Kansas City Recreational Vehicle Accidents: Common Causes, Injuries, and Liability

Recreational riding is a fun summer activity, but it comes with risks. According to a recent report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 2,577 deaths in the U.S. associated with OHVs between 2019 and 2021. Some of these accidents may involve negligence, and when negligence causes an injury, the injured party may have a personal injury claim.

Were you in a recreational vehicle accident and suspect negligence was the reason? Contact the team at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys. We offer free consultations to educate injured parties on their legal options in Missouri.

What recreational vehicles could result in injuries?

Recreational vehicles like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and golf carts can be dangerous, even for experienced riders. Today, we want to look specifically at ATVs and golf carts and the risks they pose. When operated by inexperienced or reckless drivers, they may cause accidents with injuries.

ATVs and UTVs

ATVs and UTVs are enjoyable and popular vehicles for off-roading and adventure riding on rough terrain. As fun and exciting as these recreational vehicles are, they can also cause harm to drivers and passengers.

Golf carts

Another four-wheeled vehicle that comes out during the summer is golf carts. Although they’re not built for adventures like ATVs, golf cart accidents can still cause serious injuries. One reason golf cart accidents occur is the lack of additional safety equipment. Many recreational vehicles may lack safety features, such as seat belts or mirrors, depending on the vehicle and how it is equipped.

Common causes of recreational vehicle accidents

Recreational vehicles cause accidents for a variety of reasons. The most common are:

Speeding

Many people operate recreational vehicles without knowing how to do so properly. Some people may choose to speed. This could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Failing to drive on the appropriate terrain

Many people hear the phrase “all-terrain vehicle” and believe that an ATV can be driven through any environment. However, that is not the case. Many ATVs should not be driven on pavement and are better equipped for off-road use.

Riding without proper supervision

Inexperienced operators should drive with a more experienced person. Some drivers do not always follow this recommendation and end up in serious accidents.

Hitting other objects and vehicles

When a driver loses control of their vehicle at high speeds, they can injure not only themselves but also other drivers. Failing to pay attention could also lead to accidents.

Common injuries caused by recreational vehicle accidents

Recreational vehicle accidents can cause drivers and passengers to experience serious injuries. Some of the common injuries caused include:

• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bruises
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage

ATV and golf cart accidents can cause injuries varying from moderate to extremely severe. Each accident is unique. Injured parties should speak to an attorney if they have questions about their legal rights.

Who is liable for recreational vehicle accidents?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there are multiple parties that could be held liable. We encourage you to speak to a personal injury attorney if you’re unsure of liability for your situation. Examples of possible liable parties include:

ATV drivers

Sometimes, ATV drivers are struck by other ATV drivers. When an ATV driver shows negligence, they may be held liable for injuries caused.

Motor vehicle drivers

In some cases, ATVs crash with motor vehicles. The driver may be at fault for the accident if they were negligent in their actions.

Product manufacturers

Some ATVs or golf carts have defective parts. If this happens, the injured party may be able to hold the product manufacturer liable through product liability. Manufacturers and others in the chain of commerce may be liable if they sell or transfer a product that is defective, unreasonably dangerous, or lacks adequate warnings.

Owners of ATV vehicles

Owners of ATVs who rent them out to consumers also have a duty to use reasonable care to ensure that the ATVs are properly maintained and functioning correctly. They may be liable if they fail to provide reasonable care.

Golf cart owners

Golf cart owners may also face liability if they rent out or provide unsafe carts and that negligence causes an accident. They must take reasonable steps to ensure that all golf carts are safe for use before renting them out. They may be liable if they rent out carts that have been neglected in maintenance.

Mechanics

In some instances, mechanics work on recreational vehicles and cause other issues. If maintenance or repair work goes wrong, an accident may happen. If the mechanic’s work caused a defect in the vehicle, they may be held liable if it’s due to negligence.

How can riders and drivers be safer on recreational vehicles?

There are a few measures that riders and drivers alike can take to make the experience safer. Those include:

• Get appropriate training from someone qualified to do so.
• Don’t ride with more people than the vehicle is intended to seat.
• Don’t operate recreational vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Always wear the recommended safety gear for the vehicle.
• Make sure all riders and drivers are the correct age according to the vehicle’s guidelines.

In some cases, people are extremely safe and still get harmed due to negligence. If you’ve been injured due to a recreational vehicle, reach out to a personal injury attorney.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys for a free consultation today

When someone has been seriously hurt in a recreational vehicle accident, the legal process may feel daunting. The personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys want to help. We have a proven track record of successful outcomes for clients. Through our attention to detail and thorough understanding of the law, we have earned the respect of insurance companies and defense lawyers. Complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.