Every year, tens of thousands of people are injured or killed while using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). A good deal of the injured include children under age 16. If you or your children received an ATV for the holidays, make sure that you take all safety precautions possible. They’re used for both recreational and work purposes, but without following safety protocols, they can be deadly.
Ohio ATV laws
Ohio requires ATV drivers to wear eye protection and helmets. Children under age 16 are barred from driving ATVs without an adult present—but these laws only apply to public land, like public roads and parks. On private land, many people forego the rules, mistakenly believing they’ll be safe.
While ATVs are designed to be used safely, they can still be dangerous—especially if you eschew helmets and eye protection. Men between the ages of 18 and 30 are the most likely to suffer injuries on ATVs, and children under 16 account for a third of all injuries and a quarter of all fatalities.
ATV injuries
There are many ways you can be injured on an ATV. The promise of riding over all types of terrain may lull drivers into a false sense of security or encourage them to take unwarranted risks. However, ATVs simply do not protect drivers the way an automobile can. Drivers may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, cuts and scrapes and more.
Causes of action
If you or a loved one were injured or killed on an ATV, you may be able to recover compensation under a number of different personal injury theories. For example, an adult who let your underage child drive an ATV may be considered negligent.
If you were injured in an accident as a result of a defective vehicle, you may be able to prevail on a products liability claim. There have been a number of ATV recalls, as recently as October 2021. Improperly designed and manufactured ATVs have suffered problems ranging from detached wheels to oil and fuel leak fire hazards.
Finally, if you were required to use the ATV for work purposes, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
When you own or plan to use an ATV, make sure to brush up on your Ohio state laws, wear adequate safety gear and check to make sure your make and model has not been recalled. Always watch your children, and accompany those under 16.
Let an Ohio personal injury lawyer review your claim
When you’re harmed in an ATV accident, you may be able to recover compensation. If you have a case to sue an ATV operator or manufacturer, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.483.2298 for a consultation, and we’ll discuss your options.
