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As the popularity of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) has risen sharply, so have the numbers of accidents, injuries, and deaths caused by the vehicles. Design flaws, inappropriate marketing, and cheap, defective parts create a dangerous combination which, all too often, results in catastrophic and fatal accidents. Marketing and inadequate warnings
ATVs are an indispensible tool in some professions, and when in the right hands can even be used to save lives. However, inappropriate has caused many ATVs to fall into the hands of inexperienced riders and even children, who lack the training, skill, judgment, strength, and motor skills necessary to operate the vehicles safely. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), from 1999 to 2005 there were 3,618 reported ATV-related deaths and an estimated 796,500 ATV-related injuries treated in emergency rooms. More than 25% of deaths and over 30% of injuries occurred in children under the age of 16. Advertised for power, speed, and as if they are appropriate for extreme sports, ATV marketing encourages unsafe riding and the illusion that they are designed to operate under conditions which will, in reality, cause a dangerous crash. Many lack the proper warning labels and materials or have manuals which are confusing and unclear. Dealerships and rental centers often fail to pass on the documentation when it exists. Design flaws
Many models of ATVs have design flaws which make them prone to rollover even at low speeds and on level ground. Most ATV riders purchase rent the vehicles with the intention of using them for off-road activities under conditions which almost always include uneven surfaces. Other design flaws prevent the vehicles from protecting riders from injury in the event of a crash, allowing body parts to be crushed or drug under the vehicle. Defective parts
Faulty or inadequate parts can fail and cause the vehicle to go out of control, rollover, or even explode. Defective ATV parts can include:
• Steering components
• Welds on control components
• Brakes
• Throttle
• Transmissions ATV accident lawsuits
Under most circumstances, licensing and insurance are not required when operating a vehicle off road. ATV accident lawsuits can include some of the typical elements of auto accident lawsuits, but they have some distinct differences. It is not unusual for drivers in ATV accidents to be children under 16 years of age. Many, but not all, ATV accident lawsuits involve product liability. Responsible parties can include:
• Manufacturers
• Dealerships
• Rental centers
• ATV drivers
• Adults responsible for children driving or riding If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an ATV accident in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia, please contact the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. The ATV accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. will examine your case and consult with you to determine what damages may be entitled to recover at no cost to you.
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