North Carolina ATV Accident Lawyer
The Carolinas have a beautiful countryside where many residents have the opportunity year-round to ride their ATVs through scenic trails and farmland. ATVs are recreational vehicles and, when operated properly, can make for a fun day outdoors. However, ATVs are not equipped with seat belts, air bags or other safety attachments, meaning fun family outings using these recreational vehicles can turn deadly if not operated properly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 25% of the more than 100,000 ATV-related injuries that resulted in a hospital visit involved victims under the age of 16.
The North Carolina ATV accident lawyers at Auger & Auger know the severe consequences an ATV accident can cause, whether it is financial or physical hardships. We understand how traumatic it can be for the parent who provided or gave permission for their child or friend to ride an ATV they were subsequently injured on. If you or a loved one was injured in an ATV wreck, call the experienced all-terrain vehicle accident attorneys at Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation to understand your rights under North Carolina law.
Experienced ATV Accident Attorneys in North Carolina
Auger & Auger has been representing the victims of ATV and quad wrecks for over 20 years. Attorney Herb Auger is the lead counsel on the firm’s ATV-related accident cases. “I have successfully represented numerous clients the past few years with serious injuries resulting from all-terrain vehicle injuries. We have handled ATV accidents involving cars, other ATVs and single ATV collisions involving injuries to passengers. The majority of the ATV accidents I have handled were due to inexperience, an underage driver, horseplay or intoxication,” Herb Auger states. Lacking the protection of an automobile, common injuries in an ATV accident include head injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. If you or a loved one was involved in a NC ATV accident, contact Auger & Auger today for your free consultation.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents
- Underage driving: Statistics show that children under the age of 16 are at a high risk for injury or death due to an ATV accident.
- Drinking while driving an ATV: Can be just as deadly as operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. When impaired, you no longer possess the same amount of control over these vehicles.
- Driving with a passenger: The center of gravity changes when driving with a passenger, causing ATVs to flip more easily. Do not drive with a passenger unless the ATV was designed to carry passengers.
- Negligence: Horseplay can turn deadly with these vehicles. Remember to use the same care and focus when operating these vehicles as you would when driving a car or truck. Your negligence can seriously injure you or someone else, including a loved one.
- Driving on the road: These vehicles are not cars and therefore should not be driven on the road. North Carolina law prohibits the use of ATVs on roads or highways except to cross.
- Speeding: Especially when turning an ATV, excessive speed can cause the vehicle to flip, sometimes multiple times. Always be aware of your speed.
- Rollovers are common with all-terrain vehicles. Speed, negligence and underage driving are common factors causing a rollover. Rollovers can cause serious injury and even death.
- Hunters: Beware of hunters during the hunting season. Mistakes can happen, which is why you should always wear reflective gear and blaze orange when riding in or near designated hunting areas.
- Wire fencing or barbed wire can be difficult to spot when riding your ATV. Driving into these types of fencing at high rates of speed can cause serious injury, including decapitation and subsequently, death.
- Hit by motor vehicle: Make sure to use headlights when operating an ATV in the early morning or at night and stay away from the roads. ATVs can be difficult for motor vehicles to spot.
- Helmet use: Always wear a helmet and protective eyewear. This can make a life-or-death difference.
Call Now for Your Free Case Evaluation
It is imperative that you call an experienced attorney immediately so we can start to investigate your case. We will send our team out to document the scene, inspect the ATV and interview the witnesses to prove your claim. The longer you delay, the more time the insurance companies will have to investigate on their own and try to minimize their exposure and their culpability.
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we will help you with obtaining your medical treatment and bills, lost wages and a fair compensation. We will handle your claim while you focus on healing from your injuries. We will not charge you for a legal fee until we win a settlement on your behalf. Time is critical, so call an experienced North Carolina ATV attorney today.