Georgia ATV Accidents & Four-Wheeler Accidents

Off-roading on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is simply part of life in much of Georgia. Many ride ATVs and four-wheelers for recreational reasons, while others utilize the vehicles for hunting, farming, traveling, or caring for their land.

However, although ATVs can be both fun and useful, they also carry risks. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were almost 400 ATV accident fatalities in 2011 and over 100,000 people visited the emergency room with ATV-related injuries that same year. A significant number of these accidents were caused by the negligence of others.

At Van Sant Law, we know that ATV accidents can lead to extremely serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and crush injuries. In the case of ATV rollovers or collisions, injuries can be fatal. If these injuries are due to the negligence of someone else, it is vital that you and your family get the financial compensation you need to receive proper treatment and care.

Our Georgia ATV injury attorneys are here to represent you and fight for you.

Many people are surprised to learn that ATVs cause so many serious injuries and deaths each year. They mistakenly believe that since there are so few rules and regulations surrounding ATVs, and because they travel at relatively low speeds, they are much safer than other vehicles. However, this is simply not the case. In fact, a lack of regulations and safety precautions adds to the growing problem of ATV injuries and fatalities.

Here are just a few of the reasons that ATV injuries are common in Georgia:

• ATVs are driven off road, often on rough, uneven terrain or in snow, water, or mud.
• ATVs are not regulated in the same way or to the same extent that on-road vehicles are.
• Because most ATVs do not have a cab or cage, ATV rollovers are more likely to cause ejections, crush injuries, and fatalities.
• Since ATVs are often used for recreation, operators may be more likely to speed or drive recklessly.
• ATVs have a poor track record when it comes to dangerous designs and defective parts.
• In Georgia, there is no state agency that regulates ATV use.
• In Georgia, there is no minimum age requirement for ATV operation.

It is extremely important to understand that the person or entity responsible for your ATV accident may not be readily apparent in the wake of the crash. In some cases, more than one party could share fault for a four-wheeler accident.

At Van Sant Law, a critical aspect of our job is fully investigating your case and determining exactly what went wrong. In past ATV accident cases, a variety of parties have been responsible for accidents, including:

• The driver of the ATV (if the accident victim was a passenger or pedestrian)
• The rental company of the ATV
• The resort that made the ATV available to the guest
• The owner of the ATV
• The manufacturer of the ATV
• The distributor or retailer of the ATV
• The manufacturer or retailer of an ATV component
• The manufacturer or retailer of ATV helmets or safety equipment
• The owner of the property where the ATV accident took place

If you’ve been injured in an accident you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at 855-GA-INJURY or 404-991-5950 to schedule your free consultation.