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Can You file a Lawsuit if Your Car Accident is Caused by a Dirt Bike or ATV?
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    Can You file a Lawsuit if Your Car Accident is Caused by a Dirt Bike or ATV?

    All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes are vehicles that should be operated away from the congested streets of Bucks County. Unfortunately, some individuals may attempt to drive one of these vehicles on a city street, which can result in serious injuries to other motorists on the road. If you or a family member is involved in an accident with an ATV or dirt bike, you should consult with an experienced Bucks County car accident lawyer today.

    The legal team at The Reiff Law Firm are prepared to help you hold a negligent motorist liable for causing a dangerous ATV accident. Our injury lawyers possess over 40 years of combined legal experience, and we will use that knowledge to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential claim, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.

    Common Causes of Dirt Bike and ATV Accidents

    While there are additional dangers involved in operating a dirt bike or ATV, the common causes of dirt bike and ATV accidents are similar to the common causes of car accidents. For example, speeding on a dirt bike through traffic is just as ill-advised as speeding in a passenger vehicle. However, it is more dangerous to cause an accident while riding an ATV or dirt bike because of how exposed the rider is.

    The following is a list of common causes of dirt bike and ATV accidents.

    Underage Drivers

    In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for children under the age of 16 to operate an ATV or dirt bike without the supervision of a certified instructor. Many off-road vehicle accidents are caused because an underaged rider is not adequately trained to handle their vehicle. This issue is compounded if an underage rider sneaks their dirt bike or ATV on a city street.

    Driving on City Streets

    Dirt bikes and ATVs are designed to be operated on off-road trails. Despite being specifically manufactured for off-road use, there are still several risks to using these vehicles off-road. This also means that driving your ATV on a city street can be more hazardous than driving off-road.

    According to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), off-road vehicles typically have a high center of gravity and a narrow wheelbase which make them difficult to operate on a city street. This means that these vehicles are likely to flip over if they are used on a public road.

    Dangerous Maneuvers

    Some riders of off-road vehicles attempt to perform challenging and unsafe maneuvers while they ride. For example, trying to jump on a dirt bike or driving an ATV on two wheels are dangerous maneuvers that should be avoided. Unfortunately, some negligent riders will attempt these techniques on a public road and cause a serious accident.

    Additionally, many ATVs and dirt bikes are only meant to carry one rider. Riders that carry a passenger are more likely to lose control of their bike or ATV.

    There are many other causes of dirt bike and ATV accidents that are not listed above. To learn more about how these accidents are caused, you should speak with an experienced Bucks County ATV accident lawyer.

    When to Sue for an Off-Road Vehicle Crash

    If you or your vehicle was struck by a negligent ATV or dirt bike rider, you should not delay in filing a claim for injuries. Pennsylvania has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The statute of limitations is a law that determines how long a plaintiff has to file a particular type of claim.

    The filing deadline for personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the injury. If you do not file your case within two years, the court may bar your claim. This will leave you without the ability to pursue compensation for any injuries sustained in a crash.

    Under certain circumstances, it is possible that there may be a way to delay your case. For example, if you did not discover that you were injured until several months after an accident, this may help you delay your filing deadline.

    Our Bucks County Dirt Bike Accident Attorneys Can Help You Pursue a Claim

    If you or a family member was seriously injured in a dirt bike or ATV accident, you should contact an experienced Bucks County dirt bike accident attorney. The dedicated attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm will provide you with aggressive legal representation that is tailored to your unique needs. You should not have to bear the financial burden of dealing with a serious injury for an accident that you did not cause. To schedule a free legal consultation, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.

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