
ATV accidents and the resulting injuries can be severe and potentially life-changing. On top of the physical harm, victims often face uphill battles to secure the compensation they need to recover—especially when insurers try to minimize payouts. That’s where Daly & Black, P.C. comes in. As one of the foremost ATV accident law firms in Houston, we don’t just file paperwork—we go ALL IN for our clients.
Whether your crash happened on private land, a recreational trail, or was caused by a defective vehicle, our legal team understands the terrain. Insurance companies often deny claims by blaming the rider, citing vague exclusions, or stalling in hopes you’ll give up. We don’t let that happen. At Daly & Black, we build airtight cases, expose negligence, and fight for every dollar our clients are owed.
Schedule a free consultation with Daly & Black. We only get paid when you win.
What Is an ATV Accident and Why Are They So Dangerous?
An ATV accident is any crash or incident involving an all-terrain vehicle, often referred to as a quad, four-wheeler, or UTV. These off-road machines are popular for recreation, ranching, and outdoor work, but their design leaves riders exposed to serious harm. Unlike cars, ATVs lack protective barriers, making any rollover, collision, or ejection incident extremely dangerous.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 100,900 ATV-related injuries were treated in emergency departments annually between 2018 and 2022—with children and teens especially vulnerable. High speeds, unstable surfaces, and lack of proper safety gear only increase the risk.
ATV Accidents: The Cause and Aftermath
Many ATV accidents stem from a combination of factors, such as:
- Reckless or untrained operators
- Poorly maintained trails or failure to warn of known hazards
- Defective brakes, throttles, or suspension systems
- Inadequate safety warnings from property owners
Below are some of the most common injury types, organized by body area, based on data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2023 OHV Injury Report.
Head and Neck
Traumatic brain injuries account for the largest share of ATV-related trauma. Riders are often ejected during a crash, resulting in concussions, skull fractures, or cervical spine injuries. The absence of seatbelts and protective enclosures makes head trauma especially likely in rollovers.
Arms
Falls and collisions frequently lead to broken wrists, forearms, shoulders, and hands. Riders instinctively try to break a fall with their arms, increasing the risk of fractures, dislocations, and deep lacerations.
Torso
Blunt force trauma to the chest or abdomen is common in high-speed impacts or rollovers. These injuries may involve rib fractures, internal bleeding, or damage to organs such as the liver or spleen. They often go undetected initially, making timely medical evaluation critical.
Legs
Injuries to the lower extremities include fractured femurs, knee trauma, and crushed ankles. Riders may be pinned beneath the ATV or thrown onto uneven terrain, making leg injuries both common and often severe.
Why You Need a Houston ATV Accident Lawyer
ATV accidents often occur far from traffic cameras or witnesses, making the facts harder to prove—and insurance companies love that. They use it to their advantage, downplaying liability or shifting blame entirely onto the rider.
At Daly & Black, we don’t accept easy answers from insurers. Our team digs into every detail: Was the ATV defective? Was another rider reckless? Did a landowner fail to warn about known hazards? We get the answers and turn them into leverage. When you hire us, you’re hiring a legal team with a track record of getting results—and no fear of a courtroom fight.
If you’ve been injured in an ATV accident, our team is ready to help. Get in touch with one of our personal injury lawyers and let us go ALL IN for you.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an ATV Accident Case?
Determining who may be liable for an ATV accident depends on the facts. At Daly & Black, we approach every claim with a thorough investigation into the surrounding circumstances—whether it involves mechanical failure, unsafe property conditions, or other contributing factors.
- If the accident was caused by a defective vehicle, the manufacturer or dealer may be held responsible under product liability law.
- Hazardous property conditions, such as unmaintained trails or hidden obstacles, can place legal responsibility on the landowner.
- Negligent maintenance or repair work may expose service providers to liability.
- In some cases, ATV owners or supervising adults may be at fault if their actions (or inaction) contributed to the crash.
Whether your case involves a first-party insurance dispute or broader liability issues, Daly & Black builds aggressive, evidence-based cases to pursue full and fair compensation.
What to Do After an ATV Accident in Houston
Your top priority should be protecting your health and complying with Texas reporting requirements. The Texas Department of Transportation advises that any motor vehicle crash resulting in injury or property damage over $1,000 must be reported within 10 days using the CR-2 crash report form, if law enforcement did not investigate the scene.
While ATVs are often operated off-road, these rules may still apply—especially if another vehicle or public roadway was involved.
Immediately following the accident:
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt.
- The CDC emphasizes that internal injuries and concussions may not show symptoms right away but can become serious if untreated.
- Document the crash: take photos of the ATV, your injuries, the surrounding terrain, and collect witness contact information.
Prompt documentation and adherence to reporting requirements not only help protect your legal rights—but also strengthen your claim if litigation becomes necessary.
At Daly & Black, we assist clients with every step of this process so you’re never navigating it alone.
Why Choose Daly & Black for Your ATV Injury Case?
When insurance companies lowball or delay, Daly & Black steps in with a level of preparation and aggression that gets results. We’re not here to play nice—we’re here to make sure our clients walk away with every dollar they’re owed.
Our track record speaks for itself:
- Recognized by Super Lawyers
- Named Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year
- Trusted by clients who want more than a quick, lowball settlement
We prepare every case for trial—because that’s what puts pressure on the other side.
We understand the medical, financial, and emotional toll of serious ATV injuries, and we make it our mission to provide our clients with clarity, power, and compensation.
Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.
FAQs
What does ATV mean in an accident?
An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) accident refers to any injury-causing incident involving a motorized off-road vehicle. These can occur on trails, farms, private land, or even public roads, depending on the jurisdiction and type of vehicle involved.
What is the most common injury in an ATV accident?
Traumatic brain injuries are the most common, followed by broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal trauma. The lack of external protection makes ATVs particularly dangerous in rollovers or high-speed crashes.
What should always be your first priority if you are involved in an ATV accident?
Getting immediate medical care is the first and most important step. Even if you feel fine, unseen injuries can be life-threatening. After that, document the scene and contact a personal injury lawyer right away.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
ATV crashes can leave you with medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. Don’t face the legal process alone. A seasoned Daly & Black ATV accident lawyer in Houston is ready to help you fight back.
Call now or schedule your FREE consultation online.