Spring Hill ATV Accident Lawyer

Two atv riders, speed race in forest.

Were you hurt in an ATV accident in Spring Hill, FL? At Zervos & Calta, PLLC, our job is to help people who have suffered injuries that weren’t their fault. We know that the aftermath of an ATV accident can leave you in pain, facing a stack of medical bills, and worrying about the future. But if someone else was to blame for your injuries, we want you to know that we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life – and that we’ll get to work on your case at no cost to you.

Contact Zervos & Calta, PLLC today to speak with a Spring Hill ATV accident lawyer about how you can demand justice for what you’ve suffered.

What Is an ATV?

ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, are a type of off-highway vehicle (OHV). Common characteristics of ATVs include:

  • Four wheels
  • Handlebars for steering
  • Motors
  • An open design

That final trait is significant. ATVs usually don’t have cages or other barriers protecting their operators and passengers. That means operators and passengers may be thrown from their vehicles in a collision.

What Are the Leading Causes of ATV Accidents?

Common causes of ATV accidents include:

  • Operating an ATV at too high a rate of speed
  • Intoxication
  • Overloading an ATV
  • Negligent behavior on the part of other ATV riders or nearby motorists
  • Lack of proper maintenance
  • Defective parts

A Spring Hill ATV accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine the cause of the collision that injured you. Doing so is key to identifying who could owe you money.

Are ATVs More Prone to Accidents?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that over 2,000 individuals died in the U.S. in OHV accidents in a recent three-year period. Approximately three-quarters of these deaths resulted specifically from ATV crashes.

Additionally, Johns Hopkins researchers have found that accidents involving ATVs are more dangerous than those involving vehicles with two wheels. The researchers believe the weight of ATVs makes them more likely to cause harm. Evidence also suggests that ATV riders may be less likely to wear protective gear than riders of vehicles like dirt bikes.

What Are Some Common Injuries in Spring Hill ATV Accidents?

ATV accidents may result in injuries such as:

Exercising caution and using proper safety equipment are ways to guard against such injuries. However, even responsible ATV riders can be hurt in accidents resulting from other people’s negligence.

What Should I Do If I Am in an ATV Accident?

Taking the following steps after an ATV accident in Spring Hill can help you claim the compensation you deserve:

  • Seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan.
  • Write down your recollection of the events while your memory is fresh.
  • Gather any available evidence related to the accident.
  • Keep a journal logging the post-accident pain and limitations you experience.
  • Collect any bills or other related documentation in a safe place.
  • Refrain from admitting fault or discussing the incident on social media.
  • Contact a Spring Hill ATV accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Who Can Be Held At Fault for the Accident?

Various parties may be liable for an ATV accident in Spring Hill, including:

  • The ATV manufacturer – An ATV accident could result from a defective part on the vehicle, such as a malfunctioning throttle or blowout-prone tire. In this scenario, the ATV manufacturer or designer who overlooked the defect may be at fault.
  • An ATV rental company – If you were riding a rented ATV that was not properly maintained, the company that rented you the vehicle could be at fault for your injuries.
  • A motorist or ATV rider – Another motorist or ATV rider could be at fault if they created a situation that resulted in an accident. For example, maybe another ATV rider rammed their vehicle into yours. In an attempt to “have some fun,” they may have caused a crash.
  • A property owner – Property owners aren’t usually liable in ATV crash cases. However, there may be exceptions. For example, perhaps you’re riding an ATV on a private course. The owner might be liable for a crash resulting from a hazardous condition they failed to address.

Consult with a Spring Hill ATV accident attorney for more information. They can explain who may be liable in your specific case.

Does Florida Have Laws for ATVs?

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), important Florida ATV laws to be aware of include the following:

  • To operate an ATV on public land under the age of 16, a rider must show they’ve completed the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) safety course. An adult must supervise them while they ride.
  • ATV riders may only operate their vehicles on unpaved roads where the speed limit is under 35 mph. Roadways must also bear markings indicating they allow ATV use.
  • ATV riders may only operate their vehicles on the above types of roadways during daylight hours.atv rider

However, individual counties can exempt themselves from the above rules, which Hernando County has done. Per Hernando County law, ATV riders can no longer use public roads of any kind. That means ATV riders in Spring Hill can only drive on private property.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered for My ATV Accident?

Victims of ATV accidents may seek compensation for their losses, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

An insurance adjuster is unlikely to tell you exactly how much compensation you’re eligible for when you file an ATV accident claim. Protect yourself by seeking representation from a Spring Hill ATV accident lawyer.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for an Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida law sets a deadline of two years from the time of your crash to file an ATV accident lawsuit. Take legal action before the deadline to avoid waiving your rights to compensation.

Contact a Spring Hill ATV Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in an ATV accident because another party was negligent, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The Spring Hill ATV accident lawyers at Zervos & Calta, PLLC can fight for what you deserve. Find out more about how we can help by contacting us for your free case evaluation.

Visit Our Spring Hill ATV Accident Law Offices