Law Office of Robert Mansour
Santa Clarita, ATV and RHINO Accident Attorney
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SANTA CLARITA ATV AND RHINO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and side-by-side UTVs like the Rhino are popular in and around Santa Clarita, particularly near riding areas like Hungry Valley SVRA in Gorman. They also carry real injury risk, and liability in these cases can come from several different directions depending on how the accident happened.
Common ATV and Rhino Injuries
- Rollover injuries: a significant risk with ATVs and side-by-sides; riders can be thrown from the vehicle during a rollover, causing fractures, head injuries, and abrasions
- Head injuries: lack of proper head protection can lead to severe injury in a crash
- Limb injuries: fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries to the extremities
- Chest and abdominal injuries: including rib fractures and internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries: falls or impacts can cause injuries ranging from mild to severe, potentially resulting in paralysis
Where Liability May Come From
- Another rider's negligence: reckless riding, excessive speed, or disregard for terrain and other riders
- Property owner or operator negligence: unsafe trail conditions, inadequate signage, or hazards at a riding area or OHV park that the owner knew or should have known about
- Product liability: some ATV and UTV rollover accidents have involved allegations of design defects — particularly rollover propensity and inadequate rollover protection — which can support a claim against the manufacturer under California's strict liability doctrine
- Negligent entrustment: allowing an inexperienced, unlicensed, or underage rider to operate an ATV can create liability for the person who provided the vehicle
If You Signed a Waiver at a Rental Location or OHV Park
Many rental companies and riding areas require a liability waiver before use. These waivers can limit certain claims, but they generally don't shield a company from liability for gross negligence, and they typically don't affect claims against a third party, such as another rider or a vehicle manufacturer. Understanding what a specific waiver does and doesn't cover is an important early step if your accident involved a rented ATV or occurred at a managed riding area.
Safety Tips
- Wear protective gear: a helmet, goggles, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots
- Take a safety course to learn proper riding techniques
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for operation and maintenance
- Avoid riding on paved roads, since ATVs aren't designed with the safety features of regular vehicles
- Ride within your skill level and build up experience gradually
What to Do After an ATV Accident
- Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities if there was significant damage or injury
- Document the scene — photos of the ATV, the terrain, and any relevant hazards
- Exchange information with all other parties involved
- Consult with professionals — law enforcement, medical providers, and an attorney to address all aspects of the incident
Frequently Asked Questions
If I signed a waiver before riding, can I still make a claim?
Not necessarily barred. Waivers can limit certain claims, but they generally don't cover gross negligence and typically don't affect claims against a third party, such as another rider or the vehicle's manufacturer.
Can I sue the manufacturer if a design defect caused my ATV to roll over?
Potentially, yes. Some ATV and UTV models have faced product liability claims over rollover propensity and inadequate rollover protection, which can support a claim under California's strict liability doctrine.
What if I was riding on private property when the accident happened?
Property owners and operators of riding areas have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions and address known hazards. If unsafe trail conditions contributed to your accident, a premises liability claim may apply.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Talk to a Santa Clarita ATV and Rhino Accident Attorney Today
Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case. He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.
