A Los Angeles injury lawyer has to address many cases, but more frequently than not, when coping with accident victims involving ATV’s, it can be pretty heavy. All terrain automobiles (ATV’s) can be superb fun to ride and there is little better than off-roading or nature trailing in a custom-built vehicle. They are regularly used as working autos and are particularly popular in farm communities when farmlands cover vast areas. However in the state of California alone, from the period of 1982 through to 2008, there were 516 fatal injuries, and what is more disturbing is that between 1982 and 2004, 95 of these deaths were children under the age of 16 and this is on the increase
So what is the legal ATV driving age in California? A LA injury lawyer explains:
No persons under the age of 18 are permitted to drive an ATV on public land. However children can legally drive, on the proviso that they're with an adult over the age of 18 who holds a safety certificate. In this example in the state of California, they have to be fourteen years or over and under stern supervision of an adult. As you can imagine an ATV has four wheels and a forceful engine, yet it is true that any responsible adult would not let a fourteen year old behind the wheels of a car. So why would you let a kid drive an all terrain vehicle?
Generally ATV’s aren't allowed on the roads, and this explains why the law states that children are permitted to drive all terrain vehicles. The age limits change depending on which state you live in.
So why has there been an Increase in deaths?
Pros agree that one of the most important reasons for a rise in fatalities involving ATV’s is that the manufacturers are now making automobiles that are stronger, heavier and stronger, and since many minors and indeed young adults aren't used to handling autos of this magnitude then it can be fairly simply an accident waiting to occur. On top of this, many govt officers say that there is a struggle between the makers who are consistently looking to break the bounds of design and make the most powerful machines, and the government who is looking to raise the legal age driving limit for ATV’s. Up to date studies by independent bodies have said that drivers below the age of 15 are two times as likely to lose control of their vehicles as a grown-up.
The sad thing is that in many states there is not any legal minimum age need, when operating an ATV and kids as young as 8 and nine can legally ride these machines. In several states there are no safety helmet laws. Happily California is one of the luckier ones, but having said that, over 18 fatalities a year in CA is still way too high.
So what are the key wounds received when involved in an ATV accident and what causes them?
The main reason wounds occur when driving ATVs takes place when the vehicle impacts with another automobile or object and flips over. This may result in serious head and spinal wounds. In reality a LA injury barrister explains that around seventy five percent of all ATV accidents are serious enough to warrant a lengthened stay in hospital. Reasons for this should be down to disproportionate speed, not paying attention to the instant surroundings, unwarranted alcohol and even horse play. On top of this, the number of folks who don't wear a safety helmet is alarmingly high.
So what steps can be taken to avoid accidents?
Many dealers and makers offer training classes on how to properly ride an ATV, but as yet a vast majority of folks select not to attend. It won't be long before regulations start to come in and therefore the administration may make driver training compulsory. It also should be made law that folks (particularly minors under sixteen) be made to wear a safety helmet. By making folk more aware about the dangers of not wearing a helmet, it might drive the point home Also younger generations and amateur fans should all ride ATV’s that are not as powerful, and will be monitored at all times by an authorized adult. Right now incredibly there is no power limit for minor drivers in the state of California and only common sense prevails.
If you or someone that you know has been involved and wounded in an ATV or car accident, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. If you speak to a LA injury attorney who focuses on ATV related accidents, they are going to do everything in their power to deliver the victim, the compensation they merit.
Hugio Mulroney has consulted with a truck accident attorney when he was riding an ATV in West Covina and crashed it. His LA injury attorney was able to help him navigate the laws and rules surrounding ATV laws.