Whether you use your all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for fun or work, it can pose a risk of suffering an accident. Between 1982 and 2017, Colorado saw nearly 230 ATV accident fatalities.

Compared with fatality rates in other states, Colorado saw neither the highest nor lowest volume of ATV deaths in the statistical period. However, the numbers are significant enough to warrant concern for adults and young ATV users.

What types of injuries arise in ATV accidents?

Minor accidents typically only lead to cuts, scrapes and bruises, while crashes that are a bit more serious result in a broken bone or two. Unfortunately, severe accidents can also occur, leaving the victim with potentially catastrophic injuries. Examples include:

• Neck injuries like whiplash
• Chest, abdomen and internal injuries
• Neurological (nervous system) damage
• Spinal cord damage (a leading cause of paralysis)
• Traumatic brain injury (and permanent concussions)

Most severe ATV accidents involve rolling or flipping the vehicle. These crashes pose a high risk of throwing the operator (and any passengers) from the ATV, often resulting in injuries like those above.

What are your compensation options?

It depends on the circumstances in which the accident occurred. If another party caused the crash, look to Colorado personal injury laws for a solution. If the injury arose because of a product defect (a faulty ATV part, etc.), seek an answer by studying product liability laws.

An ideal way to ensure you obtain restitution for your or a loved one’s harm is to uncover every detail of the accident (how it happened, involved parties, etc.). Learning more about your legal options can also improve your quest to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.