ATV (all-terrain vehicles), or “four-wheelers,” are compact, sturdy vehicles meant to perform in rough terrain settings. While these vehicles can provide a great riding experience, they can also cause devastating accidents and death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 2,000 ATV-related deaths from 2012 to 2015 in the U.S. If you or a family member was injured in an ATV accident in Miami, call Miami ATV/four-wheeler injury attorney Prosper Shaked today at (305) 694-2676.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents
ATV accidents can happen for many different reasons. Each of these reasons or causes has the potential of causing severe, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common causes of ATV accidents include the following:
Reckless Driving
Many ATV riders like to perform tricks and stunts while driving their vehicles. “Goon riding” is the term used to describe riders who push the boundaries of safety for the sake of performing ATV tricks. The sad reality is that many of these tricks often lead to devastating crashes and severe injuries. Things like taking your hands off the handlebars and popping wheelies at high speed increase the chances of having an accident. If you were a passenger in an ATV that was driven recklessly, that driver may be responsible for your injuries.
DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one extremely dangerous cause of ATV accidents – and other motor vehicle accidents. Driving drunk or drugged driving dramatically impacts your coordination and reaction time, which increases the risk of crashing. This is especially true when riding through rough terrain and dense foliage. If you were injured by a drunk ATV driver, you may be able to take them to court for your injuries.
Lack of Experience
ATV riding requires proper training. Many first-timers tend to hop onto their ATV thinking it’s going to be a smooth ride. But inexperience can prove to be dangerous, especially when it comes to driving an ATV. Inexperienced riders are likelier to experience a severe accident than those with previous training. If an inexperienced rider hit you with an ATV or caused an accident that injured you, you may be entitled to compensation.
Lack of Adequate Maintenance
The most critical parts of an ATV are prone to fail if they do not receive proper maintenance. Riders need to look for typical signs of wear and tear on their vehicle’s tires, shock absorbers, and other parts that might need replacement. If poor maintenance caused your injuries, you may be able to sue the vehicle owner.
Common Injuries in Four-Wheeler Accidents
Four-wheeler riders are entirely exposed during an accident, as most ATVs do not have roll bars or protective posts like cars. Many people tend to forget ATVs are not toys and that they pose as much danger as motorcycles and other vehicles. ATV accidents often lead to severe injuries. Some of the most common ATV injuries include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A heavy blow to the head can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of injury is commonly associated with car accidents, but ATV riders are also at risk of suffering from TBI after a crash. Many ATV riders don’t use their helmets, trusting their vehicle’s four wheels will provide enough stability to prevent a fall. This common mistake statistically doubles the chances of sustaining a severe head injury during an accident.
Common symptoms of TBI include dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, lack of coordination, trouble focusing, and other side effects. If you suffer a severe head injury, you could need costly medical treatment, surgery, and other medical care.
Broken Bones
Broken bone injuries are amongst the most painful injuries. The human body has over 200 bones, and there is a good chance you could fracture or break one or more bones if you fall from your ATV. Recovering from multiple bone fractures can take a long recovery period and can require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are common in many accidents. Falling and landing on your back can lead to severe injuries. One of the most common back injuries you can sustain from a four-wheeler accident is a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries are especially dangerous because they could cause paralysis from the location of the damage, down. For instance, if you receive a heavy blow on your spinal cord close to your waistline, you could end up paralyzed from the waist down. This type of injuries may require ongoing medical care and assistance.
Organ Injuries
Massive trauma can affect your organs and cause internal bleeding. ATV riders can experience trauma throughout the body during an accident. Injury to the abdomen, damage to the liver, or perforations caused by broken bones can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, and, in severe cases, death.
Miami, Florida ATV Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
The outcome of an ATV accident can be devastating and long-lasting. If you or a loved one was injured in a four-wheeler crash, call Miami ATV accident lawyer Prosper Shaked immediately. We understand dealing with personal injuries can be stressful and overwhelming. That is why we dedicate our practice to representing the victims of ATV accidents and other injuries. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676 today.