Navigating the rugged terrain of Colorado on an ATV can be quite electrifying. For the true thrill seeker, there is nothing quite like an adrenaline rush from speeding down a dusty trail or up a steep incline. Of course, the adventure comes at some price in terms of risk.
Every year in the US, hundreds of ATV riders experience minor to serious injuries with these powerful machines. Let’s examine the most common injuries and causes of ATV-related incidents in Colorado and consider what can be done to prevent them and ensure safety while riding. If you’re hurt and wish to take legal action, speak to personal injury lawyer Amy Gaiennie of the Amy G Injury Firm.
Use and Safety
A vehicle is considered an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) if it is manufactured for traveling off the highway on four low-pressure tires. These beasts conquer sandy dunes to rocky hillsides. However, there are regulations regarding where they can legally be ridden. In Colorado, for instance, one has to avoid public roads and stick to designated trails or private lands whose owners have prerequisite licensing.
The majority of ATV accidents occur because of the loose ground the vehicle is operating on or because of sharp turns taken at high speeds. But with such powerful machines at your fingertips, being very aware of the surroundings and following safety measures are crucial to minimize the risk factors.
Grading ATV Injuries from Grave to Minor
The most critical injuries from ATV mishaps include traumatic brain injuries. These can occur even when a rider is wearing a helmet, for example, in an incident where the rider is thrown off the vehicle or if it rolls over. This second most common type of severe injury includes spinal cord injuries and broken bones.
Going down the spectrum, we have soft tissue injuries of sprains and bruises. These, though lighter, may still put an enthusiast on the sidelines for weeks. Less dramatic but very common are lacerations that could require stitches.
Any of these injuries could become a personal injury case if negligence from another party or manufacturer defects contributed to the accident.
How to Master ATV Safety
Safety should be the number one issue with handling ATVs. First, gear up correctly: helmets, goggles, gloves, boots, and long sleeves are the minimum for proper protective gear. About as important is familiarization with the vehicle, take some time to get to know its handling and response characteristics before hitting the trails.
For novices or on new trails, ride at a speed so that as new obstacles or changes in landscape appear, you can overcome them with ease. Always follow local laws and regulations with respect to where and how you can ride. Remember, the more you know about the environment in which you will be riding, the more fun and the sharper reduction of any risk of accident.
How to Handle ATV Accident Claims
In the case of an ATV accident involving negligence, the claims process can be as rugged as the trails you ride. Since every adventure enthusiast accepts a certain amount of risk, Colorado law incorporates an ‘assumption of risk’ that may impact the success or failure of your claim. A whole lot of regulations and factors can also impact the outcome of a case; thus, hiring a lawyer may be advisable.
Choose someone with specific off-road vehicle case knowledge, as they can skillfully manage nuances in state law and liability issues. A well-versed attorney will help argue against any reduction in your compensation due to assumed risks and pull all stops to ensure fair treatment under the law.
Conclusion
With the right precautions and legal guidance, the fun and exhilaration of the world of ATV riding can continue as you will be ready to deal with whatever may come your way. Be safe out there, and remember that understanding the thrill and risk is key to maximizing your off-road adventures.
