Charlotte ATV Accident Attorney
Representing victims of injuries from all-terrain vehicles in North Carolina
When you’re enjoying a vacation or a day relaxing with your family, the last thing you want to hear is that your child was in an accident. Unfortunately, many parents hear this kind of chilling news each year, as more people are turning to ATVs – or all-terrain vehicles – for their summer adventures. ATVs must be maintained and operated responsibly, and a variety of factors can contribute to these accidents.
ATVs are dangerous in their own right, and when a manufacturer or operator is negligent, the resulting accidents can be catastrophic. If you or a family member sustained an injury on one of these vehicles, our team of personal injury attorneys can help you determine who is liable and, more importantly, what you can do about it. The experienced attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates offer compassionate legal advocacy in Charlotte for those injured in ATV accidents.
What would you like to know?
What is an ATV?
All-terrain vehicles are motorized vehicles designed to travel off roads and highways. Per the ATV Safety Institute:
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control. ATVs are subdivided into two types as designated by the manufacturer. Type I ATVs are intended by the manufacturer for use by a single operator and no passenger. Type II ATVs are intended by the manufacturer for use by an operator and a passenger, and are equipped with a designated seating position behind the operator. Similarly, riders must also consider the various ATV sizes.
They also note that children should always operate an ATV intended for their size and age.
How dangerous are all-terrain vehicles?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports between 2015 and 2017 (the most current data available):
- 1,697 fatalities associated with ATV accidents
- 26 of these incidents had multiple fatalities
- 65% of fatal accidents involved an overturned ATV
- Collisions are the primary hazard in 37% of fatal ATV accidents
- Most collisions involve stationary objects or other vehicles
- Occupant ejections account for the majority of fatalities
- Children under 12 represent 48% of fatalities in the under-16 age group
Between 2015 and 2019, 524,600 people received ER treatment for ATV-related injuries.
What types of injuries happen in Charlotte ATV accidents?
ATV crashes and collisions can cause severe and catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Caused by sharp blows to the head that affect brain tissue, the symptoms of a TBI depend on its severity. A TBI requires immediate medical attention and often results in hospitalization, and its symptoms can range from mild concussion and lightheadedness to coma and permanent loss of motor function.
- Dislocations and bone fractures. Bones are vulnerable to the heavy, unstable weight of all-terrain vehicles, and can be crushed or fractured by many of the moving parts. Rehabilitation for severe bone injuries can take years to heal.
- Internal bleeding. The tremendous force exerted on your body during an ATV-related accident can cause serious internal bleeding and hemorrhaging, and can be fatal without proper medical treatment.
- Loss of limb. Rollover accidents can cause severe crushing or laceration injuries that result in amputation of an extremity or body part.
- Spine and neck injuries. As the foundation of the human body, the spine is critical to movement — and extremely vulnerable to accidents. Ranging from whiplash to full paraplegia, spine and neck injuries need time to heal and can prevent you from full-time work.
- Wrongful death. In the worst case scenario, an ATV operator can lose his or her life in an accident.
While user error, inexperience, and disregarding the rules of the road account for many recorded ATV-related injuries, there are also cases where a manufacturer was directly responsible for an injury sustained on an ATV, and even more where another driver can be held accountable for injuries.
Google Reviews
Thank You to Margret Ford And Price Petho and associates for all your hard work and dedication. They made the process so easy with No hassels or worries. Thank you again for such prompt service!!
- Carolyn Black
FOREVER CLIENT!!!
Very welcoming and friendly makes you feel right at home definitely will be sending all my friends and family if ever needed. Their offices keep you updated on what’s going on. They definitely have me for a forever client!!!!
- Mary Davis
How do ATV accidents and crashes happen?
In the majority of cases, all-terrain vehicle accidents are preventable when vehicle and property owners take the right precautions and provide safety precautions. If your or your child’s ATV accident occurred because of another’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Examples of negligence can include:
- Driving distracted
- Drunk driving
- Lack of ATV driving experience
- Reckless driving
- Operating an ATV in improper conditions
Other examples of negligence would be the owner of an ATV allowing underage or unlicensed drivers to operate vehicles unsupervised. Property owners would also be liable for injuries if they left their ATVs accessible to children, under Charlotte premises liability law.
All-terrain vehicle accidents and injuries can also occur from defective vehicle parts. When any part of a vehicle malfunctions, an ATV can go out of control and cause a serious accident. In cases like these, our attorneys hold the manufacturer responsible for putting a dangerous and defective product on the market.
What is the value of my Charlotte ATV accident case?
Every injury and accident is unique, and the attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates work to ensure you secure fair and proper compensation for your injuries and losses. We hold all liable parties responsible for their involvement in the accident, working to recover the compensation to which you are entitled, including:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages, including future lost/reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
Here in North Carolina, victims have three years to file a personal injury claim, but it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. This gives your attorneys time to begin building a strong case while evidence and details are still fresh.
Is there an ATV accident attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates is located at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte, NC. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, we can make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Experienced Charlotte ATV accident lawyers on your side
If you believe your accident was caused by negligence of any variety, contact the attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates today. The laws governing personal injury in North Carolina are strict, as the state follows the “contributory negligence rule.” This means you cannot file a civil suit if you were partially at fault for the accident, as determined by a jury. Discussing your case with a personal injury attorney is the best way to recover the full extent of damages you’ve suffered. To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
Thank You to Margret Ford And Price Petho and associates for all your hard work and dedication. They made the process so easy with No hassels or worries. Thank you again for such prompt service!!
- Client
FOREVER CLIENT!!!
Very welcoming and friendly makes you feel right at home definitely will be sending all my friends and family if ever needed. Their offices keep you updated on what’s going on. They definitely have me for a forever client!!!!
- Client