This month, a five-year-old tragically lost his life when he was driving an ATV just hours outside of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents are a common occurrence. An ATV is a type of OHV. Here, we will discuss OHVs and provide OHV safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
We hope the below discussion helps you and your loved ones stay safe. If a driver injures you in an OHV accident, get medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
As a Las Vegas accident victim, you don’t want to fight alone against insurance companies. They do not have your best interests in mind. Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Insurance companies and other parties are not interested in helping you receive what you should as a victim in a Las Vegas accident. Your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer should have a proven track record of winning cases like yours for significant compensation. Our lawyers offer you 25 years of experience winning top compensation for Las Vegas accident victims.
Time is of the essence when pursuing compensation in accident cases. Don’t delay—have our Las Vegas accident lawyers review your case. Sometimes people avoid contacting an accident lawyer because they worry about cost. You don’t have to worry about affordability. Our attorneys don’t get paid unless they win your case. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Is an OHV?
Before we discuss OHV safety tips, it may be helpful to understand what OHV stands for and what is considered an OHV. OHV stands for off-highway vehicle. In Nevada, it means “a motor vehicle that is designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use.” Under Nevada Revised Statute 490.060, the term includes, but is not limited to:
- An all-terrain vehicle, including a large all-terrain vehicle
- An all-terrain motorcycle
- A dune buggy
- A snowmobile
- Any motor vehicle used on public lands for the purpose of recreation
Per Nevada Revised Statute 490.043, large all-terrain vehicle means any all-terrain vehicle that includes seating capacity for at least two people abreast and:
- Total seating capacity for at least four people; or
- A truck bed.
Under Nevada Revised Statute 490.060, off-highway vehicle does not include:
- A motor vehicle designed primarily for use in water
- A motor vehicle that is registered by the Department in accordance with chapter 482 of Nevada Revised Statute
- A low-speed vehicle as defined in Nevada Revised Statute 484B.63
- Special mobile equipment, as defined in Nevada Revised Statute 482.123
Accidents can happen in all types of vehicles. If another driver injures you in an accident that is not your fault, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. We offer the level of expertise and knowledge you need to win your accident case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
OHV Safety Tips
Now that we know what an OHV is (and isn’t) we can discuss OHV safety tips. If you have additional questions about OHV safety in Nevada, contact Nevada’s Off-Highway Vehicles Program.
Train Before You Ride
Many accidents happen due to rider inexperience. Before you ride on your own, you should take a comprehensive OHV safety course for the type of vehicle that you will be driving. Local and national organizations offer training courses.
Know Your Limits
Once you have completed training, you should know your limits. Drive within your ability. If you are with experienced drivers, communicate your limits before you begin your trip.
Follow All Local and State OHV Laws
OHV laws can vary depending on where you are driving. If you are traveling to a new area, or unsure of local laws, check with the state OHV organization. Make sure to do the following:
- Stay on marked trails
- Abide by all signage
- Drive only in designated areas
Stay Off of Paved Roads
OHVs are designed to be used on off-road terrain. Driving OHVs on paved roads can cause accidents and increase your risk of a collision with other vehicles. Depending on where you drive, it may even be illegal to ride the OHV on paved roads.
Protect Yourself
You should always protect yourself when driving an OHV. You protect yourself by always keeping all parts of your body inside the OHV. You also protect yourself by wearing appropriate safety gear, including the following:
- DOT-compliant helmet
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Protective boots
Even the most cautious driver can be injured in an accident. If a Las Vegas driver injures you, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. We offer the level of expertise and knowledge you need to win your accident case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
Drive Sober
You should never operate an OHV under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Nevada DUI laws apply to drug or alcohol-impaired OHV drivers.
Look Out for Passengers
Passenger safety should always be a concern for drivers. Check first that the OHV is designed for passengers. If it is designed for passengers, make sure that passengers can safely sit in their seats. Do not carry more passengers than allowed on the OHV.
Choose Age-Appropriate Vehicles
Not all OHVs are created equally. Make sure that the OHV is appropriate for the driver’s age and size. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission cautions that children younger than six years of age should never be on any ATV—either as a driver or passenger.
Plan Ahead
Before you venture out you should plan your route. Most recreation areas are diverse. You should prepare for where you are going to ride. Once you plan your route, let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you plan to return. If you do not return in time, they can notify local law enforcement that something might be wrong.
You should also know what supplies you will need for your ride. Tread Lightly! recommends that you bring the following:
- First aid kit
- Extra water
- Extra food
- Maps
- Tool kit
- Extra fuel
Always Bring a Friend
Driving alone can be dangerous. If you drive alone, you risk breaking down or getting hurt on your own. Have fun and be safe by always driving with friends.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
We hope the above discussion helps you safely operate OHVs. If another driver injures you in an OHV accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some people wonder why they need a personal injury lawyer to help them. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Award-winning law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers. We are based in Henderson, Nevada, and serve clients throughout the Las Vegas area. When we say we offer personal injury law experience, we mean over 25 years of experience. This is the combination of knowledge and expertise you need to win significant compensation as a victim in a Las Vegas area accident. Our decades of experience, our expertise, plus our deep familiarity with all aspects of Nevada law, give you a powerful advantage. You will need that advantage to fight against those who may keep you from receiving what you deserve as a Las Vegas accident victim.
Your choice of an accident lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. It’s important to select a Las Vegas attorney that can put you in the best position to win your case. That’s why you need to speak with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Get the best accident attorneys in Las Vegas fighting for you. Our experts offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
