ATVs can be incredibly fun for riding around the many dunes and exploring the great outdoors. However, alongside knowing how to safely operate an ATV, riders should also be aware of how to keep them well-maintained. These vehicles are dangerous when in disrepair, which is why riders should know how to spot a defective part and when to take them in for repairs.
The Dangers of Defective ATVs
More than 700 people die each year in ATV accidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), but these tragic accidents are preventable by following certain precautions. ATV riders should be experienced at operating a vehicle, follow all local laws, and use appropriate safety equipment to protect themselves in collisions. In addition, manufacturers, retailers, and rental companies should also make sure their devices are safe to use. This means regularly inspecting for defective components and repairing them in a timely manner.
Allowing someone else to operate a defective vehicle can result in a serious ATV accident, which can include:
Tire blowouts
Steering issues, which can lead to collisions
Brake failures
Burns, fires, and explosions from broken fuel tanks
Unstable vehicles
Defective seat belts
Unsecure floorboards
Lack of strong roll bars
How to Keep an ATV Safe
It is important to be proactive about ATV safety, which means regularly inspecting a vehicle for issues. Riders should consult their vehicle’s manuals and pay close attention to when they need to take ATVs in for maintenance. Riders should also only work with skilled and experienced repair shops that know how to repair ATVs.
Common ATV issues that riders should be aware of is:
Fluid levels
Unchanged filters
Loose bolts
Low tire pressure
Dead batteries
Dirty radiators
Leftover fuel in older vehicles
Faulty spark plugs
Stretched or worn transmission belts
Worn down brake pads
Lack of seat belts or defective belts
Who Is Liable for ATV Accidents?
ATVs are inherently dangerous, and accidents can result in serious trauma that impacts riders and pedestrians for the rest of their lives. If you were injured in an ATV accident that was not your fault, it is important to contact a skilled personal injury attorney to learn how you can receive compensation. The person who wronged you should provide proper compensation for your injuries and cover the costs of your long-term medical care.
The most common liable parties in ATV accidents include:
Negligent riders
ATV manufacturers
ATV retailers and rental companies
Other vehicle drivers
The Husband and Wife Law Team can sit down with you in a free consultation and explain your right to compensation. We understand how serious these accidents are and can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to determine who is responsible for your injuries. By working with skilled investigators and accident reconstructionists, we will also collect evidence of negligence and negotiate with the responsible party for compensation.
Contact us if you were injured in an ATV accident that was not your fault.