ATV Accident Attorneys Nationwide

Riding all-terrain vehicles is a popular sport in Georgia and nationwide. Georgia in particular has a number of locations containing ATV trails, including U.S. National Forest trails at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Beasley Knob Trail System in Blairsville, and Clayton’s Oakey Mountain OHV trails. There are also private trails such as Iron Mountain Resort in Dahlonega, Durhamtown Off-Road Resort in Union Point, Highland Park Resort in Cedartown, Possum Creek Off-Road Park in Ray City and Moccasin Creek Off-Road Park in Blackshear.

Beyond recreational use, heavy duty off-highway vehicles (OHVs) or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) are used on farms throughout Georgia for carrying supplies, towing trailers, traveling, and herding. Some OHV vehicles are eligible to be operated on county roads if they were manufactured after January 1, 2000 and properly equipped. They also must be registered with the state of Georgia and carry liability insurance. Operators are required to have a driver’s license.

However, ATV and OHV vehicles can pose a danger to inexperienced riders who lack the skills necessary to control their vehicle, especially on challenging or unfamiliar terrain. Riders new to this type of vehicle may have difficulty braking, steering, or navigating, often leading to rollovers or collisions. For this reason, operator inexperience is a leading cause of ATV crashes.

Excessive speed is another factor. Some ATVs and OHVs can operate at speeds of up to 75-80 mph. High speeds reduce a rider’s reaction time and make it hard to control the vehicle on uneven ground, tight turns, or when encountering an unexpected obstacle. Other reckless behaviors, like performing stunts or jumps, increase the risk of rollovers that can lead to serious injury.

There are many other conditions under which ATV accidents occur. For example:

• Driving on Paved Roads: Besides the risk of colliding with cars on paved roads, ATVs are specifically designed for off-road use. Their high center of gravity and low-pressure tires make them unstable and difficult to handle on paved surfaces, increasing the risk of rollovers.
• Carrying Passengers: Most ATVs are designed for a single rider. Carrying a passenger on a single-rider ATV can disrupt the vehicle’s balance, making it harder to control and increasing the chance of a rollover or passenger ejection.
• Operating Under the Influence: As with any other vehicle, operating an ATV while impaired by alcohol or drugs severely compromises a rider’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to a much higher risk of an accident.
• Lack of Safety Gear: Failing to wear a helmet is a major factor in the severity of ATV injuries, as head injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in these accidents. Lack of other protective gear, like gloves and boots, can also lead to serious injuries.
• Poor Maintenance: An improperly maintained ATV can suffer a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or a steering malfunction, which can cause a rider to lose control and crash.
• Terrain and Weather: Steep hills, large rocks, or deep ruts can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. Other environmental hazards, like poor visibility due to weather or natural obstacles, can also contribute to accidents.

The most recent accident data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals an annual average of over 800 deaths, and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries, involving OHVs. More than two-thirds of fatalities from these vehicles were suffered by ATV riders. The most common accident types are:

• Rollovers: When riders take a turn too sharply, drive on uneven or steep terrain, such as attempting to climb a steep hill, or perform a sudden maneuver, the ATV’s high center of gravity can cause it to tip over, crushing the rider or pinning them underneath the vehicle.
• Collisions: If a rider is operating the ATV at excessive speed, driving recklessly, or operating on challenging trails that make the ATV difficult to control, there is always a danger of hitting another ATV or a stationary object like a tree or fence.
• Ejections: A rider can be thrown from an ATV during a sharp turn, a collision, or after hitting a bump. Being ejected from the vehicle, especially at high speeds, can cause severe head and spinal cord injuries if the rider is not wearing a helmet.
• Rider or Passenger Fall from Vehicle: When a rider is inexperienced or is carrying a passenger on a single-rider ATV, there’s a risk that the rider or passenger will fall off the vehicle during a turn or when encountering a difficult patch of trail.
• Accidents to pedestrians: Because of the challenges driving these vehicles, pedestrians can fall victim to an ATV collision if the rider loses control of the vehicle.

Types of Injuries from ATV Accidents

Injuries suffered in an ATV or OHV accident can be severe and life-changing. They include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A common injury, usually caused when a rider is ejected and hits their head. Even for a rider wearing a helmet, the force of a collision or rollover can be enough to cause a traumatic brain injury, the severity of which can range from a concussion to a severe brain injury with lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries: The sudden, violent jolting motion of a crash or rollover can cause severe damage to the neck and spine. These injuries can result in chronic pain, paralysis, and a permanent loss of mobility.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Rollovers and ejections frequently lead to broken bones or fractures in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. Weighing close to 1,000 pounds, if a heavy-duty ATV rolls over a victim, it can crush limbs, causing complex fractures that may require multiple surgeries to repair.
• Internal Organ Damage: Being crushed under or colliding with an ATV can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making them especially dangerous and requiring immediate medical attention.
• Chest and Abdominal Injuries: A rider can be thrown against the handlebars, dashboard, or other parts of the vehicle, leading to broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and other serious injuries to the chest and abdomen.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Ejections and falls can cause severe lacerations, deep cuts, and abrasions from contact with the ground or sharp objects. Ligament tears and sprains are also common, particularly in the knees and ankles.
• Facial Injuries: If a rider is not wearing a full-face helmet, they are vulnerable to facial trauma. This can include broken facial bones, jaw fractures, and dental injuries.

Follow basic safety rules:

Passengers should never ride on a single-rider vehicle. Operators should always ride on designated trails at recommended speeds and never under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Young riders should always be supervised by adults.

Wear protective gear:

Riders should always wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, and other gear padded to guard them in the event of an accident.

Follow manufacturer recommendations for young riders:
Riders under 16 should operate an ATV appropriate for their age and be supervised by an adult at all times. ATV manufacturers, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), provide minimum age recommendations for their vehicles. These are based on the vehicle’s size, power, and handling characteristics.

• Ages 6-11: Should only operate youth-model ATVs with engines of 70cc or less.
• Ages 12-15: Should only operate youth-model ATVs with engines between 70cc and 90cc.

Take an ATV safety course:

The ATV Safety Institute offers an online safety course that is often a requirement for hands-on classes. Motowayz offers online and on-site classes in Dahlonega, GA. In the past, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation of Alpharetta has offered ATV safety training. For businesses that use ATVs, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America offers ATV safety on the job training for employees.