Questions About ATV Accidents

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

ATV Accidents Questions

How did all terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents become so common?

ATVs have become very popular for recreation and sporting purposes. Whenever a type of vehicle or product becomes popular there is the risk that manufacturers will cut corners to build them more cheaply and increase profits, that they will be marketed to the wrong audience, and that they will be used by consumers who do not have the proper training to use them safely. Such is the case with ATVs and ATV accidents.

The problem is very similar to what has happened with sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Originally created for off road use, they have become very popular for highway driving, and some of the safety mechanisms that could save lives, such as roll bars, are no longer standard issue on SUVs.

What makes ATVs so dangerous?

Design flaws, irresponsible marketing techniques, and faulty parts are among the most common problems that make ATVs defective products and dangerous.

How can a marketing technique cause accidents?

ATVs are not toys. They are not safe for children to use. They should be operated in a safe and responsible fashion, and by someone who has the training, experience, and physical strength to handle them properly.

Some ATV marketing can mislead consumers to believe that it is OK for children to use them, that anyone can just hop on one and ride it safely, and that they can be used for extreme sports.

What are the design flaws that can make ATVs dangerous?

There are two general types of design flaws that can make ATVs more dangerous. The first type makes the vehicle more likely to crash. This would include a high center of gravity and/or short wheel base.

The second type of design flaw does not cause a crash, but causes injuries to be worse than they otherwise would have been in the event of a crash. Typically this type of design flaw is a failure to protect the rider during an accident, but can also include parts on the vehicle that may make impact with the rider during a crash.

Should all (ATVs) just be outlawed?

No, ATVs can be an important, even lifesaving, tool in the right hands. Ranchers, search and rescue, forest service personnel, and other professionals whose worker carries them off road rely on them to do their jobs. While there is always some risk with any types of vehicle, and often an elevated risk when using a vehicle off road well designed, properly built ATVs in the hands of a trained, experienced, and responsible operators serve valuable functions.

If you still have questions about ATV accidents in Wisconsin, please contact the experienced ATV accident attorneys at Cochran Law Wisconsin today.