OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ACCIDENTS ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Texas, with its vast landscapes and climate, is renowned for its opportunity for off-road vehicles. Off-road vehicles are a great resource when you need to go out and connect with nature and get away. While off-road vehicles can be very enjoyable, they can also be very dangerous because their design and use don’t provide a lot of protection. Not surprisingly, data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that there were 2,258 deaths in off-road vehicle accidents between 2015 and 2017. 

Those who are injured in these accidents face a difficult challenge in seeking fair compensation. My law firm, Jose Orihuela, Attorney at Law, has the experience, resources, and fortitude it takes to succeed in the rough legal terrain of off-road vehicle accidents. Since 2008, I have helped numerous clients throughout Texas with their personal injury cases and have a record of successfully representing the victims of accidents. I proudly serve clients in Houston, Webster, South Houston, Pasadena, and the surrounding areas of Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City, Alvin, Dickinson, Bacliff, Kemah, Seabrook, and Santa Fe, Texas.

TYPES OF ACCIDENTS AND COMMON CAUSES 

Most off-road vehicle accidents can usually be categorized into three basic areas:

• Control, maneuverability, or steering problems

• Collisions with non-moving objects

• Stability or overturn accidents

When drivers of off-road vehicles are involved in an accident, there is a high probability of a serious or fatal injury occurring. Some of the most common and devastating injuries experienced by victims of off-roading accidents include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis

• Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Skull Fractures

• Broken Bones

• Scars and Disfigurement

• Loss of Limbs

• Back and Neck Injuries

TEXAS LAWS ADDRESSING OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

In Texas, an off-road vehicle is classified as a vehicle equipped with a seat not more than 50 inches in width, has three or more wheels, and is designed for off-highway use. All off-road vehicle laws in Texas are also the same laws for all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles. Below are some of the more prominent Texas off-road vehicle laws:

• Every off-road vehicle operator must undergo an off-road vehicle safety course and obtain a completion certificate as proof before operating an off-road vehicle.

• All off-road vehicles in Texas must display a TPWD OHV decal.

• Off-road vehicle operators below age 14 can only operate an off-road vehicle under adult supervision; the adult must have a safety certificate.

• If you will operate an off-road vehicle on public lands, you must always put on eye protection and a safety helmet.

WHO IS LIABLE?

When another’s negligent actions contribute to your injuries, you may hold the responsible party liable for any accident-related damages. Generally, the recklessness of another driver or a defective part of the off-road vehicle will determine liability.

NEGLIGENT DRIVERS AND RECKLESSNESS

If you were a passenger on an off-road vehicle or your off-road vehicle collided with another off-road vehicle, the other driver could be held liable for your injuries. Any violation of traffic laws or regulations may provide strong evidence of driver negligence. For example, speeding, failure to obey traffic signals, distracted driving, and driving under the influence may all indicate negligent driver behavior. 

DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS

If a vehicle defect or malfunction causes an accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts may share responsibility for accident-related damages.

FILING A CLAIM

Filing an off-road vehicle accident claim can be a challenging process because every situation is unique.

You will likely deal with an insurance company during your claim. During this time, there is a chance for the case to be settled. This means the insurance company will offer a settlement for your losses. If this is a fair amount for what you went through, you may take the settlement, and the process is over.

However, if the settlement is much less than you deserve, you can take the step to the next level and file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit can result in you getting the full compensation that is deserved.