Put Over 100 Years Of Knowledge & Experience On Your Side
Although four-wheelers, a slang term for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), are safely enjoyed by millions of Americans, they can lead to devastating accidents. Recreational four-wheeler accidents kill more than 700 and injure over 135,000 people each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Tragically, children 15 years old and under are the victims in approximately 1/3 of these cases.
ATV accidents also occur with riders who use four-wheelers in their occupation. More than 10 die and over 150 suffer trauma, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These accidents can end in many different types of injury, from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injury such as paralysis.
Have you been injured while riding an ATV in an accident that was not your fault? You may be eligible for compensation for the damages you have sustained. The Charleston ATV accident attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. have experience representing clients who have suffered bodily harm throughout Coles County in off-roading accidents.
Find out how our over 100 years of knowledge and experience can help you – call (217) 516-3451 or fill out our online contact form to arrange your free, confidential consultation.
After An ATV Accident
If someone you know was involved in an accident while riding a four-wheeler, the first thing to do is seek treatment for any injuries. If no injuries are suspected, an accident victim should still be examined by a doctor to eliminate the possibility of injury.
We recommend taking the following steps after an ATV accident:
- See a healthcare practitioner
- Gather as much information about the accident as possible:
- Names and contact information for all involved and any witnesses
- Location of the collision
- Make, model, and other important information about the vehicle/vehicles
- Copies of insurance information
- Do not talk to anyone about the accident, except the police
- File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out
- Seek the legal counsel of an experienced attorney
Causes Of Four-Wheeler Accidents
There are plenty of factors that may contribute to a collision involving an ATV, which usually fall under the category of either operator behavior or failed equipment. Equipment failure can be attributed to either the driver or the manufacturer.
The following are potential causes of four-wheeler accidents:
- Carrying too many passengers
- Children operating adult-size four wheelers
- Driver inexperience
- Driving on public roads
- Driving drunk
- Failure to check/maintain equipment
- Misjudging safety of the terrain
- Speeding
- Steering failure
- Suspension failure
- Throttle failure
- Tire blowout
In some cases, a defective helmet leads to a more severe injury than would have been sustained while wearing a secure helmet. In such cases, manufacturer negligence may be present in the form of design defects.
Accidents Caused By Defective All-Terrain Vehicles
Unfortunately, some of the accidents that lead to ATV injuries are caused by manufacturing defects in the vehicle itself. These are flaws that occur during the manufacturing process that can result in injuries. If the manufacturer was aware of such a flaw but does not notify consumers, they may be held liable because of a “failure to warn.”
A design defect is another type of issue that can lead to an accident. These are considered flaws in the product’s design that are inherently dangerous. Hundreds of thousands of ATVs have been recalled due to design and manufacturing defects.
Our Firm Serves ATV Accident Victims In Coles County
Although any accident can cause a family emotional and financial stress, an accident involving a child or young adult, as most four-wheeler accidents do, can be especially trying. An ATV can be a fun, exciting vehicle to ride, but can turn deadly – and no family should have to suffer the damages that come with an accident for which someone else was responsible.
The Spiros Law, P.C. has a superior reputation for personal service and results for clients who have been affected by ATV accidents. We are determined to defend the rights of each of our clients and are passionate about pursuing the maximum amount of compensation in each case we take on. We have offices in Charleston, IL.
Call (217) 516-3451 to discuss the details of your case confidentially with our legal professionals.
