Many people in Vancouver find that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are perfect for navigating the province’s scenic coastal mountain regions and exploring its natural canyons. But while ATVs are fun to drive, they can also be dangerous. Statistics show that, on average, around 100 Canadians died in ATV accidents over a recent seven-year period.
Some ATVs, off-road vehicles (ORVs), and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) come equipped with roll bars or other safety features to protect drivers and passengers. But these small, lightweight vehicles need to be operated carefully. The likelihood of an accident increases significantly if the driver is inexperienced, reckless, intoxicated, or otherwise irresponsible.
The personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP represent clients who have suffered severe injuries in ATV, ORV, and UTV accidents throughout British Columbia. Compensation may be possible if someone else’s negligence led to your injuries. Our legal team will demand the money you deserve so you can pay your medical bills and move on with your life.
With a reputation for excellence and a track record of success, you can count on our law firm to provide top-quality legal services and compassionate support. Warnett Hallen LLP has been voted as the “Best Lawyer When Accident Strikes” by The Georgia Straight for five years. Let us help you, too.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Vancouver ATV accident lawyer.
What is an ATV or Off-Road Vehicle?
An ATV is a type of off-road vehicle (ORV). British Columbia law defines off-road or side-by-side vehicles as ones that:
- Have three or more wheels or two or more continuous belt tracks for propulsion
- Have seats that are designed for operators to sit astride, or saddle-style
- Do not include agricultural or industrial vehicles, such as tractors or cranes
In addition to ATVs, prescribed classes of ORVs in Vancouver include:
- Off-road motorcycles
- Side-by-side (SxS) vehicles
- Snowmobiles and snow vehicles
- Golf carts
- Certain highway vehicles
Types of ATV Accidents in Vancouver
An ATV is sometimes the best or only way to navigate rugged terrain around Vancouver. However, only experienced drivers should get behind the wheel. Knowing how to drive a car or motorcycle doesn’t necessarily mean you can operate an ATV safely.
Common types of ATV accidents include:
- Rollover accidents
- Collisions with stationary objects
- Speed-related accidents
- Crashes with other motor vehicles
- Ejections
- Submersions
- Overloading accidents
- Tire blowouts and other mechanical failures
- Manufacturing defect accidents
Who Can Be Sued After a Vancouver ATV accident?
If you sustained injuries in a Vancouver ATV accident through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to seek compensation from the responsible party. Depending on the circumstances, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against:
- The negligent ATV driver
- An ATV or ORV owner who permitted an unqualified or underage person to operate their vehicle
- A third party who caused or contributed to the wreck
- The employer of an individual who caused the ATV or ORV accident
- The owner of the land where the ATV or ORV accident occurred
- The manufacturer of a defective ATV or ORV component
It’s also possible that more than one party is at fault for the collision. That’s why discussing your case with an experienced ATV accident lawyer is important. A lawyer can identify every liable party and pursue compensation from all available sources. Otherwise, you risk missing out on the full amount of money you are entitled to.
ATV Laws in Vancouver
If you or someone close to you enjoys off-roading in Vancouver, follow these British Columbia ATV laws:
- Registration – All ATVs operated on Crown or private lands must be registered with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Owners must display the appropriate number plates or stickers on the exteriors of their vehicles.
- Identification – All ATV operators 12 years old or older must carry photo identification while operating on Crown or private land.
- Age restrictions – Children must not operate ATVs without appropriate supervision from licensed adults. Children 14 or 15 years old may operate ATVs unsupervised with written parental permission. However, minors must not drive or ride on ATVs unless they meet manufacturer-specified age, height, and weight minimums.
- Passengers – Adult ATV operators may not transport children as passengers unless their vehicles are designed to carry children and the children meet manufacturer-specified age, height, and weight requirements. Minor ATV operators are prohibited from transporting passengers under any circumstances.
- Helmets – ATV operators and passengers of all ages and experience levels must wear approved safety helmets when traveling on Crown or private land. Adult operators are also expected to ensure child passengers wear proper safety helmets.
- Seat belts – Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts if an ATV or other off-road vehicle is equipped with manufacturer-installed restraints.
- Lights – Operating an ATV or another off-road vehicle after dark is prohibited unless the vehicle has illuminated headlights, taillights, and brake or stop lights.
Where Do Most ATV and Off-Road Vehicle Accidents Occur?
According to the British Columbia Coroners’ Service, most accidental ATV deaths occurred in the Interior Health Authority region (46.5 percent) and the Northern Health Authority region (26 percent) over a recent decade.
Additional research suggests that dangerous terrain increases the risk of ATV and ORV accidents. Coroners and medical examiners report that at least one-third of ATV accident fatalities involve operators navigating hazardous terrain, slopes, curves, or other dangerous road conditions.
Do I Need ATV Insurance?
You should carry insurance if you own or operate an ATV or other ORV in Vancouver. If you drive your ORV along or across any public highways, you must obtain ICBC Basic Auto Insurance.
If you operate your ORV on country paths and rural routes, you will likely end up on forest service roads on occasion. If you do, the Ministry of Forests and Range requires you to carry proof of registration and at least $200,000 in third-party liability insurance with you at all times.
Types of Compensation After an ATV Accident
Potential types of compensation you could receive in a Vancouver ATV accident claim include money for:
- Medical expenses
- Incidental costs
- Lost wages
- Projected losses in your lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Personal or financial costs incurred by your family members
The types of money you are entitled to — and how much you could receive — depend heavily on the facts of the case and the legal avenues open to you. It’s wise to speak with a trusted personal injury lawyer before settling an ATV accident case on your own.
Connect with Our Vancouver ATV Injury Lawyers Now
At Warnett Hallen LLP, we understand the wide-ranging impact that ATV accidents can have on victims and their families. You need to know your legal options, and you can find out now. Call or contact us for a free case evaluation today.
