All-Terrain Vehicles
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be dangerous, particularly for children and young adults. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, young people under the age of 21 account for 30% of all ATV traffic crash fatalities in a recent 10-year period. At The Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC, we represent Houston people who have been injured in all-terrain vehicle accidents. We pay attention, take extra care, treat every client like an individual, and will fight vehemently to protect your rights.
ATV Crash Statistics
NHTSA provides the following data about ATV accidents in a recent 10-year period:
- Most all-terrain vehicle-related fatalities were occupants of ATVs.
- The majority were 15 to 24 years of age.
- 2,918 of the ATV fatalities were operators and 442 were passengers.
- 74% (2,476) were killed in single-vehicle crashes.
- 26% (884) died in multiple-vehicle collisions.
- 86% (2,895) were killed in rural areas and 13% (443) were killed in urban areas.
- In Texas alone, there were 172 all-terrain vehicle fatalities.
Why Choose Us?
If you or your loved one has been hurt in an ATV crash, you need an experienced ATV accident lawyer to handle your case. At The Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC in Houston, we get most of our clients from personal referrals. Willie D. Powells is different β not your average lawyer β and he will tenaciously pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries in All-Terrain Vehicle Accidents
Many families opt for ATVs because of their ease of use. Although they have four wheels (balancing skills are not required to operate an all-terrain vehicle) they lack roll cages and seat belts. ATVs can be risky, particularly for younger, uninitiated drivers.
Common injuries in ATV crashes include:
- Concussions: In a study reported by Life Sciences, researchers found that less than 20% of riders hurt in ATV accidents were wearing helmets.
- Fractures: Bones are often broken when riders are thrown off, toppled, or run over by an ATV.
- Knee and leg injuries: When an ATV begins to tip over, it is a natural reaction to extend and brace with the leg.
- Internal organ injuries: Serious injuries to internal organs can occur when riders are thrown off, toppled, or run over.
- Spinal cord injuries: ATV rollovers can cause spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
How Do ATV Accidents Occur?
Rollovers are the most common type of ATV accident, accounting for 42% of injury crashes, as reported by Life Sciences. When an all-terrain vehicle flips or rolls over, the driver and passenger can be thrown from or pinned down by the ATV. In general, ATVs are not designed to carry passengers and doing so can greatly increase the risk of an accident.
Why Are So Many Children Hurt in ATV Accidents?
Increasing popularity of all-terrain vehicles has contributed to an increase in ATV injuries among children. Most children lack the fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and physical strength to operate an ATV with the highest level of safety. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) does not recommend all-terrain vehicles for children under the age of 16.
Who is Liable for ATV Injuries?
The responsible party in an ATV accident will depend on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Operator of the ATV, if that person was driving negligently and caused the crash
- Owner of an ATV who allowed an underage or experienced driver to operate the vehicle or was otherwise negligent
- Manufacturer or seller of an all-terrain vehicle with a dangerous design
Our ATV accident attorney at The Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC in Houston will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who was at fault.
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