ATV Accidents
ATV and Four-track Accident Lawyers Oklahoma
All terrain vehicles (ATV) have always been notoriously dangerous to operate. In the past few years it seems that this belief is being solidified by the increasing number of ATV accidents. For example, in 2002 there were around 114,000 reported personal injuries and 350 reported wrongful deaths from the use of ATVs. In the past decade these numbers account for an increase of about 50% in the number of personal injuries and an increase of almost 70% in the number of fatalities.
With the number of people injured or killed in ATV accidents increasing at an alarming rate, the question arises as to who is responsible? ATVs are much less regulated by federal and state governments then other means of transportation. Only 10 states require riders to wear helmets and only 13 require that the operator possess a drivers license. Another common belief is that the manufactures of ATVs are not doing their part to curb the increase in accidents. ATVs continue to get faster and faster every year yet the advances in safety features remain relatively stagnant.
Even with the inherent danger of operating an ATV, sales continue to rise alongside with the number of injuries. If you have been injured in an ATV accident in Oklahoma, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced ATV accident lawyer.
ATV Accident Attorneys Oklahoma
If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, contact the Oklahoma City based lawyers at Atkins & Markoff to discuss your situation; you could be entitled to compensation. Please contact us by filling out our contact form or call us toll free. We are here to help.
Common ATV Accident Injuries in Oklahoma
Some may think that ATV accidents and injuries are a thing of the past due to new and improved safety features and design. Unfortunately, ATV accidents continue to occur in Oklahoma and other states with alarming frequency. Several models of ATVs have been recalled recently due to faulty design, which can result in dangerous ATV accidents, injuries and fatality. One model of ATV was recalled because of a defective suspension system, which caused riders to loose steering control. Another ATV model was recalled recently because the rear wheels had the potential to lock up, also causing riders to lose control. Faulty products such as these may cause ATV riders to collide with trees, walls, other riders, farm equipment, or telephone poles, or the ATV may overturn, resulting in severe injuries. Whether caused by defective design or driver error, ATV accidents are extremely dangerous and have the potential to cause life-altering and even fatal injuries. In fact, about 75% of ATV accidents result in serious damage to the head or spinal cord of the accident victim. Some of the most common injuries sustained during Oklahoma ATV accidents are:
Common Injuries From Oklahoma ATV Accidents
- Skull fracture
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Crushed legs
- Broken bones
- Broken ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Severe back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
The dramatic rise in ATV accidents has finally drawn attention from government officials who are beginning to take steps to reduce the frequency of these dangerous accidents. Unfortunately, the occurrence of ATV accidents continues to rise, and injuries and deaths continue to occur, especially in children and young people who ride ATVs recreationally.
ATV Accidents Involving Children
Too often, young children take a ride on an ATV for fun and end up suffering serious injuries as a result. In fact, a recent national report on ATV accidents shows a 150% increase in injuries to children under the age of 18 between the years 1997 and 2006. In addition, hospitalizations for moderate to severe brain injuries caused by ATV accidents tripled during this time. Most ATV accidents involving children occur on adult-sized ATVs which are too big for children to ride safely. Children are typically too light to adequately manipulate the ATV, and therefore have a significantly increased risk of sustaining injuries because they aren’t able to keep the vehicle stable and make it safe in turns and maneuvers. Whether children involved in ATV accidents are thrown from the vehicle or the vehicle rolls over on them, they are considerably more likely to suffer from life-threatening injuries.
Oklahoma ATV Safety Laws
In order to protect the safety of ATV riders in Oklahoma, state laws have been established regulating safety procedures to follow when riding an ATV, as well as when and in what areas ATV use is appropriate. According to Oklahoma state law, all ATV riders (passengers and operators) must wear a helmet when operating an ATV in certain designated riding areas. All ATVs purchased on or after July 1, 2005 must be registered and titled. In addition, ATV use on streets or highways is prohibited except to cross these roads, on unpaved roads on U.S. Forest Service property, or for no more than 300 feet to cross a railroad track during daylight hours.
Contact an Oklahoma ATV Accident Attorney
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 164 reported deaths in Oklahoma alone caused by ATV accidents between 1982 and 2009, 49 of which were children under the age of sixteen. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries caused by an ATV accident in Oklahoma, contact an Oklahoma ATV accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, the medical costs of treating your injuries, and the pain and suffering endured by you and your family. If you have lost a loved one in an ATV accident, an experienced Oklahoma ATV accident attorney can help you seek financial compensation for funeral costs, loss of future income, and other expenses. If your ATV accident injury was caused by a faulty product, you can hold the allegedly negligent manufacturing company accountable for your injuries. In addition, you can bring public attention to the potential hazards of the dangerous product, possibly preventing further injury and death in the future.