Many people in Alaska enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles as a recreational activity. Unfortunately, some riders do not follow appropriate safety precautions, leading to numerous serious injuries and fatalities each year relating to ATV accidents.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 337 people in the United States died in ATV accidents in 2016. Research continues anticipating the number of deaths will increase as reports conclude. More than 100,000 additional people report injuries in accidents involving ATVs in 2016. Children under 16 years of age account for twenty-six percent of those injuries.
Preventing Accidents
In order to reduce the likelihood of accidents, the agency recommends people take a number of precautions. People who ride an ATV should first obtain training from a qualified instructor. Riders should always wear helmets and never allow more than the maximum number of people to ride on the vehicle at the same time. Children under the age of 16 should never be allowed to ride on one.
While riding an ATV can be a fun activity, many people are injured or killed in ATV accidents each year. A person seriously injured in such an accident due to the negligence of another may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. For ATV owners, when guests come over, it is advisable to not allow them to ride the ATV without supervision and prior training. In addition, owners should never allow visiting children to ride the ATV. If they are injured or killed, the owners may face liability.
Contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. to meet with our highly experienced Alaskan personal injury attorney to discuss your case: 907.452.5400 or visit www.merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
