Common Injuries in Illinois ATV Accidents

 Posted on February 29, 2024 in Recreational Vehicle Accidents

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be fun but they also carry many risks. Most often used in off-road, rural, and coastal areas, it is not uncommon for a driver to suffer an injury during an ATV accident. Injuries can range from mild to severe, and some injuries are more common than others. In the worst cases, people sometimes die in ATV accidents. You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered an injury on an ATV. It is best to discuss the situation with an attorney to get important details about whether you may be able to bring a suit against the party responsible for an ATV accident that impacted you.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Falling from an ATV is very likely to result in bruises, contusions, and the possibility of a broken bone or fracture. Hitting a rock or tree may result in an abrupt stop, causing the driver’s arms or wrists to snap in the wrong direction and resulting in a break or fracture. Being thrown hard enough during a crash can also result in a skull fracture, even if properly wearing a helmet. This could then lead to the possibility of a traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most devastating injuries a person can sustain. A driver can easily hit their head during an accident, which may result in severe trauma to the brain. A distracted driver or one driving under the influence may be unable to avoid danger, causing a passenger to be ejected from the ATV and sustain serious head injuries

Amputations

Loss of limb is a serious concern for those who suffer ATV crashes. ATVs offer very little protection in the event of a crash or turn-over and an arm or leg can be crushed beneath the weight of the ATV itself. Depending on the speed at which the ATV is traveling before the crash, the impact could even result in a limb being fully or partially dissevered.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury could spell permanent disability for someone involved in an ATV crash. An ATV driver or passenger could become a paraplegic or quadriplegic, which can alter their life forever. Less serious cases of spinal cord injuries can still result in difficult walking, severe headaches, and a significant decrease in quality of life.

Contact a Lake County, IL Personal Injury Attorney

Compensation is a possibility for anyone involved in an ATV accident that happened because of someone else’s careless behavior. As either the driver or passenger, it may be in your best interest to file an accident claim against the property owner, ATV manufacturer, or other parties who may be at fault. A Waukegan, IL ATV accident lawyer like Salvi & Maher, LLP can help you in your rightful pursuit of compensation for any damages suffered. Contact our law firm at 847-662-3303 for a free consultation.