South Carolina ATV Accident Lawyer
The legal team of Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers has provided South Carolina ATV accident attorney services for ATV and quad accident victims for decades. One thing we know for certain is that the consequences of these crashes can be devastatingly life-changing.
Tragically, 2010-2013 U.S. statistics show that 32% of fatal ATV accidents occur on paved surfaces. Something visitors to our state should know (and our residents should remember) is that South Carolina restricts the use of ATVs on public roadways.
South Carolina has miles upon miles of public roadways, 76,067 miles to be exact, which sustain nearly 117,700 daily travel miles of trucks and automobiles. The steady use comes, in a great part, from the continuous transportation of goods from the Port of Charleston — which moved 2.14 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2017. Certainly, ATVs have little to no chance of driving accident-free amidst this kind of activity.
Shifting Gears: LIVE within the Law
Though common sense would dictate that off-road vehicles belong off the beaten track, the practice of driving them on paved roads persists. Perhaps a few thoughts on the subject from a South Carolina ATV accident attorney will change a few minds and save some lives:
- ATVs and quads are built to withstand the wild rides of hills and valleys and rough terrain you can’t get to with an automobile. South Carolina has plenty of local off-road trails and parks available for fun off the beaten path; some even include instructors and tour guides.
- The original ATV, the Jiger, was developed during 1961 in Toronto. Hondo brought the all-terrain cycle to the U.S. in 1970 and marketed it as a recreational vehicle. In 1982, Suzuki introduced the first 4-wheel ATV (QuadRunner 125) with 5 speeds and reverse! The quad started a new revolution in tools vital to farming, hunting, ranching, and agriculture.
- The high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase makes ATVs difficult to control on smooth, hard surfaces. They are more at risk of being hit by trucks and cars and are prone to flipping over. The off-road tires are designed for optimum friction to maneuver through mud, snow, etc.
- An on-road vehicle must be equipped with street legal items such as safety lights and turn signals, a license plate, front and rear bumpers, emissions control, fenders, a windshield, a rear view mirror, and a 13” minimum diameter steering wheel.
- Manufacturers of ATVs and quads are very aware of the legal stipulations for street driving. This is why each one is equipped with a warning label which instructs the buyer never to operate it on paved surfaces or public roads due to handling problems; risk involving the potential collision with motorized vehicles.
- Chandler’s Law, states that 6 through 15 year old children must ride with helmets and eye protection; they cannot carry passengers, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Importantly — they must possess a safety training certificate showing successful completion of a “hands-on” ATV safety course approved by the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute.
ATV Accident Expertise in South Carolina
Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone! It is truly advisable that you call a local South Carolina ATV accident attorney after a crash so that all the bases are covered. Our investigation team will be sent out to the scene to document the facts required to prove your claim; including witness interviews and inspection of the ATV and any other vehicles involved.
Keep in mind that all insurance companies must perform their own investigation, however, they are going to concentrate on minimizing their culpability and exposure to liability. Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers are well prepared to advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Call 855-971-1114 today for your free consultation, with no fees due until recovery!
