What to Do After Sustaining a Personal Injury from an ATV Accident

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are small vehicles that can only accommodate one or two drivers. People primarily use this type of vehicle for leisure purposes, but some also use it for work purposes.

For example, farmers can use ATVs to access remote areas, and laborers can use them to go to their worksites. However, like any type of vehicle, ATVs can cause personal injuries.

“Every year, many people have to go to a clinic or the hospital after sustaining injuries from ATV accidents. This is because ATVs are not suitable for all types of terrain. You may thus get into an accident riding them in some terrain,” says Personal Injury Attorney Eric H. Weitz of The Weitz Firm, LLC.

In this article, we will discuss the dangers of ATVs and present steps to take after sustaining personal injury in an ATV accident.

The Controversies around ATVs

The first generation of ATVs, which had three wheels, was found not to be suitable for all terrains. As a result, regulators completely banned its production.

However, the manufacturer went back to make a new design. The new generation of ATVs features four wheels equipped with low-pressure tires. 

This is to ensure it can travel on mud tracks. Although the design now allowed it to be used on rough surfaces, a new problem surfaced. 

It became difficult to control it when riding on a smooth surface, so regulators banned its use on paved roads.

The Dangers Attended to Riding ATVs

The seat of an ATV is typically positioned over the engine. Riders can get carried away when driving an ATV because they may want to let go to enjoy the wind, or be distracted. 

There is a grave danger to this. Unlike cars, ATVs do not have body parts that cover the entire vehicle. Thus, in an accident, there is nothing to shield the driver from sustaining bodily harm.

Moreover, wearing a seatbelt can help lessen the severity of an injury in the event of an accident. However, for riders of ATVs, that is not the case. In fact, they are more exposed.

When the ATV slips off the road, the driver can be thrown from the vehicle. This means that they will have to crash into their body, which worsens the physical injury. In the worst-case scenario, drivers can get crushed under the ATV should an accident occur.

Statistics on ATV Accidents

Unfortunately, from 2016 to 2018, about 700 Americans died due to ATV accidents per annum. More concerning is that over 500,000 Americans suffered severe bodily harm due to ATV accidents between 2015 and 2020.

Heck and head injuries are the most commonly reported injuries. Victims may also suffer severe burns, bruises, broken arms, broken legs, and chest injuries.

How ATVs Can Lead to Brain Injuries

Many victims of ATV accidents tend to suffer head injuries. This mainly results in traumatic brain injuries. The concerning fact is that the victim might have no clue that they suffered a traumatic brain injury after an accident.

That is because the person may not lose consciousness immediately. Medical practitioners have noted that becoming unconscious does not determine the severity of a head injury. However, in some cases, victims may lose consciousness immediately. 

Generally, when you sustain a mild brain injury, you may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, headache, memory problems, and mood swings. Symptoms of serious brain injuries are more severe. They include convulsions, vomiting, seizures, and loss of ability to coordinate.

It is important to note that symptoms of traumatic brain injury may not be immediate. That is why seeking medical help immediately after an ATV accident is essential. 

Medical Care for ATV Accidents

The most severe type of injury from an ATV accident is traumatic brain injury. The diagnosis may require a comprehensive physical examination or a CT scan. The doctor may also instruct you not to engage in any other activities during your treatment. 

Severe traumatic brain injury may require a brain scan. Doctors may also have to conduct surgical procedures to remove blood clots. Some cases may require the repair of a fractured skull.

The treatment for this injury can last for months. It makes medical care very expensive.

How to Ensure Safety

ATV accidents can cause serious medical consequences. Since medical care is expensive, it is important to understand how to stay safe when riding an ATV.

To stay safe, avoid paved roads, do not overload the ATV with riders, and wear protective gear. You can also attend safety training to ensure you understand how to ride ATVs safely and responsibly. Lastly, following set guidelines and regulations can go a long way in keeping you safe.

Legal Steps to Take after an Accident

Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help recover some of the financial losses incurred due to the accident. You may file a personal injury lawsuit when the accident is due to another person’s negligence. 

A personal injury lawsuit seeks compensation for medical care, loss of income during inactivity, and property damage. The compensation may also cover psychological trauma, pain, and suffering.

You may also file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer if the accident is due to a mechanical fault in the vehicle. Such a lawsuit may be directed at the manufacturer of the ATV or the faulty part. 

Final Words

It is important to observe all safety protocols when riding ATVs. This is because injuries sustained in ATV-related accidents are more severe than in regular vehicle crashes. You must prioritize your safety above all else. 

Additionally, understanding the legal steps and navigating the process can be challenging for victims. It is advisable to engage an attorney to discuss the accident and determine the next course of action. Do not compound your pain by insisting on handling the case on your own. 

Moreover, the suffering that accompanies personal injury may weigh heavily on victims. Taking on a complex legal process with this may prove too burdensome. Hence, always involve a local personal injury attorney to do excellent work for you.