Mississippi ATV Accident Attorneys

ATV accidents in Mississippi are a common source of injury and death to both adults and children. All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, also known as quads, four-wheelers and four-tracks, are motorized vehicles with seats that are straddled by the driver, with handlebars for steering. ATVs have low-pressure tires and are designed for uneven surfaces and off-highway terrain. ATV engine sizes range from 50cc to 660cc. They can weigh up to 600 pounds and go as fast as 75 mph. ATVs are primarily used for recreation, but are also used in many industries that require all-terrain travel, including border patrol, construction, emergency medical services, land management, law enforcement and military.

ATV Accident And Fatality Statistics 

The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that between 1982 and 2016, 15,000 people have died in ATV accidents. More than 3,200 of these ATV fatalities were children younger than 16 – more than 1,400 of the children killed by ATVs were younger than 12. ATV child deaths are only a small percentage of children who survive injuries on ATVs, many of them catastrophic. The CPSC estimates that in 2015, there were 26,700 ATV-related injuries for children under 16. They are no less dangerous for adults. The CPSC’s estimate of all people requiring emergency department treatment for ATV-related injuries in 2015 was 97,200.

Safety Tips For Avoiding ATV Accidents In Mississippi

Don’t Drive ATV’s On Paved Roads: ATV’s are designed for off-road terrain. On paved roads, they are difficult to control. Moreover, the presence of other vehicles places them at greater risk for car accidents.

Adult ATV’S Aren’t For Kids Of Any Age: All children, because they are still growing, simply don’t yet have the developmental skills needed to maneuver the faster, more powerful adult-size ATV’s. The CPSC, ATV industry, and consumer advocates all recommend that children ages 12 through 15 ride ATV’s designed for smaller bodies, with engines smaller than 90 cc.

Don’t Carry Passengers On Single-Rider ATV’s: Most ATVs sold these days are single-rider vehicles, designed for active riding. Drivers need to shift weight often, and in all directions. Passengers inhibit this ability, endangering themselves and the driver, and increasing the risk of a rollover or crash.

Always Wear A Helmet And Safety Gear: Because of the inherent risk of riding all-terrain vehicles, riders should always wear a helmet that is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Goggles for eye protection from flying debris, and gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, as well as ankle-high boots, to protect the skin from road rash or other lacerations are also recommended.

Never Ride An ATV While Under The Influence: Often, recreational ATV riding takes place on weekends and during vacation time, when people tend to drink more than they normally do. However, hold off on consuming alcohol until after your ATV adventure.

While ATV’s are somewhat inherently dangerous, they also seem to invite risky driver behavior. Most ATV accidents in Mississippi are caused by driver negligence, such as ignoring safety rules, driving under the influence, or allowing children to ride adult ATV’s. Other causes of ATV accidents are poor maintenance by the ATV owner, or manufacturing/design defects. In the past few years, CPSC and Consumer Affairs have both reported several ATV model recalls due to dangerous issues.

Determining the Value of Your ATV Accident  Claim: Your Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney will determine the value of your accident claim based on the percentage of negligence of the other party and your damages. Some examples of potential damages are: medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, nursing care, projected future expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering; mental anguish, and emotional distress. An experienced atv accident lawyer can help you calculate your damages including your medical expenses both past and future, lost wages both past and future, pain and suffering, as well as your emotional distress.

Things To Remember If You Are Injured In An ATV Accident:

• Get medical attention immediately after your ATV wreck.
• Contact your attorney after your ATV wreck.
• Never speak to an adjuster or insurance agent without speaking to your attorney first or without counsel.

Seek Justice Today for Your Mississippi ATV Accident Claim