Orange County ATV Accident Lawyers
Get Legal Help After an ATV Accident
All-terrain vehicles are not toys. They are powerful vehicles that can be dangerous under the wrong circumstances. California is the fourth highest-ranking state in the U.S. for ATV deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A total of 756 ATV fatalities were reported statewide from 1982 through 2017. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an ATV accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation.
What Causes ATV Accidents and Who Is Liable?
- Many ATV wrecks are caused by driver inexperience or negligence. They may result from speeding, reckless driving, or carrying passengers for which the ATV was not designed.
- Some ATV accidents are caused by defective parts. If vehicle failure caused the crash, the manufacturer or seller might be held responsible for a product liability claim.
- Property owners may also be liable for ATV accidents. If they allow others to ride ATVs on their property, they have a responsibility to inspect and maintain trails and to warn riders of known hazards. Private landowners may be responsible for ATV accidents if they intentionally create traps, such as pits and unmarked wire and rope boundaries.
What Are Common Injuries in ATV Accidents?
ATV accidents can cause a range of injuries, many of which can be serious or life-threatening. Common injuries in ATV wrecks include:
- Lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Death
Where and How Can You Ride an ATV in California?
In California, ATV drivers are not permitted to carry passengers while operating on public lands, unless the ATV is designed to carry one passenger. However, state ATV laws do not apply on private property. ATVs are also not permitted on California streets and highways, but there are certain exceptions.
- You may drive on a street designated for ATV travel, provided: you have a valid driver’s license; the ATV has rubber tires; the street has an operational stoplight; and it is not dark.
- You may cross a two-lane street in an ATV at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
- You may cross a street with more than two lanes only where permitted, as indicated by appropriate signage.
Safety Tips for ATVs
ATV riders can help prevent serious injuries by taking certain safety precautions. These include:
- Taking a hands-on safety training course before riding
- Never driving with a passenger or riding as a passenger, unless the ATV is specifically designed for it
- Always wear protective gear, and particularly a helmet
- Never drive an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Never driving on paved roads, except to cross the street as allowed by law
- Never permit children to drive or ride on adult ATVs
What To Do After an ATV Accident
The most important thing to do after an ATV crash is to get immediate medical attention. To the extent you are able, it is essential to document and preserve evidence at the scene of the accident. It may be in your best interests to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before discussing the details of the accident with insurance companies. Insurers are in business for profit, and they are looking for reasons to minimize their payout or deny your claim entirely.
Why Choose Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie?
- We are planners who will start preparing your case from the initial meeting and constructing a strong claim based on the facts.
- Our firm was founded in 1974 and our Orange County personal injury attorneys have more than 40 years of experience.
- We have a successful track record, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We offer a free consultation, with no time limits and no restrictions. If you or your loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, call Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie today at (949) 752-7474 to schedule your consultation with a seasoned Orange County personal injury lawyer.
Additional Information
- ATV Accidents Still a Major Cause of Injury
- Reported ATV-Related Fatalities (by State)
- ATV Safety Training - Mission of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division
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