The experienced ATV accident lawyers at Sumner Law Group, LLC, help injured ATV riders and passengers in St. Louis hold at-fault parties accountable and pursue fair compensation for their injuries.
Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney handling ATV accident cases.
What Is an ATV Accident and How Do They Happen in St. Louis?
An ATV accident involves a crash, rollover, or any other incident on an all-terrain vehicle that causes injury or death. ATV accidents happen on trails, private property, farms, construction sites, and even roadways throughout the St. Louis area.
Some common causes of four-wheeler accidents in St. Louis include:
- Defective ATV design
- Excessive speeding
- Uneven terrain
- Lack of safety equipment
- Alcohol or drug use
- Inexperienced or underage riders
- Defective parts
ATVs lack the stability and protection of passenger vehicles. The margin of error is far lower with all-terrain vehicles, meaning small mistakes can have serious consequences.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from ATV Accidents?
The lack of safety features and structural protection provided by ATVs means accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries. Even low-speed crashes can cause life-altering harm.
Some examples of potential ATV-related injuries include:
Severe injuries from an ATV accident can result in high medical costs, lengthy recovery periods, the need for long-term care, and permanent disabilities. Our ATV accident lawyers stand ready to carefully assess the full value of your claim and then fight for compensation that reflects your losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an ATV Accident in Missouri?
Liability in a Missouri ATV injury claim depends on how the crash occurred and who caused it. Some examples of potentially liable parties under Missouri ATV accident laws include:
- ATV operators – An ATV operator may be liable for their negligent behavior, such as if they speed, ride recklessly, ride under the influence, or ignore safety rules.
- ATV manufacturers – When a defective vehicle or component caused or contributed to the accident, an injured rider may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
- Parents or guardians – Underage or inexperienced riders can cause serious collisions. When they do, the parent or guardian who allowed them to ride may bear responsibility.
- Rental companies – Companies that rent out ATVs for recreational use need to maintain their vehicles and instruct riders in safe operation practices. They could be to blame if they failed to provide a safe riding experience, even if they made the injured rider sign a waiver in some cases.
- Maintenance providers – If a poorly repaired or inspected ATV results in a serious collision, liability may fall on the maintenance provider or dealer.
Our ATV accident lawyer team can investigate the incident to determine how the crash occurred and who may be responsible, and gather the evidence needed to hold them accountable for the harm they caused.