More than 500 riders are killed in ATV accidents each year and an estimated 500,000 are hospitalized with injuries. The government believes the actual number of fatality victims is much higher – 780 in 2008 and 857 in 2007.

St. Louis ATV Accident Attorney Ryan R. Cox and the staff at our law offices know all-terrain vehicles are often used in farming and the construction industry, as well as for recreational purposes.

Common causes of ATV accidents include rollover accidents, driving too fast for conditions, poorly maintained or defective equipment, improperly riding double, riding on inappropriate terrain, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

However, drivers are too often blamed for accidents. Dangerous or defective equipment is a common cause; passengers may be injured through no fault of their own; and accidents on someone else’s property are commonplace.

Children under the age of 16 are injured or killed in about 20 percent of all cases. Per § 301.705 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, “no person under the age of sixteen shall operate an all-terrain vehicle…unless such person is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian or is accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult who is authorized by the operator’s parent or guardian to supervise the operator.”

Despite these laws, one study found the number of deaths involving kids has climbed 24 percent in less than a decade.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports 62 deaths resulted from Missouri ATV accidents between 2007 and 2009.

These can be complex cases that can involve premise liability and defective product litigation. Consulting with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer and wrongful death attorney who is experienced in handling ATV accident claims in Missouri is a critical first step toward protecting your rights.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 effectively banned the sale of ATVs and dirt bikes to kids. But even before the ban was set to take effect in 2011 lawmakers were already proposing laws to water down the safety legislation.

St. Louis ATV accident lawyers encourage you to stay safe when riding an all-terrain vehicle by following best practices and common safety tips:

• Wear an approved helmet; head injuries area a leading cause of Missouri ATV injuries.
• Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• A child should never operate an ATV without supervision or be allowed to operate an ATV of inappropriate size.
• Never ride with a passenger.
• Speeding and stunts should be avoided.

If you or a family member is injured in an ATV accident in Missouri, please contact St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney Ryan R. Cox at our law offices. We will personally meet with you, free of charge, either at one of our offices, at your home or in the hospital.