"$20 Million Awarded in ATV Accident"
Here's a recent story that demonstrates conclusively the dangers of defective ATVs and of allowing unsupervised children to ride dangerous ATVs.
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The parents of a 13-year-old boy who died after losing control of a borrowed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was awarded $20 million in economic and non-economic damages.
Donald “D.J.” Roberts was in middle school in 2002 when he lost his life in an ATV accident . According to the wrongful death lawsuit, D.J.'s parents claim that Timothy Mark Taylor—the man who invited the teenager over to ride the vehicle—was responsible for the 1986 Honda ATV and therefore, should be held liable for the damages resulting from the accident.
According to Hendrik Uiterwyk, the plaintiff's lawyer, D.J. “was almost decapitated” when he crashed the ATV into a barbed wire fence. Another young boy was also on the vehicle and suffered some injuries.
The civil suit accused Taylor of negligence and wrongdoing for failing to supervise the kids, neglecting to secure the ignition, and failing to ensure the vehicle was property maintained and in “safe” condition. The defendant never appeared in court nor were any attorneys there to represent him.
Although the parents got a favorable verdict, “it doesn't bring them any pleasure because they still lost a 13-year-old son,” Uiterwyk said.
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The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons considers ATV riding by kids under 16 to be a "significant public health risk." The American Academy of Pediatrics describes child ATV use as "the perfect recipe for tragedy."
How many more deaths and life-altering injuries have to happen before Congress calls a complete halt to kids under 16 riding all terrain vehicles? So many senseless and preventable accidents!
Concerned Families for ATV Safety is a a network of parents dedicated to reducing injuries and deaths among children driving powerful All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). We offer support to victim’s families and provide families with information to make informed decisions about their children and ATVs.
Through public education we work to raise awareness of the need for adequate, common sense safety standards that keep children under age 16 off ATVs, and for enforcement of existing ATV laws.
Unfortunately, the three founding members came to this work because each of their young sons (under 16) lost their lives while riding ATVs. My son suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, among other injuries while riding a family member's ATV. He was without a helmet and without supervision. This is an all too common occurrence....adults need to be more alert and more responsible! A ride that took less than 5 minutes has consequences that will last a lifetime.
Concerned Families for ATV Safety advocates for complete abstinence of ATV riding by all kids under 16. Too young to drive means too young to ride!
Kim E. Smith
National Outreach Coordinator
Concerned Families for ATV Safety
www.atvsafetynet.org