All-terrain vehicle (ATV) recreational activities are becoming more and more popular. People are heading out to Goodsprings, Nellis Dunes, Cold Creek, Wheelers Pass, and even as far north as the Valley of Fire to rev up their ATVs and tackle the terrain of the great outdoors.

Unfortunately, there are thousands of emergency room visits each year throughout Nevada that are the result of ATV injuries. Sometimes, riders even suffer fatal accidents. But one of the most important things to remember is that if someone borrows your ATV and gets hurt on it, you may be partially liable for the resulting medical bills.

There are many reasons why accidents occur on ATVs. Some of them include operating an ATV:

at unsafe or excessive speeds
at night without appropriate headlights or taillights
in areas not designed for ATV use (such as paved roads)
with a passenger on an ATV that isn’t designed for one
without wearing a helmet or other protective gear
while intoxicated

Some riders are unable to handle ATV speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Others forget that ATVs are prone to roll or tip over when they are turned too sharply. Still others just aren’t properly trained on the intricacies of driving an ATV.

To make matters worse, there are no state agencies which regulate ATVs, nor are there laws specifically designed to prevent ATV accidents. The only laws in Nevada pertaining to ATVs govern where they can be ridden (in designated areas, not on paved highways, etc.). Not only does this endanger ATV drivers and passengers, but it also increases the chances of injuries to pedestrians, bystanders, and even other motorists.

If you feel that you were injured due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence on an ATV, you should seek representation from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.