Seattle All Terrain Vehicle Accident Attorneys
All-Terrain vehicles, commonly referred to as ATVs, are three or four wheel vehicles that accommodate one passenger at a time, have low pressure tires, and are steered with handlebars rather than a steering wheel. ATVs were originally designed to help haul equipment, such as the kind you would find on a farm or ranch, but in recent years ATVs have been better classified as recreational vehicles, used by enthusiasts for off-rode riding. However, ATVs are not designed with the utmost in safety measures in mind. With a high propensity for turnover, issues involving steering, and braking systems that are often ill-equipped to handle off-road driving, ATVs are dangerous to drive under even the most opportune of conditions.
The design of all-terrain vehicles contributes to an increased likelihood of injury. Rather than be seated within the confines of a vehicle’s framework, riders of ATVs straddle the conveyance, leaving both legs vulnerable to serious injury in the event of accidental ATV rollover. Furthermore, the remainder of the body is vulnerable to being crushed by the vehicle in the event of a crash, and could result in serious injury, including death.
Safety regulations regarding ATVs are also relatively lax. Drivers of ATVs are not required to hold a valid state driver’s license, which allows teenagers and children who are younger than license-aged to operate the vehicles on their own. Though adult supervision is required, that supervision cannot take the place of previous experience handling an automobile, or assist a young, faltering motorist if that motorist loses control of the ATV and begins to rollover.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 77 deaths involving ATVs in the state of Washington in the time period stretching from 1982-2004. In the much shorter time period of 2005-2007, there have been 28 ATV deaths in the state of Washington, a number that is more than one-third the previous total of 77 deaths, and a number that occurred in less than 15% of the time. On top of that, the number of people seriously injured by ATVs has undoubtedly risen as well, especially since the popularity of ATVs has grown considerably over the years.
At the Bernard Law Group, our skilled attorneys will assist you with all aspects of your Seattle ATV-related accident. Our knowledgeable Washington ATV accident attorneys will hold negligent manufacturers at fault for design flaws that contributed to causing your accident, and will get you the monetary compensation you deserve to help cover the costs of medical bills and physical therapy fees. Call us today for a free consultation, and we will examine every detail of your case to ensure that your rights are not trampled upon in any way. Please contact us today.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AN ATV ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
