All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be an exciting way to boost your adrenaline and enjoy the adventure that comes with an off-road vehicle. While they can be thrilling, they also come with serious risks. If you suffer devastating injuries as a result of a crash, you may have grounds for a legal claim against the at-fault party.
With help from a highly skilled Pahrump ATV accident lawyer from H&P Law, you can demand total compensation for your losses. If the at-fault party attempts to avoid liability, you can rely on your Pahrump personal injury lawyer at our firm, with 60+ years of combined experience, to build the strongest case possible. Contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation and explore your options for financial relief.
Top Causes of Pahrump ATV Accidents
ATVs are not only fun but can be very useful when moving materials. Your Pahrump personal injury attorney will need to examine the cause of your ATV accident so we can figure out who is at fault. Some of the most common causes of off-road accident injuries in Pahrump include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- ATV operator inexperience
- Negligent driving
- Defective ATV vehicle parts
The liable party may attempt to divert liability by blaming you for the accident or the injuries you sustained. You can protect yourself from these unjust allegations by having your Pahrump ATV accident lawyer advocate for your rights and protect your settlement.
We will do everything possible to ensure the at-fault party does not get away with capitalizing on Nevada’s modified comparative negligence laws under Nevada Revised Statute 41.141, which restricts the amount of compensation you can be awarded if you share fault for the collision.
ATVs Are More Dangerous than Normal Vehicles
Although ATVs can be fun for off-road use, they are often more dangerous than traditional motor vehicles. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 1,513 ATV fatal accidents were reported in 2022 across the country. Some of the most common reasons ATVs may increase the risk of severe bodily injury or death include:
- ATVs are not enclosed, similar to how motorcycles lack enclosure
- There is no age requirement in the state of Nevada to operate an ATV
- Children do not have the skills needed to operate an ATV safely
- All-terrain vehicles are more difficult to control than other types of vehicles
- ATVs reach speeds of up to 75 mph
- Passenger riding can overload ATVs
- ATVs are more likely to overturn, according to the CPSC
- ATVs can weigh in excess of 750 pounds
Depending on how your ATV accident occurred, several potential parties could share responsibility for the injuries you sustained. Your ATV accident attorney in Pahrump with H&P Law will conduct an intensive investigation so we can identify the at-fault parties. Do not be surprised if the ATV designer, manufacturers, and owner of the ATV share culpability for your damages.
Essential ATV and Off-Road Vehicle Laws Impacting Your Case
While ATVs may not be regulated as intensely as traffic laws, there are several rules that must be followed under Nevada law. Your ATV accident lawyer in Pahrump will review these legal statutes to determine which may have the greatest impact on your case, if any. Here are some of the most important off-road and ATV vehicle laws that could influence your compensation:
ATV Registration Requirements
Your car must be registered before you can operate it on Nevada roadways. The same goes for your off-highway vehicles and ATVs. According to Nevada Revised Statutes §490.090, you must register your ATV before using it, even for recreational use.
Rules of the Road
When operating an ATV, you must follow certain traffic rules and regulations. For example, if you are crossing the highway before you begin crossing, you must come to a complete stop, according to Off-Road Nevada. Other road rules you should be aware of include:
- Being able to use an off-road vehicle on public roadways in an emergency if you do not have access to another vehicle under NRS §490.450
- Avoiding driving your ATV on the highway or interstate for more than 2 miles if you are on a designated highway trail connection
- Unloading or loading your ATV near where you are operating it under NRS §490.090(b)
Where You Can Ride an ATV
You are prohibited from driving an ATV or other off-highway vehicle on public highways or roads, according to Off-Road Nevada. However, in specific situations, ATV use may be allowed on public roads. For example, if you need to access an off-road area and can only get there by riding your ATV on a public roadway, you may be allowed to do so as long as you are following all necessary safety precautions and requirements.
How Long You Have to File a Lawsuit
If you are seriously injured, your ATV accident lawyer in Pahrump will generally have a maximum of two years from the accident date to file your lawsuit per Nev. Rev. Stat. §11.190(4). If you miss this deadline, it may be far more difficult to recover maximum compensation for your losses. If you are unsure when the statute of limitations runs out in your case, do not hesitate to contact H&P Law to discuss the specific circumstances of your ATV accident.
Trust in Pahrump’s High-Powered ATV Accident Law Firm
After suffering catastrophic injuries, going through the legal process can seem like a burden you do not want to bear. Fortunately, it is not your burden to carry alone. With the legal support of a trusted Pahrump ATV accident attorney from H&P Law, you can hold negligent parties accountable and recover the fair compensation you need to pick up the pieces of your life.
The claims process can be intimidating, but we can help you build a powerful case against the at-fault party and cover your costs so you can avoid financial ruin. When you are ready to demand justice but have no idea where to begin, contact our law office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You can fill out our convenient contact form or call us to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as today.
