Assisting Valued Clients After Off-Roading Injuries in Florida
Recreational vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or quads, are popular among tourists, which is why they’re so commonplace in Florida. Our wonderful state offers a variety of options for off-roading adventures, including parks, beaches, rural trails, and more. Unfortunately, the popularity of ATVs also means we have some of the most recorded ATV accidents and injuries in the nation. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Florida ranks sixth in the top 10 states for reported ATV-related fatalities. Between 1982 and 2014, Florida had 561 deaths.
If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these accidents, our Fort Lauderdale ATV accident lawyers have the experience needed to help you navigate the legal system and file a personal injury claim. When you call Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A., you can expect the compassionate, client-focused service that boutique injury firms are known for. We don’t simply settle for the first offer – we get you the results you want and deserve.
Call (954) 905-4600 to schedule your free consultation or fill out our online form. Our services are offered in English and Spanish so you can communicate comfortably with our team.
What Are ATVs & How Do Accidents Occur?
ATVs are heavy vehicles designed to navigate unpaved, rugged terrain, and they can travel at high speeds of 65 miles per hour. They can also weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Despite how large they are and the lack of outer protection they offer, people still tend to treat ATVs as toys and underestimate just how much damage they can cause.
There are various types of ATV accidents that occur. As is the case with most motor vehicle accidents, ATV accidents are commonly caused by human error, especially since many people who ride ATVs are younger and inexperienced. ATV riders can cause accidents and injuries when they drive recklessly, are distracted, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, accidents can be caused by other negligent parties besides riders, too. Other causes of ATV accidents can include the following:
- Rental company failure to provide proper training or safety equipment
- Too many riders on a single ATV
- Dangerous or defective ATV parts
- Speeding
- Driving on paved roads
Because ATVs have a high center of gravity and a narrow track, they are generally unstable and prone to rollovers, which occur when the vehicle rolls onto its side or flips over. Rollovers are common when riders are speeding or behaving recklessly. ATV riders can also collide with other ATVs or crash when driven on unfamiliar terrain.
Injuries can vary in severity, though injuries that commonly result from ATV accidents include fractures, broken bones, spine injuries, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis such as quadriplegia or paraplegia, and in severe cases, death.
Who is Responsible for an ATV Accident?
If you were injured after colliding or being struck by another ATV, the driver most likely will be held responsible for negligent or unsafe driving, especially if they were behaving in a careless manner. Determining liability in an ATV accident, however, can be complicated because multiple parties may be involved like rental companies, property owners, and manufacturers.
Rental companies could be at-fault if they failed to train drivers or knowingly allowed an intoxicated driver to control an ATV, but it can be complicated to prove if they had renters sign liability waivers. If rough or unfamiliar terrain such as holes or inclines caused the accident, the property owner of the trail or park could be held accountable. And when accidents are caused by faulty or defective ATV parts, manufacturers or designers like Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda may be at fault, as these companies have had to issue ATV recalls in the past.
Call Us for Effective Solutions
Just because your claim is complicated doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance to recover damages after your accident. Our firm is comprised of award-winning attorneys who are passionate about helping our clients succeed and heal, and we’re not one to shy away from a difficult case.
Through our advocacy, we’ve been able to recover millions in damages ranging from lost wages to property damage for our clients in need. We firmly believe that no injured client of ours should have to pay when another party wrongly harmed them. You can trust us to focus on the details, collect important documents, and pursue your goals while you begin the healing process.
