Thorough Legal Advice Following a Traumatic Event
From Red Feather Lakes to Grand Mesa Trails, the mountains and hills around Fort Collins offer a host of wonderful and exciting ATV trails for riders to explore. These trails and powerful vehicles allow riders to discover the true beauty of Colorado. However, if not maintained or designed properly, a ride on an ATV can lead to devastating injuries.
Even experienced ATV riders can be caught off-guard by a damaged vehicle or part. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a faulty ATV, then you may be eligible for compensation. But to ensure you have a strong case, you need to contact a skilled Fort Collins ATV accident attorney at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC. Our legal team can review your case in a free consultation to determine if another driver, a rental company, or the manufacturer is liable for your injuries. Reach out to us at (970) 212-4777 to discuss your case.
What Are the Dangers of an ATV Rollover?
The design and structure of ATVs make them top-heavy, meaning that the engine and mechanical components are higher off the grown than most vehicles. When they crash, they are more likely to tip over and potentially pin a rider against the ground. This can lead to:
- Fractured bones
- Brain damage
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Death
- Crush injuries
Rollovers are more likely to occur on sloped terrain with passengers, which can lead to serious trauma for multiple individuals. Backward rollovers also occur more frequently with passengers on board because the weight of the vehicle is improperly distributed.
Causes of ATV Accidents
While ATVs are more prone to rollovers than most other accidents, a key element in these events is negligence. Improper riding, like traveling up a steep hill too quickly or sharp turns, can certainly cause an accident, but the negligence of other riders, ATV rental companies, and manufacturers also play a huge factor. Rollover crashes caused by negligence can occur due to:
- Improper design, such as poor weight distribution or suspension
- Defective or under-inflated tires
- Faulty accelerators and brake systems
- Poorly maintained trails that combine dirt and paved roads
- Lack of safety information or warnings
- Other reckless riders or passenger vehicle drivers who crash into ATVs
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the cause of your ATV accident, several parties may be liable. Ultimately, your case may come down to a personal injury claim or a product liability claim. A personal injury claim means that an individual who was required to provide a duty of care failed to do so through negligence and caused your injuries. In contrast, a product liability claim means a manufacturer or retailer rented or sold you a product that had a defective design, was improperly marketed, or lacked safety warnings, ultimately leading to your injuries.
In an ATV case, the liable party can include:
- Other riders who drive recklessly
- A reckless driver who collided with your ATV
- A property owner who left a hazard on their trail
- A rental company who leased a defective ATV
- A part’s manufacturer who sold defective ATV components, such as faulty tires
- A mechanic who failed to properly repair an ATV
- A manufacturer who failed to test an ATV for defects or failed to issue a recall
At the end of the day, to hold the responsible parties accountable, you will need a skilled and experienced attorney by your side.
Injured in an ATV Accident? Call Us!
An ATV accident can be a traumatic experience, often injury child and inexperienced riders. Because of their size and speed, these accidents can result in costly injuries, from brain damage to paralysis. Moving on without proper financial compensation can be difficult, especially if it leaves you with major medical bills and out of work. But, if your injuries were caused by a negligent ATV rider, manufacturer, or property owner, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation.
Whether your accident was caused by a defective part or a negligent individual, the Tenge Law Firm, LLC can provide thorough legal representation. Our Fort Collins personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not get paid unless we win your case. In addition, we offer each potential client a free consultation to discuss their case, meaning there is no fee for reaching out to us at (970) 212-4777 and scheduling an appointment.