Miami ATV Accident Attorneys
With its natural beauty and rugged back roads and trails, Florida attracts many people who love to ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). While ATVs may be great fun for children and teenagers, they are known to pose accident risks. These accidents often result in serious injury or even death.
If you or a loved one is hurt in one of these tragedies, it is critical to contact a lawyer to understand your options for legal compensation to help in your recovery.
ATV Crash Risks
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in any given year there are usually over 100,000 ATV accidents across the country. A majority of these result in injury to riders and passengers. The most common injuries include debilitating spinal cord and brain injuries. Even worse, hundreds of people are killed every year in these accidents.
Unfortunately, Florida is near the top of the list when it comes to serious ATV accidents and injuries. The CPSC included our state in the top five nationwide for ATV deaths, with at least 432 ATV fatalities over a 20-year period. Slightly less than one-third of the victims were under 16 years old.
Understanding ATV Regulations in Florida
Many of these accidents are caused by negligence of one form or another. It is important to understand the rules and regulations in the state that are in place to protect travelers.
For example:
- Under Florida law, ATVs are not authorized for use on paved roads and the carrying of passengers on ATVs is prohibited;
- The law requires children under the age of 16 to take approved courses to train them in operating ATVs; and
- Children in Florida are also required to wear helmets, over-the-ankle boots, and eye protection when operating ATVs.
Despite these laws, children continue to bring ATVs on Florida’s paved roads and highways. Children also continue to carry passengers on ATVs and fail to abide by safety precautions such as wearing helmets, putting themselves and others at great risk of injury.
Recovery After an ATV Accident
ATV accident victims and surviving family members may obtain compensation for deaths or injuries. Compensation may include payment of medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
In most cases, negligence or misconduct of one form or another may have contributed to the incident. In other cases, problems with the ATV itself may have actually been the underlying cause of the accident; here an injured party may initiate a “product liability” claim against the manufacturer for failure to provide a product safe for use. An attorney who analyzes your claim can explain the possible legal theories that apply in your situation.
Contact a Miami Lawyer
Our experienced lawyers fight for the legal rights of ATV accident victims. We are trained in developing the legal strategies necessary to mount to a successful case on the behalf of injured residents. The legal team at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC includes injury attorneys and support staff who will help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Please contact our office today to see how we can help in your case.