Residents and visitors of South Carolina often take to the trails on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for a day of excitement. However, when alcohol, inexperience, equipment malfunctions, or improper maintenance become involved, a day on the trails can quickly turn into a nightmare. ATV accidents can lead to serious personal injury and even death.
At Bostic Law Group, P.A., our Charleston ATV accident lawyers have the skills and knowledge to help you understand the strength of your case, the compensation you may be entitled to, and the options you have for pursuing justice for your injuries.
To schedule your legal consultation, contact us online or call (843) 350-9646today.
HOW TO AVOID ATV ACCIDENTS
A report published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) concluded that ATV accidents resulting in serious injury or death have increased significantly in recent years. In response, the government has established an ATV Safety Information Center in hopes of reducing the number of injuries and deaths associated with ATVs.
The Center urges ATV manufacturers to share five simple but effective “Rules of the Trail”:
- Do not drive ATVs on paved roads
- Do not allow a child under 16 years of age to drive or ride large ATVs
- Do not drive ATVs with two or more people on board
- Wear a helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when driving an ATV
- Complete a hands-on safety course before operating an ATV
Following these rules can help reduce the major causes of ATV accidents, or those in any other vehicle with a similar high center of gravity, which can cause the vehicle to flip over.
However, these rules cannot prevent all ATV accidents caused by:
- Impaired operators
- Reckless driving
- Faulty mechanical work
- Poorly written or incomplete instructions and manuals
- Inexperienced operators
- Defective equipment
- Manufacturing defects
In many cases, injuries caused by ATVs are life threatening and can result in permanent damage to the body. The most common types of ATV personal injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Crushed limbs
- Traumatic amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain or head injuries
- Crushed bones
- Paralysis
- Road rash
- Disfigurement
- Death
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE
The sheer number of ATV injuries has prompted some manufacturers to change their documentation or publish warnings. Unfortunately, these efforts have come far too late.
If you have been injured by an ATV—or in any 4-wheeler, 3-wheeler, or other off-roading accident—it is important to understand your right to pursue compensation. Our Charleston ATV accidents lawyers will not allow the ATV industry to blame you for your accident. We will explore every potential party and look for any who bear some responsibility for the accident.
To help you mount the strongest possible case, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the events leading to your injuries and interview any witnesses to the accident. Any evidence that demonstrates the negligence or carelessness of another individual will then be used to pursue compensation through settlement negotiation our in a court trial.
Contact our office online or call (843) 350-9646 to schedule a legal consultation.
