Man Still In Hospital After Severe Collision on ATV in North Carolina

NC- The dailyherald.com writes that a man is in the hospital after an ATV crash that occurred prior to Thanksgiving. The severe accident left the victim with multiple bone fractures, an injury to his skull, and a spinal injury. Reports indicate that the man might be paralyzed from the crash and maybe breathing with a tracheostomy tube.*

The man is now in the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab facility located in Chicago after being transferred recently from a North Carolina hospital. Doctors expect the victim to be at the facility for approximately eight weeks before he can begin outpatient treatment. 

Family reports that the man is not able to speak, but that he is smiling and responsive. A GoFundMe page set up for the family will help cover remodeling costs and new vehicles that will be necessary to accommodate the victim’s wheelchair. 

ATVs or all-terrain vehicles are involved in many crashes every year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that while ATVs are designed for recreational use, they are not toys. There are specific safety guidelines recommended to anyone who chooses to ride an ATV. Never ride an ATV on the pavement as they are designed for off-road terrain. On paved roadways, ATVs are less stable and create rollover risks. Additionally, riders are at a high risk of severe injuries if they get into a collision with a larger vehicle. 

Always use helmets and other protective gear on an ATV. Children under the age of sixteen should not be operating ATVs. Riders should not travel with passengers as they make the vehicle less stable. Anyone who wishes to use an ATV should take a safety course first to learn how to ride one properly. 

Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes.  To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.

Sources:https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20191228/island-lake-trustee-remains-hospitalized-after-crash and https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/ATV-Safety-Information-Center