Indianapolis ATV Accident Lawyers
At Hovde Dassow + Deets , our lawyers have successfully handled several catastrophic injury claims involving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles.
The ATV has become a popular machine for both recreational and occupational use. Their popularity is increasing with time. From 1997 to 2001, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an increase in ATV ownership of 39.5% and riding hours of 44.8%.
As ATV popularity and utility increased, so did rider injuries. An estimated 22,648 nonfatal injuries occurred on U.S. farms to youth less than 20 years of age during 2001. Approximately 10% of these injuries were the result of ATV use by youths. In 2001, youth under 16 years of age sustained over 25% of all ATV-related injuries.Our skilled Indianapolis recreational vehicle accident lawyers are prepared to pursue your personal injury claim to its fullest extent.
If you suffered an injury in a car, on a motorcycle or in a truck due to recreational vehicle negligence, we can help you seek compensation for those injuries as well. Call our team at 888-229-1778 today to begin.
Efforts Made To Curb ATV Accidents
In 1988, the CPSC and the major manufacturers of ATVs entered into a consent decree intended to reduce injuries through the development of safety training programs and guidelines for ATV use. These guidelines included agreements to halt the production of 3-wheeled ATVs and to place age restrictions on ATV use by engine displacement size.
Although ATVs with engine displacements of 200 cc and greater are not intended for children and youth under 16, CPSC data showed 19,770 (65%) injuries to youth under 16 occurred to drivers of these adult-sized ATVs. This demonstrated that the age restrictions implemented by the consent decree were not being followed. This continues to be the case and results in many unnecessary injuries to children.
ATV cases are generally brought under theories of negligence on the part of the vehicle’s driver and/or the person responsible for the safe supervision or operation of the vehicle. Cases can also be brought against the manufacturer of certain vehicles for the unreasonably dangerous design or manufacture of the product. In some cases, both personal negligence and product liability claims will result in the same action. Our attorneys have experience and demonstrated skill in establishing liability under both approaches and in finding insurance coverage for such losses.
How Hovde Dassow + Deets Can Help
We handle recreational accident cases involving ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, golf carts, boats, WaveRunners, race cars and more. Our caseload is limited to allow us to fully investigate and develop your case against every defendant who has responsibility for an unnecessary and preventable accident, whether it’s a person who negligently operated a vehicle, a person who negligently entrusted and failed to train the operator of a vehicle or a manufacturer of an inherently unstable and dangerous ATV or other recreational vehicle.
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one as a result of an accident involving a vehicle, such as an ATV or other recreational vehicle accident, we can help you.
Also, if you have additional questions about pursuing damages through a personal injury claim, visit our FAQ page.
To talk to one of our lawyers, please call 888-229-1778 or fill out our online form. If you choose not to go forward or if you do not recover damages, there are no charges or attorney fees.