Historically ATVs were used as work vehicles on farms. They were designed for adults to use on the rough and uneven terrain on fields and other unpaved private property. Over the last 40 years ATVs have become popular recreational vehicles that are often used by teens and children. In fact, many people view them as toys. But ATVs are not toys. They are dangerous vehicles just like cars and motorcycles. Each year there are nearly 100,000 ATV-related injuries and over 200 deaths. One of the most common injuries is a traumatic brain injury. Other common injuries include bone fractures, back injuries and neck injuries. Many victims who are injured or killed are children. While there are many possible causes of ATV accidents, most occur because someone other than the victim was negligent. In other words most ATV accidents were completely avoidable. If you need to speak to a Long Island personal injury lawyer because you were injured in an ATV accident because another person was negligent, it is important that you immediately contact a Long Island ATV accident lawyer who will explain your options for pursuing a personal injury claim in order to receive compensation for your losses.
Danger of ATVsATVs are dangerous because they offer riders little protection. While some do have seatbelts, they are open air, meaning that they do not have roofs or sides to protect drivers and passengers. In fact, some ATVs are very similar to motorcycles, except they have 3 or 4 wheels. There are several reasons that ATVs are dangerous:
ATV accidents can result in serious physical injuries, particularly injuries to the head. Because so many ATV accidents involve head injuries, it is not surprising that many victims do not survive, and many injuries are permanent.
Pursuing a personal injury claimWhether you are injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or ATV accident it the accident was caused by another person, as an experienced ATV accident attorney in Long Island will explain, under New York law you have the right to hold that person accountable through a personal injury claim. This means that the negligent person who caused the accident will be ordered to pay you damages for the losses you suffered, including your medical expenses, your lost income for your job or from self-employment, and your pain and suffering. If a loved one is killed in an ATV accident then the victim's personal representative has the right to file a wrongful death claim and demand compensation.
HypotheticalJoshua, Saul and several other friends were hanging out on Joshua's farm. They were drinking beer, riding ATVs, grilling and blasting music. Saul was clearly intoxicated, but jumped on an ATV anyway. He operated it erratically around the property before he drove it straight through the area where the friends had gathered, striking Joshua. Joshua was thrown through the air. Joshua was rushed to the hospital. He suffered several serious injuries including broken bones, an injury to his back and an injury to his head. Joshua filed a claim against Saul, claiming that because Saul operated the ATV negligently Joshua suffered serious injuries. Joshua demanded payment for his medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage.
Long Island ATV accident lawyerIf you or a loved one have been injured as a result of an ATV accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. The ATV accident attorneys serving Long Island at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are experienced in handling personal injury cases stemming from ATV accidents as well car accidents, truck accidents, and other types of vehicle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.