When an ATV strikes any fixed object, especially a pole or tree, rider ejection is a common occurrence. When a rider is thrown from an ATV they can often sustain serious or fatal injuries even when they are wearing proper safety gear.
The common types of injuries that occur from ATV crashes include:
- spinal cord injury;
- traumatic brain injury;
- severe lacerations and bruising;
- internal bleeding;
- fractures; and
- head and neck injury.
Traumatic brain injury, if not fatal, can result in lifelong disability and mental impairments. Spinal cord and head/neck injuries can cause paralysis for the areas of the body below the site of the injury. This can produce paraplegia or quadriplegia and result in the need for assistive devices such as wheelchairs and respirators.
Fractures, especially to the ribcage, can not only impair mobility but often puncture organs such as the lungs. Internal bleeding can be fatal if not controlled quickly and can produce lasting damage to vital organs. Severe lacerations can happen if a rider is thrown and scrapes along the ground or pavement, causing severe blood loss and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
The injuries sustained from striking a pole or tree on an ATV can be serious or even deadly depending on the type of safety equipment the victim was wearing and the speed at which the ATV collided with the object. Even proper helmet use and heavy clothing cannot always protect you from head trauma or physical injury.
When drivers are negligent for their passenger’s safety and drive recklessly or fail to properly maintain their ATV they put others at risk for serious injury. Manufacturer defects in ATV models also have the potential to lead to fatal ATV accidents involving striking a pole or tree. If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal ATV accident you may need a Clarksburg personal injury attorney to file a wrongful death claim.
Contacting a Clarksburg Personal Injury Attorney
Recreation opportunities abound in West Virginia, but ATV riding can lead to potentially serious or fatal accidents. If you have been harmed because of somebody else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek justice. The Miley Legal Group will work with you to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you to move on with your life. Contact us today for a FREE consultation – 304-326-1800.
