McCalla Man Killed in ATV Crash

A 23-year-old man driving his new ATV was killed when he lost control and flipped the vehicle, ejecting both himself and his younger brother.

Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Phillip Russell has identified the man who died last Thursday afternoon as Harold Ray Rose, Jr.  According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Rose died at the scene of the crash.  Fortunately his younger brother was not injured in the accident.

According to investigators, the two brothers were riding the ATV in a pasture near their home in the 3500 block of Lindsey Loop Road in McCalla when Rose lost control and flipped the ATV.  Neither Rose nor his brother were wearing seatbelts or helmets when the crash occurred.

While all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are safely used and enjoyed by thousands of Americans each year, they  can be  dangerous as well.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports  recreational ATV accidents claim more than 700 lives annually and injure another 135,000. About one-third of fatalities and injuries each year are to children under 16 years old. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports in the workplace, ATV accidents claim the lives of  11 people a year and injure another 163.

Many factors contribute to ATV accidents, however, most fall into two categories: operator behavior and equipment failure.  Many operators of ATV’s are driving without proper training, which means these drivers are more likely to make serious mistakes, mistakes that can lead to a collision with another vehicle, stationary objects or lead to a rollover, too.

Driving on paved roads, driving over terrain that is too rough or steep, driving while intoxicated and traveling too fast are also factors that contribute to ATV accidents.

Although not as common, ATV accidents can also be caused by equipment failure.  Common equipment failures that may lead to an accident include throttle, brake, suspension, tire and steering failures.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, you may be eligible for compensation.  Contact an experienced Alabama personal injury attorney to thoroughly evaluate your case and seek compensation for your injuries.

Original story found here.

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