All-terrain vehicles or ATVs are steadily becoming more popular in Philadelphia and across the entire state. In Pennsylvania, ATVs accounted for about 665 deaths between 2013 and 2016. Many individuals who attempt to drive an ATV have likely received no training to operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury if something goes wrong. If you or a family member was injured while riding an ATV or injured by someone driving an ATV, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
The Philadelphia ATV accident lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm have represented injury victims in Philadelphia and across the region. Our firm has decades of experience dealing with personal injury claims and would be proud to put this experience to work for you. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call us at (215) 709-6940 or contact us online.
ATV-Related Death and Injury Statistics
All-terrain vehicles are dangerous when they are not driven with caution. From 1982 to 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recorded 14,653 ATV-related fatalities. Approximately 21 percent of those deaths involved residents of Pennsylvania. CPSC workers received reports of 337 ATV-related fatalities in 2016 alone. While these fatalities are still being reported, about 70 Pennsylvanians died in ATV-related accidents in 2016.
In 2013, the most recent year where reporting is considered complete, about 12 percent of the reported 590 ATV-related fatalities involved children under the age of 16.
In 2016, there were about 101,200 ATV-related injuries that required emergency medical treatment. While these numbers are not outrageously high, it does not mean that ATVs are safe. In the hands of an inexperienced rider, an ATV can cause severe injuries or death.
ATV Safety Tips
ATVs are small, four-wheeled single or dual-person vehicles typically used for recreational purposes on off-road courses. Four low-pressure tires help ATVs smoothly traverse rough terrains. ATVs are like motorcycles because they are operated like motorcycles with the driver usually seated above the engine.
At lower speeds, ATVs are safer than motorcycles because of the stability the four wheels provide. However, because ATVs are designed to be driven off-road, they can be just as dangerous as motorcycles. ATVs are not street-legal in Pennsylvania and many other states; however, this has not stopped some people from operating them on the road anyway. Whether you are driving an ATV off-road or on the road, you should be aware of how to keep yourself safe on an ATV.
According to the CPSC, there are over 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries a year that are associated with ATVs. Here are some tips to consider to avoid being injured or killed on an ATV:
- Do not drive ATVs on paved roads – ATVs are specifically designed to travel off-road, and driving an ATV on a paved road will make the vehicle difficult to control. Driving on the street with other cars or trucks is extremely unsafe with an ATV.
- No drivers under 16 – The CPSC states that a staggering 90 percent of ATV-related injuries involving children occur because the child does not possess sufficient developmental skills to operate more powerful adult ATVs. Children younger than 16 should be on age-appropriate youth models, which are designed to travel at lower speeds than adult ATVs. Additionally, children younger than six should not drive or be a passenger on any type of ATV.
- Do not carry excess passengers – An ATV is designed to carry only the number of passengers the manufacturer approves. ATVs require interactive riding and moving with the vehicle; extra passengers can negatively impact the driver’s ability to control the vehicle safely.
- Wear protective gear – Helmets, goggles, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and over-the-ankle boots are recommended when riding an ATV.
- Receive training – Many injuries and deaths associated with ATV riding occur because an inexperienced driver loses control of an ATV, is thrown from an ATV, overturns the ATV, or collides with another vehicle or stationary object.
Common Injuries in ATV Accidents
ATV accidents can lead to several different types of injuries, these injuries include:
- Abrasions
- Broken Bones
- Burns
- Concussions
- Dislocated Joints
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
This is not an exhaustive list of ATV injuries. If you wish to know who can be held responsible for your ATV injuries and how to prove your case, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Philadelphia ATV Accident Attorneys for Injured Riders and Passengers
If you or a family member was injured in an ATV-related accident, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney. When an ATV accident is caused by a driver or another party’s negligent or reckless actions, you deserve compensation for any injuries you sustain. The attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm will work tirelessly to fight for you. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (215) 709-6940 or reach us online.
