People come to Colorado to enjoy pristine views and exciting outdoor activities. They don’t come to Colorado planning to be injured in a motorsport vehicle accident.
Whether you’re local to the area or traveling from out-of-state, if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorsport vehicle accident, our Denver-based law firm of Dulin McQuinn Young is here to help you.
We have experienced Denver motorsport vehicle accident attorneys who know how to handle cases just like yours, who can provide you with the best legal advice and guidance possible. We think our millions in successful verdicts and settlements say it all.
So contact our Denver accident lawyers today to schedule your free, no-obligation motorsport vehicle accident case review. A real team member will contact you in just 24 hours to set up your appointment.
What Is A Motorsport Vehicle?
Before examining the nuances of motorsport vehicle accidents in Denver, it’s important to understand the baseline definition of what constitutes a motorsport vehicle.
In Colorado, there is no official “motorsport vehicle designation” in statute, but the classification of “off-highway vehicles” or OHVs.
OHVs cover the following types of vehicles:
- Dirt Bikes
- Three-wheelers
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Military Vehicles
- Dune Buggies
- Some Motorcycles
Colorado Motorsport Vehicle Accident Statistics
OHVs can be dangerous and operators need to be cautious whenever using them. The following statistics were taken from a 2020 State of Colorado Executive Summary on OHVs:
- From 2015 to 2017, there were 2,258 reported fatalities associated with OHVs. These resulted from 2,210 incidents;
- Of the OHVs involved in those 2,258 reported deaths, 1,697 were All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), 445 were Recreational Off-highway Vehicles (ROVs), and 47 were Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs). The remaining vehicles were either ROVs or UTVs;
- Among the 2,258 reported deaths, children under 12 represented about half of the fatalities among those under 16; and
- The most common OHV overturns and/or collisions were with other vehicles or stationary objects.
The report noted that from 2015 to 2019, CPSC there were approximately 524,600 emergency department-treated injuries in the United States associated with OHVs.
Those children under sixteen were the most likely to suffer injuries.
Causes of Motorsport Vehicle Accidents in Denver
Like other recreational vehicles, off-highway vehicles are meant for operation in specifically defined areas under a set of safety standards and regulations. When OHVs are misused or safety guidelines are ignored, accidents and fatalities can occur.
Commonly cited causes of off-highway vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding;
- Tailgating or following too closely;
- Loss of control;
- Poorly-supervised or untrained riders;
- Leaving the designated path; and
- Following too closely.
Driver negligence may seem the obvious choice in an OHV accident. However, most accidents require an investigation to exclude alternative accident factors.
Determining Fault in a Denver Motorsport Accident
A thorough OHV accident investigation could reveal multi-party liability for an accident. A collision or injury accident may be due to:
- Mechanical failure;
- A defective product design;
- An underage driver;
- A poorly maintained trail;
- A negligent driver; or
- A combination of any of the above.
An experienced Denver motorsport accident attorney will examine the circumstances of the accident and collect any relevant evidence to build a liability claim.
This may include:
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Camera footage;
- Police and emergency services’ reports;
- Vehicle system or parts recalls; and
- Expert accident reconstruction.
An Important Note About Minors
OHV operators between ten and sixteen must be accompanied by an adult or have a valid driver’s license to operate on Colorado’s public roadways or lands. The parents of minors may be held responsible for any OHV accidents and damages minors cause.
Potential Injuries Stemming From Motorsport Vehicle Accidents in Denver
When someone goes off-roading or driving off-highway in Colorado they’re likely not thinking about the countless ways they could become injured. But it does happen.
Here are common injuries that individuals can receive as a result of a motorsport accident:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Burns
- Concussion and Whiplash
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Internal Bleeding
- Lacerations
- Broken and Fractured Bones
- Severed Limbs and Digits
- Amputation
- Paralysis
These types of injuries are horrifying and can leave the victim in pain, medical debt, and dealing with long-term issues related to disability and loss of function.
That’s why it’s so vital to have a trustworthy legal partner such as our Denver motorsport accident lawyer if your accident was caused by a third party. We can help you file a Denver injury claim to recover compensation.
Compensation Available in a Denver Motorsport Vehicle Accident Claim
Victims of OHV accidents are legally entitled to compensation in Colorado. Motorsport vehicle accident attorneys work diligently to obtain compensation for injury sufferers who are injured through no fault of their own.
Accident compensation is typically recovered through insurance claims filed against at-fault parties. Money damages may help pay for any of the following and more:
- Current and future medical expenses;
- Lost income;
- Loss of earning potential;
- Psychological counseling;
- Home and vehicle modifications;
- Physical and occupational therapy;
- Nursing and in-home care;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional trauma;
- Loss of enjoyment of life; and
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Compensation amounts in motorsport vehicle accident claims vary based on the extent of a victim’s injuries, their prognosis for recovery, their future employability, and more.
Why You Might Bring A Motorsport Vehicle Accident Case To Court In Denver
There are multiple reasons why an individual might bring a case to recover damages relating to injuries from riding a motorsport vehicle. Here are a few examples:
- An individual gets in an accident with a negligent driver of a different motorsport vehicle
- A street-legal vehicle hit an individual while on their motorsport vehicle
- A motorsport vehicle breaks down improperly or violates the manufacturer’s warranty
- A property owner improperly maintained a course for motorsport vehicles.
These conditions could trigger a car or other motor vehicle accident, product liability, or even premises liability cases in Denver. If you are wondering if your accident could be worthy of damages in a Colorado court of law, talk to our Denver motorsport vehicle accident attorneys.
If You’re Injured In A Denver Motorsport Accident, Dulin McQuinn Young Can Help
Dulin McQuinn Young is known as Denver’s trial-proven legal team for a reason. We understand the complexities of motorsport accident cases, so we will fight for a fair trial or settlement and work towards getting the best possible verdict or compensation for your injuries.
Get in touch with out Denver motorsport accident lawyers today to book your free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you get justice.