Oregon Personal Injury Law Blog is saddened to learn that Ellie Jean Powell, 19, was killed in an ATV accident on May 29, 2010, after an airborne ATV struck her during an organized jumping event at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. According to an Oregonian report, Ms. Powell was killed when she “ran into the path” of the vehicle, a 2007 Suzuki 400 Quad ATV.
News reports appear to leave a number of questions unanswered. Some are unique to this particular tragedy. How was the victim able to run into danger during an organized extreme sport event involving ATV jumping? Were adequate barriers or warnings present? Was the ATV being operated in an area restricted to spectators? Other questions apply equally to the thousands of ATV injuries and deaths that occur every year. Were there any vehicle defects in the ATV that caused the driver to lose control and led to the fatal impact? Was the cause a negligent driver or an owner who entrusted an ATV to an inexperienced driver?
Oregon ATV Laws
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data show 164 total reported deaths in Oregon involving ATVs in the 1982-2008 period. Nationally, the figure is nearly 10,000 deaths, with 135,100 emergency room-treated injuries related to ATV use in 2008 alone. Tragedies like the accident that killed Ms. Powell are devastating reminders of ATV dangers, even when the most careful drivers are at the controls. If you or loved ones ride quad ATVs, side-by-side ATVs, older three-wheeler ATVs, or other recreational vehicles, our personal injury law office urges you to follow Oregon ATV laws and learn to operate your off-road vehicle safely. We extend our deepest sympathies to those involved in the accident discussed here.
The personal injury Law Office of Dane E. Johnson is not representing or offering to represent any of the parties involved in the accident discussed above. Our information sources are cited below. If you or a family member were not involved and were hurt in another ATV rollover or other off-road vehicle accident, we offer a free attorney consultation. Call us toll free at (800) 714-3204 or use our online contact form.
Related Web Resources
Lori Tobias, Olympia Woman Dies When Struck by ATV at Winchester Bay on Oregon Coast, Oregonian, Jun. 1, 2010.
Airborne ATV Kills Woman at Oregon Dunes, kcby.com, Jun. 1, 2010.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: ATVs
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