It’s been a long wait, this year, but summer has finally arrived in Canada. That means it is the season when people will be making their way to cottages and indulging in some much-needed outdoor activity.

All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, have become an increasingly popular outdoor pursuit. Today, people of all ages enjoy ATVs to explore the outdoors or for adventure sports. So, it is no surprise that there has been an accompanying increase in the number of ATV accidents. As an ATV accident lawyer, we have seen people suffer serious injury on these machines.

That’s why we advise safe riding, as well as renting from outlets that have a track record of keeping their ATVs well maintained. Pace Law Firm is your go-to ATV accident lawyer. After all, you want people who understand your pain, and will support and guide you as you attempt to cope with an unexpected injury or a wrongful death.

In this article we’ll take a look at the 5 most common ATV accident injuries that people suffer.

Ribs and chest

Being unrestrained and unprotected means riders are thrown forwards if the ATV comes to a sudden halt or dips suddenly. The handlebars and fuel tank can cause fractures, as well as injuries to the abdomen and upper body—which may include the internal organs. People are also run over by ATVs after they fall, and the vehicles’ tires can cause injuries too.

Concussions

Unfortunately, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are also common in ATV accidents. Although a helmet will protect you from lacerations and bear some of the brunt of a direct impact, it cannot prevent a concussion. Concussions result when the brain strikes the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head. There are many ways in which an ATV accident can result in a concussion—such as hitting your head on a branch, falling off and striking the ground, or colliding with an object. But concussions can result—due to sudden acceleration/deceleration—even when your head is not directly impacted.

Fractures

Broken collar bones, and fractured arms and legs are all too common when an ATV rolls over or if the rider falls. In addition to the injuries sustained by impacting an object, ATVs are known to trap limbs as they roll end over end.

Spinal and back injuries

If you are thrown off your ATV like an angry horse throws off its rider, you are likely to suffer back injuries, and may sustain spinal damage. It is also not uncommon for riders to be struck by other ATVs from behind – something that can result in fractures and other serious injuries. In such cases, you may sustain critical injuries, and you should seek immediate medical attention. If you have been thrown off your ATV, do not try and move if you feel pain in your neck or back.

Internal bleeding

Although there is no visible external indication you have sustained an injury, you are experiencing pain and tenderness. It is possible you have suffered an injury to an organ and are bleeding internally. Seek immediate medical attention and have your condition assessed. Unfortunately, internal bleeding is all too common following an ATV accident. Falling and collisions may not leave any noticeable lacerations or bruises, which makes internal bleeding all the more dangerous.

Understanding Responsibility

These may be the 5 most common ATV injuries, but by no means are they the only injuries you can suffer. Get in touch with an ATV accident lawyer you know will represent you to the best of their abilities. At Pace Law Firm, our Personal Injury Lawyers help clients receive the compensation they deserve for ATV accidents.

This summer season when you take our ATV for a ride, be mindful of your safety and the safety of others. ATVs can be great fun, but the exhilaration can come crashing down if you are reckless. If you need any assistance or guidance for an ATV injury, schedule a free consultation with Pace Law Firm.