All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) offer a fun way to explore the Georgia countryside and spend time with friends and family. Unfortunately, ATVs can also be dangerous. Their design leaves them lacking key safety features that occupants of passenger cars enjoy. When a crash happens, victims tend to suffer serious injuries.
In Georgia, individuals may be eligible for compensation if another party’s recklessness injures them. If you’re in this position, an Atlanta ATV accident lawyer from Bayuk Pratt can review your case and explain your legal options. Our law firm has recovered more than $300 million for Peach State residents just like you. As former insurance company defense attorneys, we know what it takes to build ATV accident cases that win.
Reasons to Hire Our Atlanta ATV Accident Attorneys
With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, Bayuk Pratt has a reputation for excellence and the trust of the clients we serve. But don’t just take our word for it. Past client Emari El-Amin writes, “I have nothing but good things to say about [the] Bayuk Pratt office. They are really for the client. Unfortunate circumstances led me to needing their service and they walked me through the entire process, great communication, no question left unanswered, and they fought for me when the opposite party was being unfair. If you want to be in good hands, trust them.”
Our skilled team will handle every legal detail so you can focus on healing. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
What Makes ATVs Potentially Dangerous?
Riding ATVs involves significant risks. For instance, most ATVs lack a fully enclosed cabin. Without a protective shell to shield them, riders and passengers face direct exposure to anything that strikes them. In addition, a higher center of gravity and narrow wheelbase on most ATVs make them more prone to rollovers, especially on uneven terrain or during sharp turns.
The riding environment also increases the likelihood of an accident. Most people operate ATVs in rugged areas with loose gravel, mud, or steep inclines, making them harder to control. Poorly maintained or defective components, such as faulty brakes or tires, can further increase the risk of crashes. Some ATV models have design flaws that make them inherently unstable, adding to the danger.
Finally, ATVs are not subject to the same stringent safety regulations as cars and other passenger vehicles, leaving riders more vulnerable. These factors, combined with the potential for high speeds, make ATVs particularly dangerous, especially for inexperienced operators.
What Are Causes of ATV Accidents?
Some common causes of ATV accidents in Georgia include:
- Operator inexperience – Many ATV riders lack proper training. Inexperience with steering, braking, or navigating rough terrain can lead to accidents.
- Riding under the influence – Operating an ATV while intoxicated is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Speeding – Riding an ATV too fast increases the chances of a rollover crash by making it harder for the operator to maintain control.
- Reckless maneuvers – Sudden turns, wheelies, or riding on steep inclines can make an ATV unstable, causing it to tip or flip.
- Overloading – Exceeding an ATV’s weight limit or carrying multiple passengers on a single-rider vehicle can strain the machine and disrupt its balance, making an accident more likely.
- Malfunctioning parts – Faulty brakes, defective steering systems, or poorly designed tires can cause an ATV operator to lose control or fail to stop quickly.
- Improper maintenance – Like any motorized vehicle, ATVs need maintenance. Failure to replace worn-out tires or low brake fluid can result in mechanical failures that lead to an accident.
What Are Common Injuries from Atlanta ATV Accidents?
ATV riders and passengers are particularly prone to severe injuries, especially if an accident ejects them from the vehicle or the ATV rolls over. Common injuries from Atlanta ATV accidents include:
- Concussions and catastrophic traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Whiplash
- Ruptured discs and other back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Crush injuries
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions
Who Could Be Liable for an Atlanta ATV Accident?
The circumstances of an ATV accident determine who’s liable for your injuries. For example, the ATV operator may be at fault if they caused the collision due to speeding, riding recklessly, ignoring safety rules, or behaving negligently in another way.
The ATV designer or manufacturer could be liable in cases involving defective parts. For example, if a faulty door latch, brakes, or design flaw causes an unreasonable risk of injury, you could have a valid ATV accident lawsuit.
A dealership or repair shop could also bear responsibility for a crash if they sold a defective ATV or performed improper maintenance that contributed to the crash.
Finally, property owners may be liable for an ATV crash if dangerous conditions on their land, such as hidden hazards or poorly maintained trails, caused it. An experienced ATV accident lawyer will investigate the incident to identify who’s responsible and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover From an ATV Accident Claim?
You can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial and personal losses from an ATV accident. At Bayuk Pratt, our lawyers will review the specifics of your case before placing an appropriate value on your claim.
With our help, your compensation could include money for:
- Past, current, and expected medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings due to a long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Atlanta ATV Accidents?
Most homeowners insurance policies in Atlanta do not cover ATV and other recreational vehicle accidents, especially if the accident didn’t occur on the landowner’s property. However, individual policies vary. An Atlanta ATV accident lawyer can review the applicable insurance policies to see what coverage may apply to your situation.
What Is Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Filing an ATV Accident Lawsuit?
Georgia law requires you to file an ATV accident lawsuit within two years of the date you sustained your injuries. Exceptions apply that could shorten or extend the deadline. Our attorneys can review your case to determine what time limit applies to your circumstances.
Contact an Atlanta ATV Accident Lawyer
Don’t wait to learn about your right to compensation after an ATV accident in Atlanta. Call Bayuk Pratt now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.