All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are surging in popularity, with more people taking up off-road riding than ever before. These vehicles, which are typically equipped with straddle seating, handlebar steering, and the ability to maneuver through various terrains and conditions, are now a common sight in and around Austin, Texas.
Despite their popularity for recreational use, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can cause serious injuries or even death due to their weight and ability to travel at high speeds. Additionally, many people do not feel the need to wear helmets when riding ATVs, increasing their risk of traumatic brain injury. Other possible injuries include:
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 100,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in emergency departments across the country in 2020, and children under 16 accounted for most of the fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an ATV accident, an Austin personal injury attorney at the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, can help. You can depend on our qualified lawyers to assist you in navigating the legal landscape and get the compensation you deserve. For those who cannot come to us – such as those recovering in hospitals or unable to travel – we will come to you, offering a free initial consultation.
If you’ve been injured in an ATV accident caused by someone else, you will need an Austin ATV accident attorney who can provide experienced and aggressive legal representation. Let the highly skilled lawyers at the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, fight for the results you need.
Vehicles classified as ATVs in Texas must meet the following criteria:
ATV operators on public property in Texas must wear safety helmets and goggles. They must also hold a safety certificate issued by Texas or another state unless they are taking safety training courses under the supervision of a certified instructor or a young person operating under the supervision of an adult with a safety certificate.
The use of ATVs on public roads is generally prohibited in Texas. The only exceptions are a farmer or rancher traveling less than 25 miles, a public utility worker, or a law enforcement officer. ATVs permitted on Texas public roads must be equipped with a triangular orange flag mounted on a pole attached to the back. A valid driver’s license and illuminated headlights and taillights are also required.
Compared to motor vehicle operators, an inexperienced ATV driver is 13 times more likely to get into an accident during their first month of driving. In addition to inexperience, the following are common causes of ATV accidents.
ATVs are notorious for rollovers due to their top-heavy and high centers of gravity. In a collision, the vehicle is more likely to flip over, causing injuries to riders and passengers. In addition, many models lack rollover safety bars, so riders can be thrown, crushed, or pinned under these vehicles if an accident occurs.
After suffering a personal injury in an ATV accident, there are several steps you should take as soon as possible.
Every ATV accident is different: the causes can vary from one case to the next, along with the severity of the victim’s injuries and their share of fault for the accident (if any). For this reason, there is no average ATV accident settlement in Texas. Still, an experienced personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurer for the money you need to cover your damages, which may include:
Your settlement or award may also be impacted if you share any responsibility for the accident. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that you can sue for damages even if you are partially at fault. Still, your financial recovery will be reduced by your degree of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% to blame for an accident, you cannot recover any damages.
If you or a loved one was injured in an ATV crash, call the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS today. Our Austin ATV accident lawyers have decades of experience handling accidents involving recreational vehicles and will pursue the compensation you need to move forward. We have offices in San Antonio, Austin, Laredo, and McAllen to better serve you, so call our law office today for a free consultation.
