An all-terrain vehicle is a motor vehicle designed for off-road use, particularly on rough terrain. ATVs are popular in Minnesota as a way to get around in areas without road maintenance or snow plowing. People also use them to explore the state’s vast wilderness during the warmer months.
There are several reasons why ATV users are more at risk of having an accident and getting injured from that accident than those who use cars or motorcycles for transportation. Here are a few of the more common types of serious injuries sustained in Minnesota ATV accidents.
Brain injuries
Brain injuries and concussions are often more prevalent after ATV accidents because helmet laws for ATV riders are either less strict than they are for motorcycle users on the highway, are less likely to be enforceable, or both. If someone hits their head during a vehicle crash, they should seek medical attention as soon as they can.
Paralysis
Because of their design, ATVs can more easily roll over than other types of vehicles, crushing the occupants in the process. When someone crushes parts of their body such as the neck and spine, this may lead to total or partial paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries
Being crushed by or thrown off a heavy vehicle can also cause spinal cord injuries, which can alter bodily functions for years to come.
By being cognizant of some of the most common serious injuries sustained on ATVs, riders and passengers can make more informed decisions regarding their safe and prudent use.