ATV Collisions

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) include dirt bikes, dune buggies, snowmobiles and three/four-wheel vehicles. These vehicles are used recreationally by many people. Unfortunately, recreational ATV use can result in serious accidents and even fatalities.  

Most ATV accidents and deaths are preventable. While injuries and deaths have declined over the years due to public awareness and increased safety, unfortunate accidents happen. Many ATV collisions result in serious head or spinal cord injury.

ORS 821.290 states that individuals who operate ATVs in a negligent manner that endangers another person, their property, or causes injury to another are civilly liable. Owners can also be sued if they operate their vehicle in an unsafe manner while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Parents or other adults can also be held liable if they let someone underage operate certain ATVs without a helmet, proper training, or allow the underage individual to operate the ATV recklessly.