San Diego ATV Accident Lawyer

What’s an ATV?

ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, is a motorized vehicle designed to travel off-road on four wheels, typically used for recreation or work purposes. California defines an ATV as a vehicle with:

• Three or four wheels
• Frame width less than 50 inches
• Weight limit of 900 pounds
• One seat for an ATV rider
• No more than one additional passenger seat
• Handlebars to steer the vehicle

Is ATV Riding Dangerous?

While ATVs are known for their versatility and ability to navigate rough terrain, they can pose risks that can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.

There are several reasons why ATV riding can be dangerous: 

1. ATVs are prone to flipping over, as they have a high center of gravity and narrow wheelbase. This can result in riders being thrown from the vehicle or crushed underneath in the event of a rollover. 
2. ATVs are powerful machines that can reach high speeds, increasing the likelihood of accidents and collisions with obstacles or other vehicles.
3. ATVs are often ridden in rugged and unpredictable terrain, which can increase the risk of an accident.

ATV Riding in San Diego

Despite the risks, many people come to San Diego County to ride ATVs on several world-class trails. You can get to several of the top ATV trails in California in a matter of hours from Downtown San Diego, including:

• Imperial Sand Dunes: Also known as Glamis Dunes, this site is one of the most popular ATV destinations in California. It takes about two and a half hours from San Diego to reach Imperial Sand Dunes 
• Corral Canyon OHV Area: A little more than an hour from Downtown San Diego, Corral Canyon ATV trails offers 1,800 acres of trails. 
• Ocotillo Wells State OHV Area: Near the Salton Sea, Ocotillo Wells has 85,000 acres of desert landscape for ATV riders to explore. 

Common Causes of ATV Crashes

The most common cause of ATV crashes is human error. Inexperienced riders who are not familiar with the handling and control of the vehicle, or their environment, are more prone to mistakes that lead to accidents. Speeding and alcohol are also common contributors to ATV accidents. 

But ATV accidents can also involve mechanical issues, product defects, or maintenance failure.

Defective or poorly maintained ATVs can experience mechanical failures that lead to accidents. In these situations, even the savviest riders run the risk of sustaining serious injuries. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle. 

If you were harmed in a San Diego ATV accident caused by a defective or poorly maintained rental vehicle, you should talk to a lawyer about your case. 

Common Injuries Suffered in ATV Crashes

Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries are a common and often severe consequence of ATV crashes. Concussions and skull fractures can result from impacts with the ground or other objects during a crash.

Spinal cord injuries: ATV accidents, especially those that involve a high rate of speed, can cause paralysis or other long-term disabilities. Riders may suffer from spinal fractures, herniated discs, or other serious spinal injuries in a crash.

Broken bones: Fractures and broken bones are frequently seen in ATV crash victims. Riders may sustain broken arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones from the impact of a crash or being thrown from the ATV.

Soft tissue injuries: Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in ATV accidents. While these injuries may not seem serious at first, some may require surgery and months of expensive rehabilitation. 

Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from an ATV crash can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured organs. These injuries may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

What to Do After a San Diego ATV Crash 

After an ATV accident in San Diego, it is crucial to take the following steps:

1. Get help, call 911: ATV crashes often result in serious injuries, so it is important to call for help and get checked out by a medical professional. Even if you feel fine, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor to ensure any potential injuries are addressed. Our attorneys have seen cases where injuries were discovered days later, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

2. Gather evidence and information on the incident: Gathering evidence is key to building a strong case. Make sure to obtain witness accounts, names, addresses, and driver's licenses if there were others involved in the accident. If you rented the ATV, document the rental company and the vehicle's make/model.

3. Document the crash: Documenting the scene of the accident with photos can greatly benefit your case. Take pictures of the ATV, any other vehicles involved, your injuries, and the surrounding area. If someone was recording video, make sure to get a copy of the footage. 

4. Tell the insurance company: While ATV insurance may not be required for riders in San Diego, it is still a good idea to have coverage. If you do have insurance, call your provider promptly after the accident to start the claims process.

5. Contact a San Diego ATV accident lawyer: If you or a family member sustained injuries in an ATV accident, the attorneys at Wisner Baum are here to help you. We have a deep understanding of the physical and financial toll that ATV accidents can have. Let us take care of your claim while you focus on healing. Reach out to us for expert legal representation in your ATV accident case.

ATV Lawyers in San Diego

If you sustain injuries in an ATV accident caused by another person or company’s negligence, you should speak with a lawyer about your case. Injured victims, referred to as plaintiffs in a lawsuit, can recover damages for health care costs, lost wages or income, lost earning capacity, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and more. If a defendant displayed a malicious, reckless disregard for the safety of others, an injured person may recover punitive damages. Put simply, the amount of compensation in an ATV case can potentially be in the millions.

This is why you need an experienced attorney advocating on your behalf. The San Diego attorneys at Wisner Baum have decades of experience holding wrongdoers accountable in litigation. With over $4 billion in settlements and verdicts obtained for clients across a broad range of practice areas, we have what it takes to win your case, no matter the opponent.  

Wisner Baum’s San Diego satellite office is conveniently located near the I-8 / I-805 interchange. With several other offices in the state, we accept cases throughout California and nationwide.  

Wisner Baum California offices:

• Los Angeles
• Sacramento
• Ontario
• Bakersfield
• San Francisco Bay Area

Ready to speak with a San Diego lawyer? Complete our case evaluation form or call us at 855-948-5098.