ATV Accident

July 20, 2017

Valdosta Teen Killed in Hamilton ATV Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One Georgia teen was killed and another is in critical condition following a late-night ATV crash Sunday.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Polaris four-wheeler was traveling west on NW 44th Street in western Hamilton County when it reached a sharp curve at NW 24th Avenue at 11:50 p.m.

The 18-year-old driver was unable to negotiate the curve and continued west off the road on the ATV, according to the report.

The four-wheeler hit a light pole and overturned, the report states.

The 18-year-old is in critical condition at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

Another 18-year-old was killed in the accident, according to the report.

FHP said charges are pending an investigation and the role alcohol played in the crash is also being investigated.

Many people in Citrus County and throughout the state of Florida ride all-terrain vehicles. The three-wheeled and four-wheeled motorized vehicles are designed to handle rugged off-road terrain. Even for experienced riders, ATVs are dangerous and serious injuries are quite common.

ATVs are widely used for outdoor recreation in Florida. However, Florida state laws prohibit the operation of all-terrain vehicles on public roads, streets or highways.

June 16, 2016

ATVs Are Dangerous For Kids: Be Safe This Summer

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Summer is here, and our Citrus County ATV Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to warn parents about the dangers of children riding adult ATVs.

During the 2015 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were at least 13 deaths and an estimated 2,900 emergency room treated injuries associated with ATV usage, according to reports gathered by the CPSC. Reports for the six Memorial Day holiday weekends from 2009 to 2014 show a total of more than 114 ATV-related fatalities.

While these all terrain vehicles are fun to tool around on, the fact is that they can be quite dangerous when not handled properly. The CPSC has released the following safety tips to keep children safe this summer:

Do not allow children to ride ATVs that are meant for adults. Children under the age of 16 should only operate youth model ATVs appropriate for their age.
Do not let children younger than 6 on an ATV.
Make sure children wear a helmet and other protective gear that fits them right whenever they are on an ATV.

The following safety tips will keep children and adults safe while using ATVs:

Avoid travelling on paved roads.
Do not operate ATVs with a passenger or ride as a passenger.
Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, including eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Drive at a safe speed and exercise caution when turning and crossing slopes.

March 18, 2014

Inverness Teen Struck and Killed while Riding ATV at Night

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 17-year-old Inverness teen riding an ATV an hour after sunset on March 10 was killed when he was hit from behind by a car on a county road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers claim the teen was not wearing a helmet and did not have working lights on his ATV while he was travelling west on Citrus County Road 581 around 8:39 p.m.

A 38-year-old Hernando woman was travelling in the same direction as the teen just west of Woodcrest Avenue when she rammed into the back of the ATV, troopers said.

The 17-year-old died at the scene. According to the FHP, the woman was not harmed.

No charges have been filed.

All-terrain vehicles, otherwise known as ATVs or 4-wheelers, are popular recreational vehicles for people of all ages, but the reality is that they are risky automobiles for all riders and passengers. Each year, hundreds of deaths and thousands more injuries occur due to ATV-related accidents. As with motor vehicle accidents, some of these incidents can be blamed on acts of negligence, which means accident victims or their families may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses.

Many ATVs can reach speeds as fast as 55 MPH and can weigh as much as 500 pounds. As the speed and size increases in these vehicles so does the risk of suffering an injury. The reality is that most ATV deaths and injuries can be prevented by wearing property safety equipment, like helmets and goggles. An estimated 75 percent of all ATV accidents result in catastrophic injuries to the head, brain and spinal cord. Injuries of these natures can require lengthy treatment periods or even be permanent.