Every year, hundreds of individuals die in ATV accidents across the country. Thousands are injured, many seriously-head and spinal injuries are common in these types of crashes. While New York City doesn’t have a high percentage of ATV use compared to other regions of the state, that doesn’t mean that New York City residents don’t use ATVs. On the contrary, Upstate New York and regions across the country are popular vacation sites for New Yorkers and in all of those locations ATVs pose a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of NYC residents.
Generally, you don’t hear much about ATV accidents unless their horrific, such as the accident that killed a teenager in late 2012 or the fatal vehicular homicide indictment following the death of a 19-year old from New Jersey. However, even non-fatal accidents can be serious and life threatening. Often the financial repercussions of a non-fatal accident are greater than those of a fatal one.
Under New York City and state guidelines, ATV use is strictly regulated. For instance, no one may operate an ATV (unless on their own property) without first insuring the vehicle for a minimum of $50,000 for death, $25,000 for injury, and $100,000 for property damage. In addition, you must be at least 15-years old to operate an ATV without adult supervision. ATVs are prohibited from highways, public land (unless otherwise designated), and private land (unless permission is acquired). Additionally, all ATV passengers and operators must wear USDOT-approved helmets during vehicle operation.
In order to decrease the number of New York City ATV accidents, the Department of Motor Vehicle has partnered with the national ATV Safety Institute to provide state approved ATV training courses which it recommends that new drivers attend. (Telephone 1-800-887-2887 to enroll, or write to: ATV Safety Institute, Enrollment Express, 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806.)
If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident or any recreation type accident, you may be able to seek damages against the owner of the vehicle or its operator but you must act fast. Your time may be slipping away. Contact a New York ATV accident attorney today to begin the legal process of collecting the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation to learn your rights at or 212-385-1122.