You Can Suffer Injuries in Any Type of Motorized Vehicle, Including Recreational Vehicles

By James Roswold | July 11, 2026

You Can Suffer Injury in Any Motorized Vehicle

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our personal injury lawyers have more than 150 years of combined experience handling all types of vehicle accident claims. Our representation includes car, truck, motorcycle, rideshare (Uber and Lyft), and mass transit accidents.

We also represent those who suffer injuries in accidents involving other types of motorized vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, golf carts, dirt bikes, motorized bicycles, snowmobiles, farm equipment, construction equipment, limousines, motorhomes, vans, and delivery vehicles.

Today, we want to look specifically at several recreational vehicles – ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts.

What are ATVs and UTVs?

ATVs and UTVs have numerous similarities and differences.(opens in new tab) They’re both off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

ATVs are generally built for one rider, though some ATVs can carry a passenger. ATVs normally have three or four wheels. They’re built, as the name suggests, for all types of trails (including rocky roads, mud, and rough trails). Most ATVs use a thumb throttle to accelerate. ATVs have a straddle seat and handlebars.

UTVs are larger off-road vehicles that can transport two or four passengers side by side. Drivers use a steering wheel and foot pedals. They’re built, as the name suggests, for utility purposes, which include moving supplies and equipment. UTVs can be used for recreational and practical purposes. UTVs are generally larger than ATVs.

How dangerous are ATV and UTV accidents?

According to the Consumer Federation of America(opens in new tab), the organization identified 420 ATV fatalities in 2024. Among the fatalities, 288 were drivers, 43 were passengers, and three were pedestrians.

What laws govern ATV and UTV ownership in Missouri?

Missouri has specific rules for owning and operating an ATV or a UTV(opens in new tab). These rules include obtaining a proper title and registration for vehicles that meet Missouri’s statutory definition of an ATV.

Missouri requires ATV riders under 18 to wear securely fastened helmets and strongly encourages all ATV and UTV riders to wear helmets and eye protection. Some parks, trails, or operators may impose additional requirements.

ATVs and UTVs can be driven on private property if the owner grants permission. ATVs and UTVs can be driven in approved public parks and public trails. Missouri generally restricts ATV and UTV use on public roads, although state law provides limited exceptions for agricultural uses and locally authorized roadway operation.

Missouri imposes different rules for ATV and UTV operation depending on the rider’s age, the type of vehicle, and whether the vehicle is operated on private property, public land, or certain roadways.

Why do ATV and UTV accidents happen?

Some of the common reasons for ATV accidents include:

  • Lack of experience. Many people ride ATVs without knowing how to properly operate the vehicles. Riders should take approved education and safety courses before riding.
  • Rider negligence. Riders should operate ATVs and UTVs at safe speeds for the terrain and conditions, avoid distractions, and remain aware of other riders.
  • Poor supervision. Riders under 18 and inexperienced riders should ride with an experienced adult rider before riding on their own. Adults should supervise riders under 18.
  • Failing to drive on the appropriate terrain. Many people hear the phrase “all-terrain vehicle” and believe that the ATV can be driven through any type of environment. ATV and UTV riders should ride on off-road trails and be careful that those trails are safe. Roads with steep inclines are especially dangerous.

How dangerous are golf carts?

Another four-wheeled vehicle that comes out during the summer is a golf cart. Although they’re not built for adventures like ATVs, golf cart accidents can still cause serious injuries.

Just like ATVs and UTVs, many people assume they can operate golf carts on all types of surfaces. However, golf carts are designed to carry a small number of passengers at speeds generally under 15 miles per hour.

When drivers operate a golf cart too fast for conditions, they are in danger of ejecting a passenger or even overturning the cart if they take a turn too sharply.

One of the reasons why golf cart accidents happen so frequently is the lack of additional safety equipment. Many of these recreational vehicles lack crucial safety features, like seat belts and mirrors, that can help drivers. Some golf carts are defective due to improper design or workmanship, such as defective brakes or steering mechanisms.

Our Kansas City recreational vehicle lawyers represent golfers and pedestrians who suffer injuries while playing or walking on the many golf courses in the Kansas City area. Some of these courses include:

FAQs

What types of injuries do ATV and golf cart accidents cause?

ATV and golf cart accidents can cause drivers and passengers to experience serious injuries. Some of the injuries caused by both types of accidents include:

Who is liable for recreational vehicle accidents?

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there are multiple parties that you can hold liable for your injuries:

  • ATV and UTV drivers.
  • Motor vehicle drivers.
  • The owners of ATVs, UTVs, or other motor vehicles, if they were independently negligent or are legally responsible for the driver’s negligence.
  • Golf cart owners, if they were independently negligent or are legally responsible for the driver’s negligence.
  • Mechanics who fail to properly repair recreational vehicles.

The manufacturers of ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, cars, and other vehicles may be liable if a defective vehicle part is the cause of an accident.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys

When you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a recreational vehicle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys can help. Through our understanding of the legal issues, relationships with liability and medical professionals, and our advocacy skills, we have earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers.

We seek compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other financial and personal damages.

Call Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Kansas City, MO. We also maintain offices in Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and St. Joseph, MO, and in Olathe, Overland Park, and Victory Hills, KS.

 

Posted in Car Accidents