ATV Rollover Accident statistics

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ATV Lawsuit Background 

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) are useful and fun machines.  However, like cars, they can be dangerous.  Many ATVs can reach speeds of 55 miles per hour, and they can weigh 500 pounds.  When ATVs are defective, they can cause significant injury because of the speed and weight which compound injuries in collisions and rollovers. 

ATV Rollover Statistics

Here are some ATV injury statistics for the United States:
DEATHS
2006:  832 ATV-related deaths
2007:  699 ATV-related deaths
2008:  410 ATV-related deaths (*data collection is ongoing, and this number is expected to increase)

Maryland:  70 ATV-related deaths from 1982 to 2008
Pennsylvania: 468 ATV-related deaths from 1982 to 2008 (second highest)
District of Columbia: 5 ATV-related deaths from 1982 to 2008
Virginia:  187 ATV-related deaths from 1982 to 2008
INJURIES
2006:  146,600 ATV-related emergency room visits
2007:  150,900 ATV-related emergency room visits
2008:  135,100 ATV-related emergency room visits

Negligence and Product Liability Claims

No doubt, some ATV-related injuries and deaths are caused by negligence of the driver.  Examples include going too fast for the conditions, inadequate experience and training, improperly hauling materials against manufacturer recommendations, and driving on public roads without proper lighting. 

However, in an ATV product liability case, our lawyers can distinguish - or at least try, sometimes we fail - between driver negligence and innate problems with the ATV.  Some examples of ATV manufacturing defects include:  improper instructions, defective throttle, brakes, lighting, tires, suspension and steering mechanism.  The instructions may be improper if instruct the user on loading or hauling contrary to the abilities of the machine.  Aftermarket ATVs are sometimes sold missing vital equipment and parts. 

Also, ATVs can suffer from defects in design—that is, they were designed improperly.  Examples of ATV design defects include a center of gravity that is too high, narrow wheel base with small tires, and inadequate driver protection in the event of a rollover.  Some of these defects may cause ATVs to rollover, even when used on flat roadways or surfaces. 

ATV Recalls: Examples of Defective and Recalled ATVs

Click each ATV for a link to the notice recalling the ATV:

  • Polaris (various Sportsman Models) ATV (2009-2010): the front suspension of the Polaris ATV ball joint stem can separate from the steering knuckle and cause the rider to lose steering control, posing a risk of injury or death to riders
  • BRP’s Can-Am Outlander ATV (2010): the dynamic power steering can fail, resulting in the sudden loss of steering control. This poses a risk of injury or death to riders
  • Polaris Sportsman ESP XP 850 ATV (2009): the valve assembly can fail in freezing temperatures, causing oil to leak into the exhaust system. This could pose a fire and burn hazard to the rider
  • Fushin ATV: these ATVs lack front brakes, a tire pressure gauge, and padding to cover the sharp edges on the handlebar assembly, which could pose a risk of injury to young riders.
  • Honda TRX 420 Rancher ATV (2007-2008): if the ATV’s rubber CV (constant velocity) boots get punctured or torn the joint will become contaminated and severe binding of the CV joints could occur, resulting in the sudden loss of steering control. This poses a risk of injury or death to riders
  • Kawasaki  KFX 50 and KFX 90 Youth ATVs (2008): the throttle can fail to return to the idle position when released or could fail to be at idle on start-up. This could result in loss of vehicle control, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the rider

This is only a partial list of defective ATVs.  There are many other ATVs that have been recalled due to a manufacturing or design defect, and many others that are defective but are still on the market. 

Contact Our Law Firm If You Believe You Have an ATV Rollover Claim 

If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury or death as the result of the use of a ATV you believe may have been defective, call our ATV rollover accident lawyers at 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation. If you are a lawyer with a forklift accident claim anywhere in the United States

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