ATV and 4-Wheeler Accidents

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) such as 4-wheelers and off-road utility carts are dangerous toys, whether operated by an adult or child. ATVs can weigh over 1,000 pounds and reach speeds over 50 miles per hour. The popularity of ATVs has expanded from recreational use to serving as a work and utility vehicle on farms, ranches, and work sites. Because of their popularity and versatility, consumers expect ATVs to be engineered with safety in mind. However, this is wishful thinking. While certain types of ATVs are more dangerous than others, all ATVs are dangerous products that are inherently unstable, prone to rollover, lack proper warnings, and lack sufficient doors, hand holds and other safety designs. These defects have led to many successful product liability claims against the manufacturers of the Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Mule and Polaris Ranger, to name a few.

Despite warnings to riders, thousands of ATV accidents occur each year resulting in serious crush-type injuries and death. The majority of these ATV injuries and deaths are the result of rollover accidents that can be attributed to a narrow wheel base and/or unstable frame design. When combined with powerful engines, such notorious design flaws result in ATVs being top heavy, which creates serious loss-of-control issues for riders making sharp turns, even on flat surfaces at low speeds.

If you or a family member have been injured or suffered a loss as a result of an ATV accident, please Contact Us Online or call our office at 817-294-1900.

See latest federal government ATV recalls: http://www.atvsafety.gov/atvrecalls.html

National ATV Accident Statistics:

•The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission documented 555 ATV-related deaths occurred in 2006. Of this number, 111 were children.
•The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission documented 7,279 ATV-related deaths, which occurred between 1982 and 2005.
•The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that over 146,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 2006.
•Children under the age of 16 account for one-third of all ATV deaths and injuries.
•From 1982 to 2003, the number of children injured in all-terrain vehicle accidents rose by 86 percent.