Many British Columbians enjoy the thrill of riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-road vehicles through the province’s scenic valleys, canyons, and coastal mountain areas. ATV riding can be fun, but this popular recreational pastime is not without risks.
Every year, hundreds of adults and children sustain severe or fatal injuries in preventable ATV and off-road vehicle collisions. ATV accident statistics suggest at least 179 Canadians die annually in off-road vehicle accidents — and 40 percent of those fatalities are minors.
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in an ATV accident in British Columbia, the Vancouver personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP can help. We know you’re facing many challenges in the aftermath of the crash. Let us fight for the compensation you need to pay your medical bills and get your life back on track. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a proven ATV accident lawyer.
What Are Off-Road Vehicles?
An off-road vehicle is any vehicle specifically designed for use away from paved roads. Common examples of off-road vehicles include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or quads), side-by-sides (SxS), snowmobiles, off-road motorbikes, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and recreational utility vehicles (RUV).
Off-road vehicles are typically built with more ground clearance than standard vehicles so riders can cover rough terrain easily. Unfortunately, this design gives these machines a higher center of gravity, making them more difficult to control, especially on uneven ground or at high speeds. Rollover accidents are among the most common types of ATV wrecks.
Off-road vehicles come in various sizes and weigh between 300 and 600 pounds. The massive weight of these vehicles can contribute to traumatic amputations and fatal crush injuries when they roll over. For this reason, the Canadian ATV industry has adopted a voluntary standard limiting the size of youth ATVs to reduce the likelihood of severe child injuries. But child-sized ATVs are often challenging to come by, so many kids ride in regular ATVs.
Common Injuries from ATV Accidents
ATV accidents can cause catastrophic harm. The most common ATV injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Eye, nose, mouth, and ear injuries
- Facial scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
If someone else is responsible for your off-road vehicle injuries, the ATV accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP will fight for you to obtain maximum compensation for your losses.
What Causes ATV Crashes?
Many off-road vehicle collisions in British Columbia are purely accidents. But others are preventable tragedies caused by another party’s negligence.
Leading causes of ATV accidents in B.C. include:
- Driving under the influence – The cognitive effects of alcohol and drugs can impair the physical and mental abilities needed to drive an ATV safely. It’s against the law to operate an off-road vehicle while intoxicated. Still, research shows alcohol contributed to half of all ATV accident fatalities in B.C. over a recent eight-year period.
- Driver error or loss of control – Errors can cause operators to lose control of ATVs, especially young drivers. In fact, children under 16 represent approximately one-third of all ATV-related emergency room visits and nearly half of all ATV-related deaths. Lack of experience, smaller physical size, less physical strength, and general immaturity contribute to an increased risk of ATV crashes and fatalities among children.
- Doubling or riding with passengers – Riding with passengers, or doubling, increases the risk of a crash. Passengers can be distracting and affect the vehicle’s balance, making it easier for a driver to lose control. Doubling on vehicles not designed for more than one rider is a commonly cited factor in ATV accidents.
- Vehicle defects – If a faulty part leads to an accident, victims could be eligible to pursue a products liability claim against the negligent ATV manufacturer.
ATV Laws in British Columbia
British Columbia law requires ATV riders to wear safety-approved helmets when riding on Crown land. The only exception is for people who practice the Sikh religion or those with unshorn hair who regularly wear turbans.
The Off-Road Vehicle Act also mandates owners and riders to:
- Carry government-issued photo identification (riders 12 and older).
- Register their vehicles and display ICBC number plates or stickers.
- Install spark arrestors during wildfire seasons or conditions.
- Wear seatbelts on SxSs or other on-highway vehicles.
- Ensure age-appropriate adult supervision of children.
- Turn on safety lights in low-visibility conditions.
- Avoid riding for 30 minutes before sunrise or 30 minutes after sunset unless headlights, tail lights, or brake lights are turned on.
If you or your child has suffered injuries in a BC off-road vehicle crash, an experienced ATV accident lawyer can explain the local laws and regulations that apply to your case and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
ATV Insurance Requirements in BC
If you operate an off-road vehicle on mostly rural or country roads in British Columbia, chances are you’ll end up traveling on forest service roads. When you do, the Ministry of Forests and Range requires you to carry proof of ATV registration and at least $200,000 in third-party liability insurance. Similarly, if you operate your off-road vehicle on a public highway, you must carry ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance.
Off-Road Vehicle and ATV Safety Tips
Follow these ATV safety tips to reduce your risk of off-road accidents:
- Stick to designated riding trails and wear approved safety gear.
- Ride at a safe speed and adjust as necessary in hazardous conditions.
- Never ride on paved roads, except when crossing as permitted by law.
- Never operate an off-road vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Never ride with more passengers than the vehicle is designed for.
- Ensure younger riders have an appropriately sized ATV.
- Always supervise riders who are younger or inexperienced.
- Always wear safety belts.
- Let someone know the route and when you plan to return. That way, they can come looking for you if you don’t come back on time.
Contact an ATV Accident Personal Injury Lawyer
At Warnett Hallen LLP, we understand the heartache and financial hardships that come from ATV crashes. If you believe someone else is at fault for your injuries, you need legal help now. Contact our ATV accident lawyers today for a free case review.
