The most recent incident involved a two teens—a 13-year-old and 16-year-old boy. After being at a bonfire with other friends, the two boys decided to go for a ride on an ATV, just before midnight. They were both thrown from the ATV when it struck a tree stump and then a tree.
Both boys, neither of which was wearing helmets, were hurt in the incident and taken to area hospitals. Despite receiving medical attention, the 13-year-old’s injuries were too severe and he died at the hospital.
As is the case with any motor vehicle accident there are multiple reasons why such an incident might occur. Sometimes they are due to negligent actions of a driver or third party. Other times they are the result of a defect in the vehicle. In either of these situations it is possible that an injured person or the family of someone who died might pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
In successful cases where financial compensation is awarded, the money can go a long way toward covering expenses that arise as a result of the accident.
Who, if anyone, was to blame for this recent ATV accident is unclear but will likely be determined in the course of an investigation. The results of this investigation could inform whether a civil lawsuit is filed.
Source: WPXI, “13-year-old boy killed in overnight ATV accident in Washington County,” May 30, 2014
