Recreational Vehicle Accidents

All terrain vehicles are seen around the state from the hit TV show Duck Dynasty to the crawfish ponds of south Louisiana. An all terrain vehicle, or ATV, is a motorized cycle with three or four wheels and soft balloon tires for use in sand, mud, open fields, and other terrains. They are used for hunting, farming, and recreational purposes. The ATV can be a fun and useful tool; however, they can be dangerous if improperly used. In 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study that reported there were 590 reported deaths and 726 estimated deaths related to the use of ATVs in the United States. In 2010 alone, they estimated over 115,000 emergency room treated injuries due to the use of ATVs. About half of the victims since 1982 have been under the age of 16. The inexperience of younger children on these vehicles has caused unnecessary injuries and fatalities.

There are few Louisiana laws that pertain to ATVs, but it is important to be familiar with them. Off road vehicles may travel on the shoulder of all public roads or highways, except interstate highways, during each day starting thirty minutes after sunrise and ending thirty minutes before sunset. Incidental crossings of public roads or highways are authorized. Operators of these off road vehicles shall provide, on demand, proof that the off road vehicle is covered by valid liability insurance. However, it is a crime to operate off road vehicles on roads or highways in Orleans Parish.

ATV collisions can occur in many different situations. Improper use of the vehicle and lack of experience always lead to bad results. There are generally three types of accidents involving all-terrain vehicles. The types of accidents are related to the motion of an ATV according to the following terms: a yaw motion, a pitch motion, or a roll motion. A "pitch" is when the vehicle either flips forward or backwards. A "roll" is when the vehicle rolls over on its side, either left or right. A "yaw" is a combination of both the pitch and the roll. Virtually all ATV accidents will involve one of these motions.

ATV collisions can be prevented in certain situations. There are a number of safety tips that should be followed. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law - another vehicle could hit you. ATVs are designed to be operated off-highway. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV, and no more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for two people. Ride an ATV that's right for your age. Supervise riders younger than 16, and ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed. Follow these useful tips, and you can prevent unnecessary injuries while using an ATV.

The Cardone Law Firm represents clients in ATV accidents in Louisiana including Ascension Parish, Donaldsonville, Assumption Parish, Napoleonville, Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish, Estelle, Gretna, Harvey, Kenner, Marrero, Metairie, New Orleans, Terrytown, Westwego, Lafayette Parish, Lafourche Parish, Thibodaux, Livingston Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, Belle Chasse, and St. Charles Parish.

Often in ATV collisions they will have multiple passengers on the vehicle at the time of the wreck. If you have been injured as a driver or passenger on an ATV it is important to have a respected Louisiana attorney on your side. Because an ATV accident can create multiple issues and significant losses, an injured party should hire an experienced attorney who not only handles such accidents for injured parties, but also has the resources necessary for an injured person’s medical needs as well as the hiring of experts from a variety of fields in order to increase the value of the case. Cliff Cardone has practiced law nearly 40 years and has primarily handled personal-injury matters. If you have been injured in an ATV accident, Phone Cardone at 504-522-3333 for a free in person consultation. He is direct, insightful, proactive and passionate about his client’s cases.