Experienced and Trusted ATV Accident Law Firm

San Diego ATV Accident Attorneys

Protecting the Legal Rights of ATV Accident Victims in San Diego

ATV accidents can lead to various injuries, ranging from relatively minor to severe. These accident cases can be complex, involving extraordinary circumstances and legal issues. That’s why it’s important to have a knowledgeable San Diego personal injury attorney on your side to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

You can count on Eugene Bruno & Associates to provide the sound and compassionate legal counsel you need to get through this difficult time. Eugene Bruno & Associates was recognized by Expertise as the Best Car Accident Lawyer and Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego in 2022. For nearly 30 years, founding attorney Eugene Bruno has devoted his practice entirely to fighting for the rights of people over corporations.

Call us today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to discuss your case.

What Qualifies as an ATV?

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a type of motor vehicle designed to drive off-road. California Vehicle Code Section 111(a) defines “All-terrain vehicle…designed for operation off the highway by an operator with no more than one passenger. Fifty inches or less in width. Nine hundred pounds or less unladen weight. Suspended on three or more low-pressure tires. Has a single seat designed to be straddled by the operator, or a single seat designed to be straddled by the operator and a seat for no more than one passenger. Has handlebars for steering control.”

Utility ATVs are four-wheeled vehicles that are primarily used for transportation across a variety of off-road terrain. Sport ATVs are typically used for recreational activities concerned with racing or skill exhibition across rough off-road terrain.

There are specific safety regulations applicable to ATVs, including limitations on where they can be operated. Importantly, ATV use typically isn’t covered by standard car insurance policies. Instead, insurance companies offer policies explicitly for ATV operations.

Additionally, California recognizes a broad category of vehicles designed for operation off-highway, known as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). These vehicles include golf carts, snowmobiles, go-karts, jeeps, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), and 4x4s.

Laws Governing ATV Use

ATVs and other OHVs are not subject to on-highway laws governing vehicle equipment. The California Vehicle Code has specific equipment regulations for off-highway vehicles, governing matters such as:

• Head and tail lamps during hours of darkness
• Brakes in good working order
• Properly maintained muffler or spark arrester
• Pollution control devices
• Additional equipment is required for conditions related to fire hazards, public safety, or other hazardous conditions

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) governs the enforcement and administration of ATV regulations. ATVs and other OHVs are required to be registered with the DMV, which issues permits for use on off-highway lands.

Liability for ATV Accidents

Liability for ATV accidents can involve a complex set of facts and legal issues concerning injuries occurring off-highway, on private property, or resulting from circumstances such as:

• Rollovers
• Lack of tire pressure maintenance
• Collisions with other vehicles
• Impact with objects or terrain features

Furthermore, ATV accident cases can involve multiple parties, including:

• Drivers
• Landowners
• Government entities
• Manufacturers
• Insurance providers

Injuries Resulting from ATV Accidents

Because ATVs have open designs and lack rollover cages, an injury resulting from an ATV accident can be particularly severe. There are more than 125,000 ATV accidents per year in the United States, where teenagers under 16 constitute the majority of those injured. As a result, injuries associated with ATV accidents include:

• Degloving injury
• Limb loss
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Road rash
• Lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Compression syndrome

What You Should Do After an ATV Accident in San Diego

Upon enduring an ATV accident, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately to get proper treatment for your injuries. Acquiring professional medical attention will also provide documentation of your injuries and aid your personal injury claim.

If you are well enough to do so and in a safe environment, taking the following steps after an accident can help your attorney in your personal injury case:

• Take photos of the damage and terrain conditions
• Obtain insurance information from other parties
• Record the contact information of any potential witnesses
• Hire an experienced personal injury attorney

The Value of Experienced Legal Counsel

An experienced San Diego ATV accident attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, prepare witness testimony, negotiate with insurance providers, and represent your interests before the court and opposing counsel if necessary.

Your personal injury lawyer will accurately calculate your damages and negotiate on your behalf with insurance providers to ensure you are compensated fairly. You may be entitled to recover compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

Contact Eugene Bruno & Associates: We’re Here to Help

Recovering from an ATV accident in San Diego can be overwhelming as you may be dealing with serious injuries and staggering expenses, but you don’t have to face the legal process of pursuing compensation alone. Eugene Bruno & Associates has extensive experience handling personal injury claims involving an ATV accident.

Our San Diego ATV accident lawyers can help you navigate the challenges and complexities of California law and effectively pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. We take a compassionate approach to representing your legal interests so you can focus on recovering your health.

Let us fight for the justice you deserve.

Reach out to us at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation.