Bicycles and motorcycles aren’t the only types of accidents that can leave you or a loved one seriously injured in Kentucky. Especially in more rural areas of the state, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) are very popular with riders. However, much like motorcycles, ATVs offer very little protection in the event of an accident with another vehicle, and overall are just as dangerous to use.
According to a report from the Lexington Herald-Leader, a Montgomery County woman was killed in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 30, 2023 when she was thrown from her ATV after h a man in a vehicle collided with her. When investigators responded to the scene, the man had admitted to driving under the influence and was following behind the woman on Kentucky Highway 213 South when the accident happened.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, while the man also admitted to initially fleeing the scene to park the woman’s ATV at her nearby barn. When he returned, he realized that the woman had been killed. He was charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, and fleeing the scene.
ATV Accidents in Kentucky
ATV accidents are just one of the many different types of vehicle accidents that can happen in Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Transportation Center’s 2021 Traffic Collision Report, there were:
- 49 ATV accidents statewide, with 7 being fatal
ATV accidents can surprise even skilled riders, and they can result in permanent injuries or even death, as in the accident above. Being aware of common causes of ATV accidents is crucial since they can occur anywhere, at any time. Still, there are a number of underlying causes of these accidents, like:
- ATVs, while bigger than motorcycles, are smaller and less noticeable than cars, making them easier for drivers to miss on the road. If drivers fail to see an ATV, they might change lanes or turn without checking their blind spots, causing accidents.
- When drivers don’t yield the right of way to ATVs, accidents can happen. For instance, a driver turning left in front of an ATV that has the right of way can lead to a collision.
- Distractions like phones or food can cause accidents. Distracted driving is particularly risky for ATV riders, who are more vulnerable to injuries in accidents.
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause accidents. Impaired drivers may have slower reaction times or fail to notice motorcycles on the road.
- Speeding, weaving through traffic, or tailgating can lead to accidents. These behaviors can be especially hazardous for ATV riders, who may not have enough time to react to reckless drivers.
ATV accidents, like motorcycles, can also occur without any contact from other riders or vehicles, known as “no-contact” accidents. Kentucky’s diverse terrain, including rough roads, hills, and off-road trails, can present challenges for any ATV rider. Regardless of the cause, ATV accidents often result in severe injuries and damages.
Let Kaufman & Stigger Fight For You After a Kentucky ATV Accident
ATV accidents in Kentucky can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries or lost someone in an accident, it’s important to consider your legal options.
Under Kentucky law, you have the right to seek compensation for damages from the person responsible for the ATV accident. This includes medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial costs if the accident resulted in a fatality.
If this has happened to you or someone you care about, reach out to our skilled team of Kentucky personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC. We have extensive experience in this area of the law and can guide you through your options. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and let us fight for you.
