All-terrain vehicles, commonly referred to as ATVs, may be fun to use recreationally, but they can cause injuries or even death due to their weight and ability to travel at high speeds. Further, people generally do not feel the need to wear helmets when operating these, leading to increased danger for ATV operators and passengers.
ATV users typically wear minimal or no protective wear, which many times results in devastating injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in the most recent year of complete reporting (2016), there were 591 ATV-related fatalities. 65 of those deaths occurred in children under the age of 16, and 29 were under 12. They have the right to seek compensation for their losses through either insurance claims or personal injury claims in court. If you would like to discuss your options after an ATV accident, contact our skilled Florida ATV accident attorneys at Meldon Law for help today.
Common Causes of ATV-Related Accidents
ATV accidents often result in serious, or even fatal, injuries due to the lack of sufficient protective wear and the carelessness with which some drivers operate these vehicles. Because of their use for mostly recreational purposes here in Florida, drivers sometimes do not consider them a vehicle capable of harm. Further, some drivers operate ATVs under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But, due to ATV’s heaviness and their ability to go high speeds, up to 65 mph in some cases, ATVs can be extremely dangerous.
In addition to speeding or operating an ATV under the influence, the following are some of the other common causes of ATV accidents and injuries.
- Not wearing a safety belt or helmet
- Driving recklessly or distractedly due to cell phones, other occupants, etc.
- Allowing an inexperienced driver to operate the ATV
- Driving the ATV on asphalt roads
- Having too many passengers in the ATV
- ATV rollover
- Collision with another ATV or vehicle
- Crashing into a fixed object or building
- Causing vehicle occupants to fall off
- Running over victims
ATV Accident Injuries
Just as there is a high propensity for ATV accidents due to many reasons, there are also a plethora of injuries that you can sustain when you’re involved in an ATV accident. These injuries include the following:
- Facial broken bones or injuries
- Cuts
- Bone fractures or breaks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Paralyzation
- Death
Suffered an ATV Injury in Florida? Let Our Lawyer Fight for Your Justice and Compensation!
Liable Parties After an ATV Accident
Liable parties in a personal injury suit may vary depending on the type of accident, the type of injury, and the location of the accident or injury. In the case of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, or ATV accident in Florida, victims should first file a claim under their no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) policy required in Florida.
However, suppose the victim’s injury crosses the “permanent injury threshold” and involves permanent loss of a bodily function. In that case, any degree of permanent injury, scarring or disfigurement, or death claims damages can be brought against the at-fault party.
When these claims escalate to a lawsuit, and in other personal injury cases, multiple parties might be liable, including the driver and owner of the ATV. Suppose your ATV accident was due to a malfunction of the ATV itself. In that case, one such liable party is the manufacturer or retailer who designed or marketed the defective product and failed to warn the public about the product’s dangerous aspects.
ATV Accidents Result in Extensive Medical Need
At Meldon Law, we know that if you have been injured in an ATV accident, you will need a significant amount of compensation to help you address both your injuries and the future. Unfortunately, you are likely to suffer catastrophic injuries due to an ATV accident and may need lifelong medical care.
Our Florida ATV accident attorneys at Meldon Law help you recover the money you need to pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Specialized medical equipment
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of benefits
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
Contact the Experienced Florida ATV Accident Attorneys at Meldon Law Today
If you or someone you love has been injured or been killed in an ATV accident in Florida, you need an experienced law firm on your side.
At Meldon Law, we understand the damaging impact an ATV accident will have on your life, mentally, physically, and even emotionally. We work aggressively for our injured clients from the start and confer with your medical team to ensure that you have the money you need to tackle the future. We have the necessary experience and resources to tackle these challenging cases—and win.
To explore your legal options and begin fighting for your rights, call us today or fill out our confidential contact form. Our Florida ATV accident attorneys offer free initial consultations and case evaluations, so you can get the answers you need. We also work on a contingency basis, so you do not owe us any money unless we can collect compensation for you following your ATV accident. Call today so we can help you get started putting your life back together.
