ATV Accidents

From the red clay trails outside Macon to wooded land and backroads around Atlanta, ATVs are part of life in Georgia, and when something goes wrong, the consequences are often brutal. These crashes don’t happen at low speeds, and they don’t leave behind minor injuries. They leave riders and families dealing with surgeries, lost income, and a future that suddenly feels uncertain.

Georgia ATV Accident Lawyer

For decades, McArthur Law Firm has represented injured Georgians in complex cases involving powerful insurers and negligent parties. We focus on accountability, especially when others attempt to deflect responsibility or downplay the harm caused. Below, we outline what to know about ATV accidents, including common causes, potential liability, available legal options for victims, and how an experienced Georgia ATV accident lawyer can help protect victims’ rights and pursue full compensation for their injuries and losses.

McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your loved one’s scooter accident case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.

• Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
• Macon Office: 478-238-6600
• Warner Robins: 478-551-9901

Overview of ATV Accidents in Georgia

• About ATVs
• Major Types of Georgia ATV Accidents
• Injuries Caused by a Georgia ATV Accident
• Where an ATV Accident Is Likely to Occur in Atlanta and Macon
• Parties That May Be Liable in a Georgia ATV Injury Case
• Role of a Georgia ATV Accident Attorney in Serious Injury and Fatal Cases
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Resources

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About ATVs

All-terrain vehicles are off-road motorized vehicles meant for use on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, mud, and sand. Most ATVs have four wheels, though some models have three or six, and are controlled using handlebars rather than a steering wheel. They are commonly powered by gasoline engines and use low-pressure tires to improve traction on uneven terrain. ATVs are used for recreational riding as well as for work purposes such as farming, forestry, land management, and search and rescue. They vary in size and engine displacement, ranging from smaller youth models to larger adult models capable of carrying cargo or towing equipment. Popular ATV manufacturers include Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Arctic Cat, and Kymco. These brands produce a range of models intended for different uses, including utility, sport, and youth riding. ATVs are typically operated by a single rider, although some models are designed to carry a passenger.

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Major Types of Georgia ATV Accidents

ATV Rollover Accidents — These accidents happen when an all-terrain vehicle tips or flips onto its side or roof, often while riding on hills, uneven trails, embankments, or loose ground. ATVs have a high center of gravity, which makes them especially prone to rollovers in Georgia’s rural areas, wooded trails, farms, and off-road riding areas. When a rollover occurs, the rider may be thrown from the ATV or crushed underneath its weight, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Rollovers are consistently reported as one of the most common and dangerous types of Georgia ATV accidents.

ATV Collisions With Cars and Trucks — Some of the most catastrophic Georgia ATV accidents involve collisions with passenger vehicles. These car crashes often occur on rural roads, at intersections, or when an ATV crosses or travels along a paved roadway. Drivers may not expect to encounter an ATV, or they may misjudge its speed or visibility. Because ATVs lack seatbelts, airbags, and protective structures, even a low-speed collision with a car or truck can cause devastating injuries to the rider.

ATV Rider Ejection Accidents — Rider ejections occur when sudden braking, striking an obstacle, excessive speed, or uneven terrain causes the operator to be thrown from the ATV. In many Georgia ATV accidents involving ejection, the rider lands on hard surfaces such as pavement, rocks, or tree roots. These accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, and multiple broken bones, particularly when protective gear is not worn.

ATV Passenger Accidents — Many Georgia ATV accidents involve passengers riding on vehicles designed for a single operator. Adding a passenger alters the balance and handling of the ATV, making it harder to steer, stop, or maintain control. Passengers frequently have no proper seating or handholds and may be thrown from the ATV during sudden turns or stops. These crashes often cause serious injuries to both the passenger and the operator.

ATV Accidents Involving Children and Teen Riders — Children and teenagers are frequently injured in Georgia ATV accidents due to inexperience, lack of supervision, or operating ATVs that are too large or powerful for their size. Younger riders may struggle with throttle control, braking, and steering, increasing the risk of rollovers, ejections, and collisions. Their smaller bodies also make injuries more severe.

ATV Mechanical Failure Accidents — Some Georgia ATV accidents happen when a mechanical problem causes a sudden and unexpected loss of control. Issues such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, stuck throttles, or tire blowouts can quickly lead to serious crashes.

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Injuries Caused by a Georgia ATV Accident

Crush Injuries — In many Georgia ATV accidents, especially rollovers on rural property, farmland, or wooded trails, the ATV lands directly on the rider. The vehicle’s weight can crush the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or legs, causing multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage. These crush injuries are a leading cause of death in severe ATV crashes.

Traumatic Brain Injuries — Riders may strike trees, rocks, pavement, or the ATV after being ejected. Even with a helmet, impacts of a head injury can cause concussions, skull fractures, or permanent brain damage affecting memory, speech, and personality.

Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries — Flips and collisions can damage the spine and neck, resulting in fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries. These may lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.

Severe Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries — Broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are common. Many fractures require surgery, metal implants, and months of rehabilitation, with possible long-term mobility issues.

Injuries to Internal Organs — Blunt force trauma can damage the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen. Internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious but can quickly become life-threatening.

Severe Lacerations and Road Rash — Riders thrown from ATVs may suffer deep cuts, abrasions, infections, and permanent scarring.

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Where an ATV Accident Is Likely to Occur in Atlanta and Macon

Metro Atlanta ATV Accident Areas — Many ATV accidents in Metro Atlanta occur in South Fulton, Clayton County, DeKalb County, and Henry County. Riders are often injured on undeveloped land, construction sites, wooded areas, and utility corridors near expanding suburbs. Crashes also happen when ATVs cross or travel along nearby roads, increasing the risk of collisions with traffic.

Rural Roads and Road Crossings Near Atlanta — Serious accidents often occur on rural or semi-rural roads in areas such as Paulding, Fayette, and Rockdale counties. ATVs used to move between trails or properties may crash at intersections, shoulders, or highway crossings due to limited visibility, higher vehicle speeds, and lack of warnings.

Macon and Bibb County ATV Accident Hotspots — In and around Macon, ATV accidents commonly occur on farmland, hunting land, and wooded trails. Uneven terrain, steep embankments, and tree roots increase rollover and ejection risks, and remote locations can delay emergency medical care.

Central Georgia Farmland and Hunting Land — Counties including Houston, Monroe, and Jones see frequent ATV use on agricultural and hunting property. Accidents often involve rollovers, collisions with trees or fences, or loss of control on muddy or rutted paths, especially during hunting seasons.

Off-Road Trails and Unregulated Riding Areas — Unmarked trails and informal riding areas across Metro Atlanta and Central Georgia are common accident sites. These areas often lack signage or maintenance, exposing riders to hidden obstacles, sharp turns, and sudden drops.

Private Property and Residential Land — Many ATV accidents occur on private or residential property, including large lots and shared family land. Crashes often result from uneven ground, poor visibility, limited supervision, or lack of protective gear.

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Parties That May Be Liable in a Georgia ATV Injury Case

Another ATV Operator — When a Georgia ATV accident is caused by another rider’s careless or reckless actions, that rider may be held legally responsible. Georgia law requires people to use ordinary care to avoid harming others under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2. Unsafe speed, improper turns, riding under the influence, or failing to account for terrain can place fault on the at-fault rider rather than the injured victim.

ATV Owners Who Allowed Unsafe Use — An ATV owner may be liable for allowing someone to use the vehicle when they knew, or should have known, the rider was inexperienced, impaired, or too young. Georgia recognizes negligent entrustment through established case law. These claims often arise when owners allow minors to ride adult-sized ATVs or permit unsafe riding without supervision.

Parents or Guardians — Parents or guardians may be responsible when their decisions contribute to a Georgia ATV accident. While O.C.G.A. § 51-2-3 limits parental liability for intentional acts, parents can still be held accountable under negligent supervision or entrustment principles when they allow unsafe ATV use by a child.

Property Owners — A property owner may be liable when dangerous conditions on their land contribute to a Georgia ATV accident. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, owners must use ordinary care to keep their premises safe for invited guests. Hidden hazards, unsafe trails, or unmarked dangers can shift responsibility to the landowner.

ATV Manufacturers and Sellers — When a crash is caused by a defective ATV or component, manufacturers may be held accountable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11. Product sellers are addressed under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11.1, which limits when sellers may be liable. These cases often involve brake, steering, or throttle failures.

Cities, Counties, and State Agencies — In limited cases, a Georgia ATV accident may involve unsafe public property or road conditions. Claims against cities must comply with O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5, and claims against the state fall under the Georgia Tort Claims Act, including O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26.

Georgia ATV Accident Statute of Limitations — Most Georgia ATV accident injury claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Wrongful death claims generally follow the same deadline under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. Claims involving government entities often have much shorter notice deadlines, making early legal help critical.

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Role of a Georgia ATV Accident Attorney in Serious Injury and Fatal Cases

Local Investigation of Georgia ATV Accidents — A Georgia ATV accident attorney investigates crashes with a strong focus on local conditions in Metro Atlanta, Macon, and surrounding counties. This includes examining rural land, private property, wooded trails, farmland, and roadway crossings where ATV crashes commonly occur. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence tied to terrain, vehicle defects, and crash locations.

Handling Insurance Claims Common in Atlanta and Central Georgia — Many Georgia ATV accidents involve insurance policies beyond standard auto coverage. In Atlanta-area and Macon cases, claims often involve homeowner’s insurance, farm policies, or umbrella coverage tied to landowners. A local ATV crash lawyer identifies all available coverage and deals directly with insurance companies to protect the injured rider.

Filing Lawsuits in Local Georgia Courts — When insurers refuse to pay fairly, a Georgia ATV accident lawyer files lawsuits in the county where the accident occurred. Experience with courts in Metro Atlanta and Middle Georgia allows the lawyer to build strong cases and hold responsible parties accountable.

Pursuing Full Compensation for Injuries and Losses — A Georgia ATV accident lawyer fights for compensation covering medical care, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning ability, and pain and suffering. In fatal Georgia ATV accidents, the lawyer also pursues wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and the full value of the deceased’s life, for surviving family members.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Resources

OHV & ATV Safety (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission) — This CPSC page provides safety information about ATVs and other off-highway vehicles. It summarizes national injury and fatality data, explains common crash risks, and outlines basic safety guidance such as helmet use, age limits, training, and staying off public roads. It also links to official injury reports, recalls, safety warnings, and educational materials.

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Injuries – An Institutional Review Over 6 Years (NIH) — This peer-reviewed medical study reviews ATV injury cases treated at a hospital in Northern Ireland over six years. It describes patient demographics, injury mechanisms, helmet use, and common injury types. The article explains hospital treatment outcomes and discusses injury risks for children and the role of safety measures such as helmet use.

Fatalities In Traffic Crashes Involving All-Terrain Vehicles (NHTSA) — This NHTSA research note analyzes ATV-related fatalities that occurred on public roads in the United States from 2004 to 2013. It uses FARS data to describe crash trends, age groups, helmet use, alcohol involvement, locations, and seasonal patterns. The report focuses only on roadway crashes and explains data limitations.

Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Fatality Data (Consumer Federation of America) — This Consumer Federation of America webpage presents compiled fatality data for off-highway vehicles, including ATVs. It tracks deaths using news reports and government data to provide more current figures. The site includes yearly fatality summaries, explanations of data sources, and background information on OHV safety and roadway use.

Fourteen Off-Road Vehicle Fatalities Statewide: Georgia Troopers Urge Caution (Georgia Department of Public Safety) — This Georgia Department of Public Safety press release reports ATV and off-road vehicle crashes investigated in Georgia during early 2025. It provides counts of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries, describes example incidents, and summarizes state rules for vehicle registration and roadway use.

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Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for ATV Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia

McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.

Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.

• Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
• Macon Office: 478-238-6600
• Warner Robins: 478-551-9901