Experienced Legal Representation for Victims of ATV Accidents in Colorado
There are few crashes more deadly than those involving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Not only is formal training and licensing not required to drive these vehicles, but there is also no age limit for recreational use. Driving ATVs off-road is a popular recreational activity for both adults and children in the Boulder area. When something goes wrong, a fun day becomes a living nightmare if a loved one sustains a severe, catastrophic, or fatal injury.
ATV accidents may be the result of manufacturing defects, lack of maintenance, inadequate supervision, or failing to follow reasonable safety protocols. If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in an ATV accident, seek legal help to evaluate your case. While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one or the challenges of living with a disability, a responsible party must be held accountable. The personal injury team at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, takes on ATV injury cases with determination, top-level legal skills, and an uncompromising dedication to the people we represent. If you need top-notch legal aid, call us at (303) 665-2929. We’re ready to help.
The Dangers of ATVs
While ATVs can be a fun way to explore, get some fresh air, and have a thrilling experience, they can also be incredibly dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lists ATVs as the fifth deadliest product they oversee – and for a good reason. ATVs are more dangerous than most vehicles due to the following:
- Lack of lateral stability
- Lack of rollover protection
- High weight, with ATVs ranging from 400 to 700 pounds
- Unlike passenger vehicles, ATVs are driven off-road in terrain that requires sudden turns, jumps, and a higher risk of accidents
- No legally required training or age limit on driving
- Driving in unregulated recreational settings often involve drugs, alcohol, competition, and other factors that prompt drivers to take higher risks
Due to these factors, accidents in ATV’s are incredibly common. You should be aware of the many potential accidents you could find yourself in if you go riding on an ATV. In our experience, some of the most common ATV accidents include:
- Side rollovers
- Backward rollovers
- Collisions with stationary objects or other vehicles
- Loss of control due to high speed
- Overloading the ATV
- Tire blowouts
- Broken axel
- Steering failure
- Brake failure
These accidents can be caused for any number of reasons, not all of them the driver’s fault. A defective part or a poorly trainer supervisor could easily result in a catastrophic accident. However, regardless of the type of accident, the injuries sustained are often life-changing for the victims and their families.
Common ATV Accident Injuries
Any accident involving a 700-pound vehicle traveling at up to 80 miles per hour can result in horrific injuries – especially when that vehicle has limited protection for the driver or passengers. At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, we see victims of ATV crashes suffer from:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputations
- Paralysis
Many ATV-related injuries are fatal, with over 700 deaths reported per year in the US alone – many of whom are children, as reported by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). These injuries, if they prove non-fatal, will impact you for the rest of your life. Some may result in disabilities that completely change the way you have to live, and others will cost you hundreds of thousands in medical bills. Recovering damages may be the only way that you can begin to pay for such injuries.
You Deserve Compensation After an ATV Accident
The aftermath of an ATV accident can lead to expensive medical bills, life-altering disabilities or disfigurement, or the tragic loss of a loved one. If you or a member of your family was injured in an ATV accident caused by negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for damages. The amount pursued in a claim or lawsuit will reflect the full scope of the economic and non-economic losses resulting from the accident.
The value of a personal injury claim will be based on the severity of the injuries and the long-term impact on your life. The compensation sought in a personal injury claim can include:
- Immediate and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Alterations to home and vehicle to accommodate for any handicap
- Wrongful death compensation
However, a key step in filing a claim is determining who the at-fault party is. When it comes to liability, every case is unique. If the vehicle was defective, a part failed, or the design put drivers or passengers at risk, it may be possible to file an injury claim against the manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or ATV sales or rental company. If another driver engaged in negligent behavior, leading to an injury or death, that party may be liable. The first step is a thorough investigation of the facts.
On Your Side: Boulder ATV Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have suffered from an ATV-related accident, call us today at (303) 665-2929 to schedule a free consultation. We take cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you will owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, and millions recovered in settlements and verdicts, you can be confident you are in the best of hands.