The Dangers of All-Terrain Vehicles in Maryland and Nationwide

Off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles, can be a great activity for most of the year, making them a common hobby in Maryland. However, off-road vehicles also pose a serious danger to riders, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

As is the case with those who operate vehicles on the road, the operators of off-road vehicles must take certain precautions to avoid causing a Maryland ATV accident. This includes operating the vehicle in a responsible manner, following common etiquette when off-road, and remaining free from the effects of drugs and alcohol while operating the vehicle.

When an ATV accident does occur, there may be multiple parties who are liable to those injured in the accident. This may include the owner of the land where the injury occurred, another driver who caused the accident, or the manufacturer of a faulty or defective part.

Importantly, in Maryland, due to the state’s strict contributory negligence rules, accident victims who share the fault for causing an accident will likely be precluded from proceeding with their case. Thus, it is crucial for Maryland ATV accident victims to discuss their case with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney as soon as practicable.

Young Boy Killed in ATV Accident

Earlier this month, a six-year-old boy was killed in an ATV accident. According to a local news source, the young boy was a passenger on the ATV, which was being operated by his eight-year-old friend. The young boy’s brother was riding on another ATV not far behind.

The boys were driving around a dirt track that was commonly used by ATV riders when the driver of the ATV on which the sic-year-old boy was riding struck a dirt mound with the right side of the ATV. After the ATV struck the mound, it shifted to the left, where it hit another dirt mound before tipping over. The ATV landed on the six-year-old boy, who was flown to a hospital but later died from the injuries he sustained in the accident.

The boys’ parents, who were nearby, told reporters that they had been wearing helmets when they started to ride, but had taken them off when they took a break and never put them back on. The accident remains under investigation.

Have You Been Injured in a Maryland ATV Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland ATV accident, you should consult with the dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we represent injury victims in a wide range of cases, including off-road accidents involving motorcycles and ATVs. To learn more about how we can help you obtain the compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you recover for your injuries.

More Blog Posts:

Can a Motorcycle Passenger Hold a Driver Liable for Injuries in a Maryland Motorcycle Accident?, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 30, 2018.

Determining Liability in Maryland Bicycle Accidents, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 6, 2018.

 

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