Fort Lauderdale ATV accident lawyer David I. Fuchs has over 20 years of experience in successfully representing victims, their families, and friends who have sustained and suffered serious bodily injuries because of the negligence of another party. If you or someone you love suffered injuries while driving or riding on an ATV, we can help. We may be able to help you negotiate a better settlement with your insurance company or go up against a negligent person, property owner, or product manufacturer in pursuit of damages.
Florida is one of the highest-ranked states in terms of fatal ATV wrecks. According to crash statistics, 512 Floridians died in ATV accidents from 1982 to 2012 – the sixth highest in the country. Ongoing reporting brings this number to 596 deaths as of 2017. At our law offices, we believe that ATVing recreationally or for work should not end in a trip to the hospital. We want to help crash victims seek the compensation they need to get back on their feet.
Does Fort Lauderdale Have ATV Laws?
At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A., our attorneys have years of experience handling ATV crash claims. We know that three- and four-wheeler ATVs are becoming more popular in the state, resulting in greater odds of accidents and injuries. We strive to be a trusted, reputable source of legal representation for these unique cases. We understand ATV safety rules, regulations, manufacturer instructions, and the relevant state laws, including:
- No ATVs allowed on paved roads
- ATV riders under the age of 16 must wear protective helmets and eyewear
- If operating an ATV on public land, it must have a title
We can help accident victims navigate the law and aim for the highest possible compensation amount from an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Our firm might even be able to seek recovery through a homeowner’s insurance policy if parents failed to supervise children on ATVs. Our mission is to assist ATV accident victims and their families in any way we can. Find out if our Fort Lauderdale attorneys can help you with the legal process.
What is an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)?
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a three or four-wheeled motorized vehicle. Occasionally ATV’s are used when working outdoors. Primarily, however, young people use these vehicles for recreational activities. With speeds of up to 55 MPH, these smaller vehicles can still really pick up steam. Though they seem smaller in size, an ATV can weigh up to a quarter ton.
Injuries associated with ATV’s are rapidly on the rise. Currently, there are very few regulations regarding these smaller vehicles. Government officials have taken notice and are attempting to strategically implement new laws and protocol in order to mitigate the growing injury and fatality rate of ATV users and crash victims.
When riding for recreational purposes, ATV’s can be very exhilarating. This is especially true for young drivers. As time goes by, manufacturers continue to create heavier, more powerful vehicles, each one boasting a greater thrill than the last. Statistically, however, the increase in power and weight in newer model four wheelers can be directly linked with the increase of deaths and injuries associated with these vehicles.
How ATV Deaths Occur
The majority of ATV deaths result from the vehicle overturning, and injuries typically occur as the result of a major collision. Furthermore, the risk of injury is increased by the lack of safety laws and regulations. Many states have no age restriction for ATV riders or mandatory helmet safety laws to protect drivers. The fact is, many perceive these vehicles as “slower” and “recreational”, therefore parents and guardians allow children to operate ATV’s without proper instruction, safety apparel or supervision.
If involved in an ATV wreck, there is a 75% chance of the accident victim suffering serious or fatal spinal cord injuries or brain injuries. This fact has profound implications. If you are fortunate enough to survive, lifelong injuries and physical ailments are likely to occur. ATV accident victims have lost limbs, been paralyzed and in the worst cases, killed. If someone you know has died due to an ATV accident, contact a Fort Lauderdale attorney about potentially pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Preventing a Four-Wheeler Crash
Currently, very few people are taking any steps toward preventing accidents involving ATV’s. As awareness grows, hopefully, more will exercise proven safety measures to help mitigate the instances of injury every year. Here are a few simple steps to help prevent injury while operating an ATV:
- Wear a safety helmet and protective gear
- Ride slower ATV’s
- Minors should be supervised by an adult whenever operating an ATV
- Ride lighter ATV’s
What Are Your Options After an ATV Crash in Fort Lauderdale?
Florida’s no-fault insurance laws may limit your legal options after an ATV crash. According to state law, all accident victims must go to their own insurance companies for damage recovery, regardless of who caused the accident. Although ATVs aren’t traditional motor vehicles, the same insurance laws apply. The only case in which you could bring a lawsuit against a person or company to seek damages outside of your insurance coverage would be if the wreck caused serious, long-lasting injuries.
If your accident was serious, the defendant in your lawsuit could be a number of different people. For example, a single-vehicle ATV crash might have occurred due to a defective design, manufacturing error, or a company’s failure to market the vehicle in a safe manner. This type of crash could result in a lawsuit against the ATV’s manufacturer. Other potential defendants include other ATV riders, property owners, and tour companies. Our local lawyers can help you identify the proper defendants and determine whether you re entitled to financial compensation.
ATV Accident Victims
For the most part, deaths and injuries relating to ATV’s are preventable. However, due to the fact that these vehicles are accident-prone unregulated vehicles, being injured due to the fault of someone else is highly possible. If you, a friend or relative has been injured or killed on an ATV you may be eligible for monetary compensation. Following these guidelines may help get you one step closer to the peace of mind that you deserve.
What To Do Immediately After an ATV Crash
- Call the police to the scene of the accident
- Seek medical treatment for the injured party/parties
- Seek legal counsel to protect your legal rights
Call a Fort Lauderdale ATV Accident Attorney Today
While lawmakers continue to debate over the necessity of ATV regulation, young people across the nation continue to be injured and fatally wounded in unexpected crashes. Protect yourself and your loved ones by calling Ft Lauderdale ATV accident lawyer David I. Fuchs who will take your call and speak with you immediately about your case. Our team will then stand ready to fight for you to see that you get compensation for your pain and suffering, any lost wages and medical bills.
Reach out to David Fuchs at his Fort Lauderdale office for a free consultation about your claim. If you cannot come to our office, he will send a representative to see you. We speak English and Spanish. Se habla ingles y espanol.
Llame a David Fuchs abogado de accidentes en la Florida.
