ATVs are Supposed to be Fun. Why Are They So Deadly?

All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are extremely popular, one to two passenger vehicles with oversized tires that allow you to go almost anywhere where there’s a trail or enough room to pass through. They also might put you into your grave. If you or a loved one is severely injured or killed while riding an ATV, negligence may be a cause, and you may be entitled to compensation.

You Need Not Go Far to Find Deadly ATV Accidents

A young girl died in an ATV accident in northern Kentucky in early September, according to WLWT. It occurred north of Jonesville, on the Owen and Grant County line.

She, her father, and another child were riding an ATV on a family farm when it rolled on a hill, killing the 8-year-old girl, Emma Haacke. Her father and sibling were injured and taken to hospitals after the accident.

A teen was killed in an ATV crash in Laurel County in June. Two teens were riding an ATV on a road, ran off it, and lost control. The other teen was injured and treated at a hospital, reports WYMT.

That month, two other juveniles were injured, one critically, after the ATV they were riding was struck by a car on KY 81. The ATV was rear-ended by the car at about 8:30 p.m. Police report the car driver braked to try to prevent hitting it, but it was dark, the ATV was unlit, and the driver didn’t see it in time.

Both juveniles were transported to a nearby hospital. After the accident, a 12-year-old was in critical condition, and a 13-year-old was in stable condition, according to the Owensboro Times.

What is an ATV?

There are four elements to an ATV, according to BoostATV. They are the following:

• It has an engine powered by gasoline, diesel, or electricity. The rider does not power it like a bicycle 
• It’s designed for off-road use and cannot legally be driven on roads in most of the US, Canada, and Australia. You can lawfully cross a road on an ATV in Kentucky but not otherwise ride on it
• It uses four low-pressure or non-pneumatic (air pressure doesn’t help keep their shape) tires
• The seat is straddled by the operator and a passenger (if it’s big enough). You sit on it like a bicycle, not on a seat as if you’re in a car 

ATVs can be used for recreation and outdoor work purposes. The US military uses many ATVs.

Why are ATVs Dangerous?

More than 700 people are killed, and 100,000 are injured riding ATVs in the US annually, according to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission. More than 90% of the injuries involve children.

More than 3,000 children under the age of 16 were killed while riding ATVs from 1985 to 2015, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics. They estimate about a million kids went to hospital emergency departments due to ATV-related injuries during that time.

ATVs have a high center of gravity and a narrow track, which makes flipping over more likely. They may also be harder to control when off-road tires unevenly grab gravel or paved road surfaces.

ATVs are getting bigger and faster over time. This makes them more fun and thrilling to ride but increases the risk of traumatic and fatal injuries.

ATV use on roads is especially dangerous. The rider may accelerate to high speeds, which makes the loss of control, difficulty stopping, and a collision with a vehicle more likely. About 60% of ATV-related deaths occur on paved and unpaved public roadways.

What Injuries Could an ATV Accident Cause?

The most common ATV accident injuries are the following:

• Bumps
• Bruises
• Cuts
• Joint dislocations
• Bone fractures
• Concussions
• Head injuries

More severe injuries happen due to the following:

• Higher speed
• What the ATV crashes into
• What the rider lands on
• Whether safety equipment, like a helmet, is used

ATV accidents can cause traumatic and possibly permanent or fatal injuries to the head, spine, chest, and abdomen.

Speak To an ATV Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is seriously injured or killed in an ATV accident, the cause should be investigated. If you were a passenger, the driver may have been negligent. The ATV may not have been safely maintained or be dangerously defective.

Satterley & Kelley PLLC attorneys can help you investigate what happened and take legal action if necessary. We will protect your interests and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

You can discuss your accident during a free initial consultation. Schedule one by calling our office in Louisville at 502-589-5600 (toll-free at 855-385-9532) or completing our contact form.