Miami ATV Accident Attorney
Many Florida residents take advantage of the beautiful climate. The warm weather lends itself to many opportunities for outdoor recreation. One popular activity in Miami and other parts of Southern Florida is riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). For more information or help with your accident, contact our experienced Miami ATV accident attorneys today.
ATVs are off-road vehicles that allow users to explore various courses through wooded areas and open land. ATVs can be fun, but if not used properly, they can also be dangerous. ATVs do not handle well on pavement. They are for off-road use only, and even when used on dirt roads, they can still cause serious accidents.
Florida is one of the top 10 states for ATV fatalities. Between 1992 and 2008, there were 432 fatalities in the state. California had the most at 547, followed by Texas with 535, Pennsylvania with 494, West Virginia with 481 and Kentucky with 459. Florida ranked next on the list at #6.
There were 340 deaths caused by ATV accidents in 2015. Between 2013 and 2015, Florida reported 62 deaths. Across the nation, emergency room visits related to ATV accidents rose from 93,700 in 2014 to 97,200 in 2015. Twenty-eight percent of those visits involved children younger under the age of 16. Eighty-five percent of those who visited emergency rooms were treated and released.
Twenty-five percent of emergency room injuries were fractures and 23 percent were abrasions. Most injuries affected the arm, neck and head. Those age 55 and older saw the biggest increase in injuries, from 5,300 to 7,100. Those between the ages of 25 and 44 saw decreases in injuries year over year.
Causes of ATV Accidents
There are many things that can cause an ATV accident. For example, many people like to push their vehicles to the limit. Some try to go over huge hills or perform extreme stunts, and this can lead to a serious accident.
Many ATVs are designed for only one person, but some users try to fit 2-3 people on one. This can cause it to tip over. Lack of experience is another common issue. Sometimes kids ride ATVs without adult supervision and they end up seriously injured. In fact, during a person’s first month of operating an ATV, they are 13 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Hire Experienced Miami ATV Accident Attorneys for Your Case
Off-road vehicles such as ATVs can be fun to ride, but the courses are not regulated as much as other vehicles. Therefore, your safety can be easily compromised should you drive over rugged terrain or turn a corner too quickly.
ATV accidents have caused many injuries and fatalities. If this has happened to you or a loved one, seek legal help as soon as possible so you can understand your rights to compensation. The aggressive Miami ATV accident attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP can help you recover compensation by finding evidence that will hold the liable parties responsible for your damages. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP today at 305-985-5281 to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.