Common ATV Defects and How to Spot Them
ATVs can be incredibly fun for riding around the many dunes around Phoenix and exploring the great outdoors. However, alongside knowing how to safely operate an ATV, riders should also be aware of how to keep them well-maintained. These vehicles are dangerous when in disrepair, which is why riders should know how to spot a defective part and when to take them in for repairs.
The Dangers of Defective ATVs
More than 700 people die each year in ATV accidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), but these tragic accidents are preventable by following certain precautions. ATV riders should be experienced at operating a vehicle, follow all local laws, and use appropriate safety equipment to protect themselves in collisions. In addition, manufacturers, retailers, and rental companies should also make sure their devices are safe to use. This means regularly inspecting for defective components and repairing them in a timely manner.
Allowing someone else to operate a defective vehicle can result in a serious ATV accident, which can include:
- Tire blowouts
- Steering issues, which can lead to collisions
- Brake failures
- Burns, fires, and explosions from broken fuel tanks
- Unstable vehicles
- Defective seat belts
- Unsecure floorboards
- Lack of strong roll bars
How to Keep an ATV Safe
It is important to be proactive about ATV safety, which means regularly inspecting a vehicle for issues. Riders should consult their vehicle’s manuals and pay close attention to when they need to take ATVs in for maintenance. Riders should also only work with skilled and experienced repair shops that know how to repair ATVs.
Common ATV issues that riders should be aware of is:
- Fluid levels
- Unchanged filters
- Loose bolts
- Low tire pressure
- Dead batteries
- Dirty radiators
- Leftover fuel in older vehicles
- Faulty spark plugs
- Stretched or worn transmission belts
- Worn down brake pads
- Lack of seat belts or defective belts
Who Is Liable for ATV Accidents?
ATVs are inherently dangerous, and accidents can result in serious trauma that impacts riders and pedestrians for the rest of their lives. If you were injured in an ATV accident that was not your fault, it is important to contact a skilled Phoenix personal injury attorney to learn how you can receive compensation. The person who wronged you should provide proper compensation for your injuries and cover the costs of your long-term medical care.
The most common liable parties in ATV accidents include:
- Negligent riders
- ATV manufacturers
- ATV retailers and rental companies
- Other vehicle drivers
The Husband and Wife Law Team can sit down with you in a free consultation and explain your right to compensation. We understand how serious these accidents are and can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to determine who is responsible for your injuries. By working with skilled investigators and accident reconstructionists, we will also collect evidence of negligence and negotiate with the responsible party for compensation.
Call us at (602) 267-1280 if you were injured in an ATV accident that was not your fault.
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During a free consultation, we will look at the important aspects of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights and options clearly. All submissions are confidentially reviewed by Mark Breyer.
Confidentially reviewed by Attorney Mark Breyer