loading

ATV Accidents in California: Statistics, Laws, Tips, and Liabilities

January 25, 2012

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are considered to be one of the most popular recreational vehicles in the State of California. However, despite its popularity, ATVs are not accident-proof. Due to this, ATV drivers and aficionados must take into consideration certain precautionary measures in order to avoid getting involved in a tragic mishap.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), from the year 1982 to 2009, at least 560 Californians were killed due to ATV accidents. Fatalities due to ATV mishaps may be considered relatively menial as compared to accidents involving other forms of transportation such as motor vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, and bicycles. However, this does not mean that ATV operators should not mind ATV accidents.

In order to address ATV accidents in California, the State government has enacted a Vehicle Code (VC) concerning ATV safety. The following are the key points included in the California VC:

  • Operators of ATVs in California are required to wear Federally-approved helmets when riding in public places
  • California’s Department of Parks and Recreation (OHV) is responsible for regulation of ATVs in the State
  • ATV owners are required to register their recreational vehicles and to renew it every year
  • Operators under the age of 18 are not allowed to operate ATVs if they do not possess safety certificate
  • Operators under the age of 14 are prohibited from operating ATVs unless they have safety certificate
  • Operation of ATVs is not allowed in highways or freeways

In order to ensure safety of ATV operators in California, OHV advises the following:

  • ATV operators must always wear safety helmet and protective gears
  • Ensure that the recreational vehicle is in good shape before operating it
  • ATVs are designed for sole-occupancy; operators must not carry an occupant when operating the vehicle
  • Do not operate ATV while intoxicated

ATV operators who get involved in an accident and they are not at fault have the legal right to assert for personal injury claim. Pursuant to California tort law, accident victims are eligible for injury compensations. ATV accident victims may be entitled to the following forms of injury economic and non-economic compensations:

  • Payments for medical treatment and hospitalization
  • Loss of income due to the accident
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Emotional distress damages

Accident victims in California are advised to consult with Los Angeles personal injury lawyers when filing an injury claim. This is to ensure that they would be guided accordingly throughout the claim’s process.

| More
First Name  
Last Name  
City  
State  
Phone  
Email  
Type  
Details  
Join Our Mailing List

  Type the letters below:  

Captcha Image
Follow us on Twitter
Facebook
Avvo Profile
Linkedin Profile
Rodney Mesriani on

Follow us on Twitter
Facebook
Avvo Profile
Linkedin Profile