of the parties involved; insurance companies, witnesses and experts.

These steps will give you a head start on putting yourself in a better position to recover, but the best thing to do is to get in touch with our team as soon as you can so that we can help you with your specific situation.

Call Our Attorneys Today

If you or someone you know has been involved in an ATV accident, contact an experienced accident attorney at Williams & Ackley P.L.C. Call 727-361-2973 for a free initial consultation today. We also can be reached via email if you prefer to write to us to send us a brief description of your situation.