The Most Common Injuries in ATV Accidents

We handle ATV claims all around the State of Iowa.

ATV accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, with some types being more common due to the nature of ATV use and the potential for high-impact crashes. Everything noted below can also result in the death of the riders.

The most common types of injuries in ATV accidents include the follow.

1. Head Injuries:

   • Concussions: A common result of falls or collisions, concussions occur when the brain is shaken inside the skull.
   • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): More severe than concussions, TBIs can result from direct blows to the head or violent shaking, often leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
   • Skull Fractures: These occur when the skull is impacted forcefully, often due to the rider being thrown from the ATV and having the skull impact with a fence post, a sign post, the ground, a tree, another piece of equipment, a rock, or any other hard object. These types of injuries are impossible to see with the naked eye. Instead, clients come in describing changes in behavior, changes in personality, outbursts of anger, stealing, arguing, argumentative behavior, an anti-social personality, inability to keep a job, falling grades, getting suspended or expelled from school and other types of behavior that are new and unwelcomed. The injured person, because of brain damage are often times unaware of their behavior changes although many are frustrated because they do recognize they are different and can no longer read social cues.

2. Spinal Injuries:

   • Spinal Fractures: These can occur if the rider lands awkwardly on their back or neck, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal fractures refer to the vertebrae being fractured or compressed resulting in spinal cord pain. Pain meds are not always the answer. Surgeries, multiple surgeries may be required followed by rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and management by a pain control specialist.
   • Herniated Discs: The force of an accident can cause discs in the spine to herniate, leading to pain and mobility issues. Herniated discs place pressure on spinal nerves and can be treated by everything mentioned under spinal fractures. Everything you read under spinal fractures applies to herniated discs. These injuries are a serious problem. The older you are the longer it takes to get back to some semblance of normal and may never completely heal; no matter what your surgeon might tell you. Surgeons have an ego, not an inside track to God.

3. Orthopedic Injuries:

   • Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones are commonly broken during ATV accidents due to falls or being crushed under the vehicle.
   • Dislocations: Joints, particularly shoulders and knees, can be dislocated due to the impact or awkward falls.

4. Chest and Abdominal Injuries:

   • Rib Fractures: The chest area is vulnerable during a crash, and rib fractures can occur from direct impact or being thrown against the handlebars.
   • Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, can occur from blunt force trauma.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries:

   • Cuts and Lacerations: These can result from contact with sharp objects, debris, or the ATV itself during an accident.
   • Bruises and Contusions: Impact injuries can cause extensive bruising and contusions on various parts of the body.

6. Facial Injuries:

   • Dental Injuries: Teeth can be chipped, broken, or knocked out during a crash. Dental injuries make for a lousy personal injury claim. Unfortunately, most people do not have any dental insurance.
   • Facial Fractures: The bones of the face, including the jaw, nose, and cheekbones, can be fractured upon impact. Facial disfigurements can be serious claims, especially for young people (girls especially) who have their whole life ahead of them. Young people can be cruel to other young people. Insensitive and cruel go hand-in-hand.

Is There A Good Answer for Avoiding Injuries?

Wearing appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, protective clothing, and padding, can significantly reduce the severity of these injuries. Additionally, proper training and adherence to safety guidelines can help prevent accidents and mitigate the risk of serious injuries.

In almost every one of these cases, speed is one problem along with fooling around and not wearing proper safety gear. The older the riders, the more alcohol or recreational drugs is a catalyst. Drinking beer or alcohol never mixes well with ATV rides.

Call Us

The Lombardi Law Firm is a personal injury firm with a long history of recovering substantial sums while caring about our client’s future. If you have questions about your legal options, or would like to just talk with a lawyer, call the Lombardi Law Firm. There is no charge to talk with us. If we take your case, you will not be charged unless there is a recovery.