All-terrain vehicle accidents occur rather frequently in California and are always very severe. These vehicles are popular in the state and are used for a wide range of purposes, including recreational riding and farming. However, they are sometimes unstable and, when coupled with rider inexperience and environmental conditions, exponentially risky to use.
One of the reasons ATV accidents occur in California is due to their ability to traverse rough terrains at high speeds. As a result, they are highly susceptible to rollovers, collisions, and crashes that leave victims with different kinds of injuries. This article will examine the different types of injuries ATV accident victims in California suffer.
What Are the Major Causes of ATV Accidents in California?
Several things can cause an ATV to roll over or crash, but they are generally grouped under environmental and mechanical factors. Environmental factors include unpredictable weather conditions and challenging terrains like steep slopes, while mechanical factors include defects on the vehicle itself. “Regardless of the cause of an ATV accident, there is a high potential for victims to sustain injuries or die,” says attorney Walter Clark of Walter Clark Legal Group.
As such, the state of California has safety protocols set to help ATV users use their vehicles safely. Adhering strictly to these protocols is essential to keep yourself safe and other road users safe. Moreover, understanding the factors that cause ATV accidents in California is essential to seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Are Common ATV Accident Injuries That Victims Suffer?
ATV accidents tend to be very high-impact and ghastly, leaving victims with severe injuries, including fatality. Below are some common injuries ATV accident victims face in California:
Head and Neck Injuries
When it comes to ATV accidents, the second most common injuries victims suffer are head and neck injuries. They are second only to hand and arm injuries and account for more than 25 percent of harm.
More often than not, head and neck injuries related to ATV accidents occur when riders are ejected from the vehicle. When the ATV skids, overturns, or collides with stationary objects, the result can be dangerous, resulting in serious issues, such as traumatic brain injuries. Other head injuries include fractures, facial lacerations, spinal injuries, and more.
Due to the severity of these injuries, it is advised that you always wear a helmet when riding an ATV. Also, avoid riding on paved roads and maintain the right speed, as speeding can increase the risk of a rollover. If you do get involved in an accident, pay attention to symptoms such as headaches, mood changes post-accident, or fatigue.
Sprains and Dislocations
Other common injuries associated with ATV accidents are joint dislocations, where the joint surfaces are suddenly and forcefully pulled apart. Parts of the body where a dislocation is more likely to occur are the knees, elbows, and shoulders.
Furthermore, the ligaments, muscles, and tendons around joints can also be stretched beyond their limit, causing them to tear. This stretching and tearing can cause extremely painful strains and sprains, intense bruising, stiffness, and swelling around the affected joint.
Injury to Internal Organs
Internal organs like the liver, kidney, and spleen can suffer blows from the seat or handlebar, increasing the potential for damage. Furthermore, an ATV victim may suffer crush injuries, particularly if the ATV overturned, causing injuries to the spinal cord and internal tissues.
Some symptoms of internal injuries include abdominal or back pain, nausea, vomiting, and shock, but these do not always present themselves immediately. Therefore, if you had an ATV accident, you should seek an immediate medical checkup even if you feel fine; you most likely are not.
Conclusion
All injuries sustained in a California ATV accident require immediate medical attention and, sometimes, may require prolonged medical treatment. Also, some of these injuries may require rehabilitation to get victims some of their quality of life back.
Yet, sometimes, they may never regain use of the function of some of the parts of the body, such as their feet. ATV accidents are devastating, not to mention financially draining, which is why working with an ATV accident lawyer is vital.
