When you head out to use an all-terrain vehicle, you might be planning for an afternoon of fun driving through off-road parks, or maybe you have to move some equipment with the vehicle. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know that you can still be in danger on your ATV. All-terrain vehicle accidents are slightly different than a typical on-road accident, because they can happen anywhere and for a number of reasons. ATVs are most commonly used for work and play; they can be used on farms to track livestock or haul crops; ATVs can also be used for recreational travel in off-road environments.
It’s been estimated that over 150,000 people were taken to the emergency room for injuries associated with ATV crashes in 2007. ATV-related deaths were totaled at 750 in 2006, showing that even these recreational vehicles can be dangerous.
One of the dangers in an ATV accident is a traumatic brain injury. In most cases of serious but non-fatal injuries on these vehicles, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, dislocations, neurological injuries, and concussions took place. This is because the vehicle can potentially roll over or move in a way that forces the driver or passengers to hit their heads. ATVs are also not meant to be used on public roadways and can be unexpected; this makes them more likely to be hit.
The most common danger on an ATV is the potential for it to flip or roll. This has a high risk of throwing a driver or passenger off the vehicle and even potentially pinning the person under the vehicle. Our website has more on ATV accidents and how to file a claim against a negligent party who caused your accident.
