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All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, are a fun and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. Although Washington, DC is an urban area, ATVs are gaining steam in popularity and are even considered part of DC’s bike culture. As enjoyable as these off-road vehicles are, one accident could result in debilitating injuries, changing your life forever. If you or your loved one were injured in an ATV accident in Washington DC, call a Regan Zambri Long personal injury lawyer. We offer a free consultation to assess your case and offer expert legal guidance. No one in DC will work harder to secure the compensation you deserve.
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Depending on the circumstances of your ATV accident, it may be possible for you to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Damages from an ATV crash lawsuit can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and noneconomic damages, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Regan Zambri Long PLLC has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims and their families. Working with specialists, we work to provide the highest quality legal representation for our clients. Our DC area trial attorneys handle ATV accident cases in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
An all-terrain vehicle is a motorized off-highway vehicle that has three, four, or more low-pressure tires, handlebars for steering control, and up to two straddle seats for the operator and passenger. They are massive vehicles that can weigh up to 600 pounds and can travel at speeds beyond 65mph. ATVs are often used for recreation and by outdoor enthusiasts but are also operated by farmers, ranchers, hunters, and even emergency personnel who need to get to places that are unreachable by car.
While Maryland and Virginia have several requirements regarding ATVs such as safety gear conditions, lighting requirements, and age restrictions, Washington DC has only one law – ATVs, mini bikes, and dirt bikes are prohibited on DC roads and public spaces. Streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, alleyways, and public trails are all off-limits to these vehicles.
There were 259 ATV accidents recorded in 2019. Of those accidents, 188 were single-vehicle accidents, while 71 involved multiple vehicles. 66% involved the ATV rolling over during the crash. Since many ATVs are not manufactured with rollover bars or cages, riders can be thrown from the vehicle or pinned underneath in the event of an accident.
ATV accident causes can range from bad weather, poor road/terrain conditions, to driver inexperience. However, the most common types and causes of ATV crashes are:
If you were involved in an ATV accident due to someone else’s negligent actions, contact the Regan Zambri Long personal injury lawyers as soon as possible. Medical bills pile up quickly, but we can help secure fair compensation to cover all expenses related to the accident and your serious injuries.
Determining liability for ATV accidents can be difficult, as multiple parties may be responsible. The Regan Zambri Long ATV accident lawyer will work to determine who should be held accountable for your accident and then pursue a claim against them for damages. The common thread we will look for in potentially liable parties is negligence.
Common defendants in an ATV accident claim can be:
Your claim could be tied to product liability if the ATV manufacturer created a faulty vehicle that caused your accident. The Regan Zambri Long ATV accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the vehicle, checking for any defective parts. If one is found, you may have a case against the manufacturer or distributor.
If you were involved in a multiple-vehicle collision, the other driver may be liable for the accident. If the other driver was recklessly driving, driving while impaired, drowsy driving, speeding, or distracted at the time of your accident, your DC ATV accident lawyer will pursue damages against their insurance companies.
If you were riding on property that was meant for ATV driving at the time of the collision, the owner of that land could be held accountable for the accident. Property owners who allow ATV driving on their land must maintain safety standards or warn ATV riders of unreasonably dangerous conditions on the property.
If you rented a poorly maintained or faulty ATV from a rental company and suffered injuries, the rental company should be held liable for the accident. It is the responsibility of the ATV owner to properly maintain their vehicles, especially if they allow others to ride them.
If you are the parent of a child under the age of 18 who suffered serious injuries due to an ATV accident while under the supervision of an adult, you may have a claim against the adults who were meant to provide care and supervision.
ATV riders are susceptible to severe, and possibly life-threatening injuries from ATV accidents. Since the vehicle offers very little protection in the event of an accident, a crash can leave the victim with permanently debilitating injuries and even cause death. Children involved in ATV accidents are at a greater risk of severe injury than adults. In fact, in 2016, 11% of all ATV-related fatalities were children under the age of 16, while 45% were children under the age of 12.
The most common ATV injuries a victim can sustain include:
These serious injuries, especially TBIs and spinal cord injuries, can require extensive medical care including lengthy hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, and ongoing treatment. Riders who have lost limbs by being pinned by a rolled-over ATV may require multiple surgeries and prosthetics. Medical procedures, exams, and medical treatment are extremely costly and can financially ruin the victim and their families. We, at Regan Zambri Long, are here to help you. Our legal team has more than 100 years of combined experience and the financial backing to take your case on until the very end.
A: You can receive compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
Current and future medical expenses can include ambulance rides, emergency room visits, x-rays, and other scans, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatment. If your injuries cause you to miss several days of work, your Regan Zambri Long ATV accident attorney will pursue damages to cover the total sum of those lost wages.
If your injuries are severe enough, or even permanent, and cause you to be out of work for several months or years, we will pursue enough financial compensation to make up for future lost income. If your ATV was damaged during the crash, Regan Zambri Long will make sure your claim covers the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle.
Pain and suffering may include chronic pain resulting from your accident and emotional distress the accident caused. For example, if you suffered whiplash from the ATV accident that caused chronic back pain, we will pursue damages to help cover medications and medical treatment, such as chiropractic or acupuncture visits. If you suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression following your accident, you may have the right to compensation for those conditions.
Finally, if you lost your loved one in an ATV accident, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Those damages can include burial and funeral expenses, lost income the deceased would have earned, and loss of consortium (loss of love, companionship, and support).
A: Although riders cannot occupy DC streets, there are still several places where they can enjoy beautiful DC Metro scenery on ATVs. Some of the most notable spots for to off-road on an ATV are:
A: Not every accident can be prevented, but there are several safety measures you can take before enjoying a ride to lessen the chances of a crash:
Follow the law: Pay attention to the local laws in DC, Virginia, and Maryland and closely follow the rules and regulations. They were put in place to keep riders like you as safe as possible. Children should not ride all-terrain vehicles without the constant supervision of an adult.
Get the right fit: There are ATV sizes for smaller riders, which will be easier for them to operate. Do not allow children to operate adult-sized ATVs.
Safety first: You should always wear the correct safety gear when riding an ATV and even sign up for a safety training class before going on your first ride. Out of the 259 ATV accident deaths in 2019, 251 victims were not wearing a helmet. Safety gear could be the difference between life and death – wear a helmet.
Maintain your vehicle: Perform regular maintenance checks on your vehicle to make sure it is in pristine condition before taking it out. A defective part can lead to fatal injuries.
Stay sober: Just like regular motor vehicles, you should never operate an ATV while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs under any circumstance. Alcohol decreases your reaction time, causes drowsiness, and lessens your spatial reasoning. You and your passengers are at a much greater risk of deadly ATV accidents if you ride under the influence.
Check your passengers: Operators and passengers add weight to the ATV, which can cause the vehicle to handle differently when you ride. If you are a less experienced driver who cannot handle the additional weight, opt out of operating the vehicle.
A: If you were involved in an ATV accident you may be covered by your health insurance, homeowners insurance, or renter’s insurance. If you were operating a rental, the company may have ATV liability insurance, which would cover costs in the event of an accident. Speak to your Regan Zambri Long ATV accident lawyer today to determine which insurance companies and policies will cover medical costs and property damage.
A: There are several steps you should take at the scene of an ATV accident. These steps will not only ensure your safety following the accident but also help your claim against the negligent party:
Seek medical attention: Nothing is more important than your safety. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, see a doctor anyway. Internal injuries, such as bleeding, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries, are not always visible right away. Severe injuries can also develop or worsen over time.
Call 911: The police serve many purposes at the scene of an ATV accident. Not only can they coordinate medical care for the injured parties, but they will also begin an investigation of the accident right away. A police report will be crucial evidence in your claim. Call 911 immediately following your accident.
Collect information: If your medical needs are addressed, start to document as much information from the scene as possible. This will include the other driver’s contact information and witness testimonies. Take pictures and video documentation of the damages to your ATV, as well as the other driver’s vehicle. Document your injuries and any aches and pains you feel following the accident.
Do not admit fault: It is natural for us to quickly say “I’m sorry,” but in ATV accident cases, this could hinder your ability to collect compensation for your injuries. Never admit fault or use language that could be construed as admitting fault. Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company before taking your case to a Regan Zambri Long personal injury attorney.
Call Regan Zambri Long: Our ATV accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long will investigate the scene of the accident, the police report, your medical records, the ATV manufacturer, and all other avenues to build a rock-solid case to secure you the maximum amount of compensation. Our compassionate injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial distress an ATV accident can put a family under, so they work around the clock to make sure a settlement or verdict is rendered in your favor.
Call today for a free consultation and let Regan Zambri Long take the weight of the claims process off your shoulders so you can turn your attention to a complete recovery.
