Staten Island ATV Accident

Just like other motor vehicles such as cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles, ATVs are dangerous. To use skillfully, they require training and maturity. However, each year there are ATV accidents that are caused because of negligent operation. Operators of ATVs often view them more as toys then as motor vehicles. This leads to speeding, driving while intoxicated, allowing children to operate them, and attempting stunts without training. The result is often catastrophic. ATV accidents leave victims with horrible injuries. Often the victim is thrown from the vehicle, or the vehicle rolls and ends up on top o the operator. Injuries are typically broken bones, lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries. Many victims, especially children, die in ATV accidents. In cases where negligence of another person was a factor in an ATV accident, the seriously injured victim has the legal right to demand payment from the that person for the losses suffered. This is important as serious injuries often have significant financial impact on the victim. If you were injured in an ATV accident due to the negligence of another person, it is important to speak with a Staten Island ATV accident lawyer who will review the events that led to the accident and who will explain your options for pursuing a personal injury claim against the negligent person.

While the rules for operating ATVs are vastly different from the rules for driving a traditional passenger vehicle, the cause of most ATV accidents is the same: negligence. This means that most ATV accidents could have been avoided if more care was taken, and most injuries would not have happened. The specific reasons for the majority of ATV accidents include:

• Driving on paved surface. Unlike cars, SUVs and minivans, ATVs are not designed for highways and other paved roads. They are designed to travel off-road, on rough terrain. They tend to perform poorly on paved surfaces making it easier for operators, especially inexperienced operators, lose control. Approximately 35% of ATV accidents occur on paved surfaces.
• Passenger on ATV. Because most ATVs are designed for only one rider, if two people are on an ATV it is more likely to become unstable and roll over.
• Inexperienced operators. Some perceive that an ATV is not much more than a ride-on toy. This is not the case. ATVs are complicated vehicles that are quite dangerous if not operated correctly.
• Performing stunts. ATVs are also perceived as stunt vehicles. Riders often try to perform complicated stunts like wheelies without first being properly trained. The result is often catastrophic with the ATV rolling over, riders being thrown, and collisions.
• Alcohol use. Alcohol use is a factor with many ATV accidents. It is reckless to operate an ATV or any vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.

One summer afternoon Bradley, Steven and a few of their friends were riding ATVs when Steven lost control of his ATV, cutting off Bradley. Bradley collided into a tree and was thrown from his ATV and landed on his head. Bradley was not wearing a helmet. As a result of the accident Bradley suffered a traumatic brain injury and a back injury. He spent a month in the hospital before being transferred to a rehabilitation center. Steven's family contacted an ATV accident attorney serving Staten Island to pursue a claim against Steven

Injuries from ATV accidents can be severe, leaving victims with debilitating disabilities. For example, because ATVs are prone to flip and rollover, one of the most common injuries is a traumatic injury to the brain. An injury that affects the brain can require surgery and rehabilitation. Victims often suffer the effects of the injury for weeks, months and even years after the injury.

If you were seriously injured in an ATV-related accident that was caused due another person's negligence, you have right to demand that the negligent person pay you for your economic and non-economic losses. Compensable losses include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, lost self-employment revenue, lost benefits, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

If a loved one was killed in an ATV accident, you have may have the right to file a claim for wrongful death.

If you or someone you care about was injured in an ATV accident it is important to act immediately and contact an experienced attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The ATV accident attorneys serving Staten Island clients 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.