An ATV accident in Neshannock Township has caused two New Castle, Pennsylvania people to be taken by helicopter to Pittsburgh area hospitals. A nine year old passenger and the 32 year old driver of the ATV were both injured as they drove through a pile of leaves and collided with a tree. The nine year old was taken to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and the adult driver was taken to UPMC-Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.
Over the years, the personal injury attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. have seen many tragic ATV accidents. Many of these accidents involve minors. Recently, a Hermitage, Pennsylvania minor was hurt as she flipped an ATV after hitting a pot hole while riding with a friend. The ATV landed on the minor and caused her to be life flighted to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. The minor had serious brain injury, broken ribs, a fractured skull, punctured lung, and many other severe injuries. The attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. were able to get settlement offers for this client in the six figure range as they pursued claims against the owners of the ATV and their homeowner's insurance policy as well as the township for a poorly maintained road.
As fall approaches in Western Pennsylvania, ATV riding becomes a popular activity. It is critical that certain safety precautions are taken by everyone that rides ATVs to minimize the chances of injury. Here are some quick rules that should always be followed:
1. Always wear proper protective equipment. This includes helmet, goggles, and pants.
2. Never ride with a passenger on a single rider ATV. If you are on an ATV that is designed to have a passenger, only ride with one passenger at a time.
3. Supervise all riders under 16.
4. Never ride on the road way unless crossing the road.
5. Ride an ATV that is right for your age.
If you or someone you know was injured while riding an ATV or injured in an accident that involved an ATV, call the personal injury lawyers at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. today for a free consultation at 800-777-4081.
Source: WKBN. "Two injured in Neshannock ATV accident". 27 Oct 2014.