Amber Kerr, 14, was hospitalized with serious personal injuries after an ATV accident where she was thrown off the all-terrain vehicle she was riding and struck a steel propane tank. According to a news report in the Appeal-Democrat, Amber and 15-year-old Hope Travis, were both on the four-seater vehicle when the accident occurred the morning of February 21, 2010.

Amber was driving a 2001 Yamaha Wolverine on a private dirt road, when she approached a muddy stretch filled with standing water . She then, attempted to drive the ATV through the mud at high speed. Both she and Hope Travis were thrown over the handlebars and into the side of the tank. Neither teen was wearing a helmet. Amber was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of her major head injuries. Hope was said to have escaped injuries.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of young Amber. Dealing with major or catastrophic injuries where it involves young victims, is extremely devastating for their families as well. The injured teen may have a long road to recovery, but I hope she has a complete recovery from her significant injuries.

ATV Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

Hundreds of young people, especially children 16 years or younger, are catastrophically injured or killed in ATV accidents each year. According to a recent study done by the Children’s Hospital of Ohio, more than 136,000 people nationwide go to emergency rooms each year as a result of ATV accident related injuries. One-third of these crashes usually involve children who are 16 years old or younger and hundreds of young people suffer serious personal injuries including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries that can leave them disabled for the rest of their lives.

Contacting A Skilled Personal Injury Attorney

Based on this news report, it is apparent that the two girls were by themselves, in rough terrain, and on an all-terrain vehicle. Where were their families at the time? Whose watch were they under? Clearly, these teenagers had neither the experience nor the skill to handle the all-terrain vehicle. A number of ATV models also have inherent product and design defects, which make them unstable, particularly on rough terrain. In cases where product defects are suspected an experienced California products liability lawyer will be able to help by having the ATV examined by an expert for any evidence of malfunction or defect.

This incident should serve as a reminder to us again, that children and ATVs do not go together. If your child cannot drive a car, he or she does not have the skill to drive an all-terrain vehicle, which can reach speeds of 100 mph and typically weighs many thousand pounds. Please do not let your young children drive ATVs and if they ride along as passengers, please make sure that they are restrained and are wearing safety gear.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.