St. Louis ATV Accident Lawyer

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are growing in popularity for people of all ages, including children. While once primarily found in rural areas for agricultural activities and recreation, they are now popular even in suburban communities for recreational riding on trails, or within communities on private or public property. While off-road vehicle use can be a fun and exhilarating outdoor experience, accidents have become increasingly common, including those with fatal consequences to operators of all ages. Recovering compensation can be difficult without the help of our St. Louis ATV accident attorney.

Types of Off-Road Vehicles

Off-road vehicles are those not intended for use on public roadways. Common examples include All-terrain vehicles such as 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, or dune buggies. Golf carts are also considered off-road or off-highway vehicles. Accidents involving off-road vehicles often cause serious injuries due to the open, exposed design of most off-road vehicles. Riders typically make direct contact with the ground or obstacles such as trees and fences during a crash.

Common Causes of Off-Road Vehicle Accidents

A fun experience in the outdoors can quickly become a tragedy when ATV and other off-road vehicle riders fail to take reasonable precautions or take reckless chances. Common causes of off-road vehicle accidents in Missouri and elsewhere include the following:

• Inexperienced or immature operators
• Speeding
• Driving too fast for the terrain type
• Poor trail conditions
• Riding in inappropriate conditions such as taking an ATV on a paved road or in wet, snowy, or icy weather
• Transporting passengers
• Misjudging terrain conditions
• Operating an off-road vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• Mechanical failures or defective parts

Failing to wear helmets or use protective gear increases the risk of serious injuries in an off-road vehicle accident. Assigning liability in these cases may be challenging without the help of a St. Louis accident attorney.

What Types of Injuries Commonly Occur in Off-Road Vehicle Accidents?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, injuries in off-road vehicle accidents range from mild to severe, or fatal. Tragically, there were 498 fatal off-road vehicle accidents in 2023 alone, with 19% of the deaths occurring in children under the age of 15. Common injuries include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries to shoulders, knees, ankles, and wrists
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Contusions, lacerations, and abrasions
• Facial and dental trauma

After an off-road vehicle accident, injury victims and their family members often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, especially when they experience serious injuries with economic and non-economic consequences like temporary or permanent disability, medical expenses, income loss, or the death of a loved one—often a child in ATV accidents.

Who May Be Liable for Damages in an Off-Road Vehicle Accident Claim?

It’s important to consult with an experienced accident or personal injury lawyer after any accident, including off-road vehicle accidents. Some injury victims and their family members may wrongfully believe they have no option for recovering compensation for their damages when this type of accident occurs rather than a traffic accident involving an at-fault driver. In some cases; however, off-road vehicle injury victims recover compensation from liable parties such as the following:

• Negligent property owners
• Negligent local government entities for failure to adequately maintain a trail
• The manufacturer of a defective off-road vehicle part or equipment
• Another off-road vehicle operator if they behaved recklessly and caused a collision

Typically compensation for off-road vehicle accidents comes from the appropriate insurance company such as property insurance in a premises liability claim.

How Our St. Louis Offroad Accident Lawyers Can Help

Navigating this unique category of personal injury claims in Missouri requires experienced legal representation. Call Miller & Hine Attorneys at Law so we can take prompt action to investigate all avenues for your compensation and make a compelling case for your full compensation.