Atlanta ATV Accident Lawyers
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a fast, fun, and popular form of recreation. They are also deceptive when it comes to safety. With their large tires and wide wheelbase, ATVs seem perfectly stable… until you take them off-road. ATVs are built to handle rough and difficult terrain, but they offer little to no protection for riders if they tip or flip over. ATVs are, in fact, responsible for over 100,000 injuries and hundreds of deaths each year. Sadly, a quarter to one-third of ATV fatalities are children younger than 16 years old, many of whom are under the age of 12.
Unfortunately, Georgia ranks near the top ten among states when it comes to ATV accidents. With its rugged, mountainous terrain, broad plateaus and coastal plains, many Georgians enjoy the thrill of hopping on a three-wheeler or four-wheeler, simply assuming the vehicles and activities are safe for children and families of all ages. But ATV manufacturers, retailers and rental companies don’t always make ATV riding as safe as it could or should be.
When a recreational activity turns tragic because the company responsible for making or renting out the ATV didn’t do their job, the Atlanta ATV accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell have the knowledge, skills and resources to hold them accountable for the harm they have caused. Our Atlanta law firm has a reputation among lawyers and laypersons alike for taking on the most serious injury or death cases and recovering significant compensation for victims and their families. If you are the victim of an ATV accident or an attorney needing help with a difficult case, call Shiver Hamilton Campbell in Atlanta for a free consultation, and let us help you get the results you or your client need and deserve.
Injuries and Liability for ATV Accidents in Atlanta
Today’s ATVs can reach top speeds of 80 miles per hour, and even four-wheelers equipped with the smallest engines can reach 30mph. These machines meanwhile weigh anywhere from over 200 pounds to more than half a ton. A fall from a speeding ATV or a crush injury can be exceedingly severe, if not fatal. Some of the more serious nonfatal ATV injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken neck
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Dislocated wrist, shoulder or knee
- Burn injuries
As a recreational activity, many people rent ATVs rather than own them. These occasional riders might be inexperienced in operating and handling an ATV; it might even be their first time on such a vehicle. It’s the job of the rental company to make sure their vehicles are in good working order and that riders are provided with a properly fitted helmet. Some rental sites provide miles and miles of off-road terrain, some of which might be unsuited for beginners or even advanced riders. ATV businesses that operate with care will instruct riders about hidden dangers or places to stay away from while off-road, and post conspicuous warnings on the property as well. They will also provide some level of instruction on how to operate the ATV safely. Companies that don’t follow these basic rules can be held liable for ATV accidents that happen because of their negligence.
Common causes of ATV accidents include:
- Crash with a negligent or reckless rider
- Collision with a drunk rider
- Too many people allowed on the ATV
- Too many ATVs allowed on the trail at one time
- ATV allowed to be ridden on a road or highway
- ATV is defectively designed or manufactured
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
Help Is Available From A Atlanta ATV Accident Lawyer
Whether used on the farm or for fun, ATV operators have the right to a safe experience if they are exercising due care and doing their part to ride safely. When tragic accidents happen to riders through no fault of their own, Shiver Hamilton Campbell steps in and advocates on their behalf, ensuring that accident victims are duly compensated for their injuries and that responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence.
If you have been injured in an ATV accident in or around the greater Atlanta metro area, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal ATV crash, call the Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell at 404-593-0020 for a free consultation. We take on cases involving the most serious catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, and we fight to secure significant compensation for our clients who were hurt because of another’s negligence or wrongful conduct.
