What Are The Most Common ATV Accident Injuries?

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

Jul 28, 2019
|

People love living in Wisconsin during the summer because of all the outdoor adventures and activities they can enjoy. Now is peak ATV-riding season with many people escaping to their lake cabins or spending their vacation time exploring one of the many scenic and thrilling Wisconsin ATV trails.

However, if you are a responsible rider, you know that while ATVs are simple to operate, you still can end up in a serious accident. Without following simple precautions, you can suffer a serious injury in an ATV crash. In fact, riders are injured each year while on an ATV.

Here are the most common injuries suffered:

  1. Concussions. You may notice that a lot of quad ATV riders don’t wear a helmet, but that’s never a good idea. No matter what speed you’re are driving, a helmet protects your brain from a concussion or a significant brain injury in a crash.
  2. Broken bones. ATVs are heavy, weighing on average between 350 and 520 pounds. If you are thrown off while driving one or riding one, you can be run over or hit by your own ATV.
  3. Spinal cord injuries. If you are riding bumpy, twisting ATV trails, you may lose control of the ATV at some point and it can roll over. If that happens, you could break your back or receive a serious spinal cord injury, sometimes leading to paralysis.
  4. Knee and leg injuries. If you are driving or riding an ATV and it begins to tip over, your instinct will be to put your foot down, to stop the fall. With enough force, that can lead to you seriously injuring your leg or causing your knee to give out.
  5. Internal organs damage. If you do end up being thrown off your ATV or run over, the weight of the ATV can cause serious internal injuries too, including bleeding, lacerations and organ damage that can be life-threatening.

You can best avoid these injuries by first always making sure your ATV tires are in good condition and you adjust your speed slower for difficult or muddy riding conditions. Second, always wear your safety equipment, even if you are a seasoned rider or you think the temperatures are just too hot to do so. A helmet, chest protector, boots and gloves can save your life, so never ride without them.