Personal Injury Law

Florida ATVs May Be Contributing to Car Accident Rates

By Flaxman & Lopez

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that between December 30, 1987 and the end of 1991, more than 1033 deaths and 224,500 injuries could be attributed to ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles). In this time period, 40% victims were under 16 years of age. While the number of injuries related to three-wheeled ATVs decreased in this time period ? largely because manufacturers stopped making these models ? the number of injuries and fatalities from four-wheel ATVs experienced a 70% increase in the 1987 to 1991 time period. In 2004 alone, ATVs killed at least 130 children and injured over 44,000. That same year, serious ATV injuries requiring emergency room treatment numbered 136,100.

Legislators have spent some time trying to regulate ATVs, but with minimal success. Since ATVs are not considered cars, children can easily ride them, even unsupervised. In fact, most states do not even have laws requiring children wear a helmet when riding ATVs. Worse, most ATVs are operated on private property, which means that regulating use of these vehicles would be difficult, even if laws were in place.

ATVs are sometimes driven under the influence and at high speeds, and this only leads to more accidents. Florida residents love ATVs and sometimes operate them on very rough terrain, where the vehicles can easily overturn. To help prevent accident, manufacturers and the CPSC both recommend that riders use common sense, low speeds, and goggles and helmets when operating ATVs.

ATV injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. Many of the same injuries that customers experience in car accidents can also be experienced in an ATV crash. Victims of ATV accidents may experience burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs, brain injuries, and other forms of trauma. Unfortunately, since many ATVs are ridden in remote locations or on private property, it sometimes takes more time for paramedics to arrive. If you operate an ATV, it might be a good idea to invest in a GPS device and a cell phone. Having this equipment with you at all times when you ride your ATV can ensure that you can seek help should you need it.

Another problem associated with ATVs is that there have been many recalls, stemming from unsafe products. Some ATVs have been found to be defective, and these defects have been linked to injuries and even deaths. Some models, for example, have been found to easily rollover, causing serious injury to the driver. If you own an ATV, you will want to check with your manufacturer regularly to ensure that your ATV model is not affected by a recall.

If you or a loved one have been injured by an ATV that is defective or have been injured due to poorly maintained property, Florida law protects you and ensures that you can seek assistance. A good Florida attorney can help ensure that you get the settlement you are entitled to, which can help you pay for excellent medical care. . If you need to speak to a Florida attorney, arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida lawyer by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

Full post as published by Florida Injury Lawyer Blog on February 09, 2008 (boomark / email).