How Dangerous are Dirtbikes and ATVs on Philadelphia Roads?
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a dirtbike, we may be able to help. At the Reiff Law Firm, we have helped thousands of car accident injury victims throughout our more than four decades of hands-on experience. Our experienced, award-winning team of attorneys can help you obtain compensation from the liable parties.
Our Philadelphia attorneys for car accidents caused by dirtbikes and ATVs can help you through the entire lawsuit process. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation with one of our skilled lawyers, call our law offices today at (215) 515-8351.
Dangers of All-Terrain Vehicles
ATVs and dirt bikes can be extremely dangerous. These types of vehicles are meant to be used in off-road areas under certain conditions. Furthermore, they are intended to be used in a particular way. However, many careless, reckless, or negligent ATV drivers disregard safety, causing injuries to themselves and other motorists around them.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released their latest ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries report in 2016. According to the CPSC’s 2016 report, 14,653 people lost their lives in ATV-related crashes from 1982 to 2016 in the U.S. Pennsylvania occupies the fourth place for most ATV-related deaths in the US with 665 registered fatalities.
ATV accidents and crashes can happen for many different reasons. However, some causes are likelier to increase the likelihood of a crash. Some of the most common causes of ATV-related car accidents include:
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in the entire nation. ATVs are no stranger to this reality. Speeding on these compact-sized vehicles can make a driver lose control over their ATV, which can lead to devastating consequences.
Riding on Pavement
ATVs are meant to be used in specific settings. By their structure and design, these vehicles are meant to perform better in rocky or bumpy terrains rather than on smooth, paved surfaces. However, many drivers take their all-terrain vehicles to the streets, increasing the risk of causing an accident with other cars, especially since these vehicles are not usually street-legal.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving can lead to devastating consequences. Four-wheelers, dirt bikes, buggies, and other types of ATVs are dangerous and require focus and care while riding. However, many people decide to perform stunts on these powerful vehicles. The reckless actions of a negligent ATV driver can cause a severe accident.
Our skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyers can help you obtain compensation from the reckless, careless, and negligent parties who caused your injuries.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents Caused by ATVs
ATV-related car accidents can cause serious, sometimes fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries people can sustain in car accidents caused by ATVs include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe injury caused by a massive blow to the head. TBI also includes penetrating injuries to the brain. Depending on the severity of your injury, you can suffer loss of consciousness, severe headaches, cognitive effects, vomiting, and other debilitating symptoms. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves enclosed within the spine, connecting to many parts of the body. After a spinal cord injury, you may lose sensation, strength, and motor function from the site of the injury down. For instance, if you sever your spinal cord at your mid-back, you can lose function from the mid-back down, including the ability to walk. A knowledgeable attorney can help you obtain compensation for your losses.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a painful, often long-term injury caused by a sudden, rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. This type of injury is common amongst people who have been involved in car accidents. Whiplash is known for causing stiffness in the neck and pain extending from the neck down to the shoulders. Our personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation from the at-fault parties.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Injuries from an ATV Car Accident in Pennsylvania
Our experienced attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against your wrongdoers. We can help you obtain compensation by showing the following elements in your lawsuit:
- The defendant owed you a duty.
- The defendant breached this duty
- The breach of duty caused you harm.
- You suffered damages.
By showing these elements in court, you can be in a better position to obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other harms. We can also help you file your lawsuit on time to avoid being barred from obtaining compensation.
Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys Offering Free Consultations on Accidents Involving ATVs and Dirtbikes
After experiencing a car accident with an ATV, you may feel overwhelmed and hopeless. This is especially true when the medical bills keep piling up. However, you can typically sue to obtain compensation from the at-fault parties. At the Reiff Law Firm, our experienced lawyers can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and damages. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligent actions of an ATV rider or dirtbike rider, we may be able to help. Call our law offices today at (215) 515-8351.
