ATV Dangers and Safety Tips
Spring brings many outdoor opportunities for Las Vegas residents. Many will partake in camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities. A popular activity for many families involves all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ATVs can be a fun sporting activity…However, ATVs may also pose dangers. In some instances, they can even be deadly. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are more than 700 deaths and 100,000 injuries each year involving ATVs. Many of these were preventable. Here, we will go over the laws surrounding ATVs and safety tips to protect you and your family.
Have you been in an accident involving an ATV? If an ATV accident injures you or a family member, seek medical help immediately. Once you have received medical care, consult with an experienced ATV accident attorney. Anthem Injury Lawyers have experienced ATV accident attorneys who are ready to help you. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Nevada ATV Laws
You have probably heard the terms ATV as well as off-highway vehicle (OHV), off-highway motorcycle (OHM), and (utility vehicle) UTV. Do you know the difference between these various recreational vehicles? Do you know what laws apply to these vehicles?
OHV
Under Nevada Revised Statute 490.060, an OHV means a motor vehicle designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use. The term includes, but is not limited to:
- An ATV, including, without limitation, a large ATV without regard to whether that large ATV is registered by the Department in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute 490.0825 as a motor vehicle intended to be operated upon the highways of this State;
- An all-terrain motorcycle;
- A dune buggy;
- A snowmobile; and
- Any motor vehicle used on public lands for the purpose of recreation.
Per Nevada Revised Statute 490.043, Large ATV means any ATV that includes seating capacity for at least two people abreast and:
- Total seating capacity for at least four people; or
- A truck bed.
Minors
Nevada Revised Statute 483.580 states that parents can be held liable for negligence for
- allowing any unlicensed minor less than eighteen (18) years of age to drive a vehicle upon any public maintained road or highway.
All OHV drivers require a license. Or, if under sixteen (16) years of age, they must be accompanied by an adult licensed driver at least eighteen (18) years old. Any minor under sixteen (16) must be under visual supervision when operating on a county or city-maintained road.
All Operators or Riders
Wear a helmet. State law requires helmets for all operators and riders when operating on a county, town, or city-maintained road, including side-by-sides.
Comply with all traffic laws of the State of Nevada during OHV operation
Failure to Register
Under Nevada Revised Statute 490.520, the fine for failing to register is $100.00. Law enforcement may seize stolen vehicles, improperly operated vehicles, or vehicles with a tampered VIN. Offenses related to a false or fraudulent registration or title are gross misdemeanors or felonies.
Nevada Off-Highway Vehicle Program
The Nevada Off-Highway Vehicle Program promotes safe and responsible use of Nevada’s outstanding opportunities for off-road recreation. The program provides grants to fund off-highway vehicle related projects throughout the state including:
- trail improvements,
- mapping,
- signage,
- law enforcement,
- education,
- safety training,
- restoration, and
- other projects.
Off-Road Nevada is a collaborative effort between:
- the State of Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
- Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles, and
- Clark County, Nevada.
As you can see, there are many complexities involved with ATV riding and the potential for ATV accidents. If you’ve been involved in an ATV accident in Nevada that was the fault of another, get in touch with our Las Vegas personal injury law firm: (702) 857-6000. Schedule a free consultation where we’ll conduct a review to determine if you have a case. If so, we will let you know how we will represent you and protect your rights as a victim. Don’t wait. For the best opportunity to receive the compensation due you as an ATV accident victim, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today.
Tips for OHV/ATV Safety
The Nevada Off-Highway Vehicle Program provides several tips for OHV safety. As OHVs include ATVs, the following safety tips apply.
- Always fasten your seat belt.
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Keep all parts of your body inside the OHV.
- Avoid paved surfaces. OHVs are designed to be operated off-highway.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Do not drive over vegetation.
- Respect all signage and barriers.
- Leave no trace.
- Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed.
- Use care when turning and crossing slopes.
- Nevada DUI laws apply to drug or alcohol-impaired OHV operators. Never operate an OHV while under the influence.
- Never carry more passengers than the OHV design allows.
- Do not allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the OHV.
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Las Vegas Area ATV Dangers
Spring and summer are not the only time ATVs pose a danger to children and adults. ATV accidents can happen all year round.
In January 2020, a 23-year-old woman was killed in an ATV crash in Logandale, about 60 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The woman died at the site of the crash due to blunt force injuries from the accident. The ATV rolled over somewhere along the Logandale Trails system. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the 45,000 acres of the Logandale Trails system contain over 200 miles of trails. Many of the trails are suitable for ATVs, hiking, and horseback riding.
In November 2019, an ATV rollover crash on Interstate 15 sent an ATV driver to the hospital. The driver suffered life-threatening injuries. Others rescued the ATV driver after the vehicle rolled over.
ATV cases can be complex. It is important to work with ATV accident lawyers who can properly manage all of the issues involved in a complex ATV case. Anthem Injury Lawyers have experienced ATV accident attorneys who are ready to help you. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury happens when:
- You have been injured.
- Another party is liable for those injuries.
You may have a valid personal injury claim and be entitled to compensation if you can prove:
- someone else injured you and
- that they are liable for those injuries.
If you are involved in an ATV accident and another party is responsible for the accident, you likely have a personal injury claim.
ATV Accident Injuries
ATV accidents can cause more serious injuries because the riders and drivers are less protected. In ATV accidents, riders without helmets or proper restraints are much more likely to be killed or injured.
Some of the most common serious injuries that can result from an ATV accident include:
- spine or neck injuries
- traumatic brain injury
- broken bones
- lacerations
- soft tissue damage
If a Nevada ATV accident injures you or a loved one, seek counsel from an experienced law firm. Anthem Injury Lawyers are experienced to handle your case. We are located in Henderson and we work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley. This includes North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Anthem, and the Strip. Contact us today for a free consultation at (702) 857-6000.
Is There a Time Limit to Bring the Claim?
If you have been injured in an accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. In Nevada, there is a two-year statute of limitations during which accident victims must bring their claims. (Nevada Revised Statute 11.190(4)(e)). This means that injury victims have just two years from the date of their injuries to file a personal injury claim. If you wait longer than two years, your claim will be dismissed and you will receive no compensation.
At Anthem Injury Lawyers, our experienced trial lawyers and staff will make sure that you file your claim within the correct time period.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
The complexities involved with ATV accidents clearly indicate that it’s important to seek personal injury lawyers who know how to protect your rights in these cases. Contact the experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. Let us know about your situation and we will meet with you to review your ATV accident case. We do not charge for initial consultations and will travel to you at home or in the hospital if necessary. We deal with personal injury cases all over the State of Nevada. This includes Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and all of Clark County. There are no attorney fees until you have received your compensation. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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