Last updated on October 31st, 2025 at 11:45 am
Recreational vehicle accidents linked to poorly designed or manufactured recreational vehicles can significantly endanger riders, passengers, and even bystanders. If you have ATV accident injuries or snowmobile injuries due to a design flaw or defective component, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Under product liability laws of most states, including Maine, a manufacturer or seller of a defective product can be held accountable for any resulting injuries or damages.
The Dangers of Defective ATVs and Snowmobiles
When manufacturers cut corners on design, materials, or safety features, the consequences can be devastating. Some of the most common issues linked to ATV and snowmobile accidents include:
- Instability & Rollovers: Poor weight distribution, high center of gravity, and inadequate suspension systems make ATVs and snowmobiles prone to tipping.
- Brake, Steering & Throttle Failures: Malfunctions in essential controls can cause total loss of control, leading to high-impact collisions.
- Structural Defects: Weak frames, faulty protective guards, or exposed mechanical components increase the risk of severe injury.
- Failure to Incorporate Available Safety Technology: When safety features become available, manufacturers may have to incorporate this technology to protect users in the event of a collision. Safety features can avoid collisions or protect occupants when they happen. In the latter case, these cases are called “crashworthiness cases.”
If you think a safety defect may have caused your accident, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer could be held liable. At Garmey Law, we have the expertise to hold negligent companies accountable.
Our firm recently secured a $2.125 million settlement for a man who suffered severe injuries due to a defective ATV. The manufacturer failed to ensure the vehicle’s safety, leading to a crash that changed our client’s life. Through thorough investigation and aggressive legal action, we held the company accountable—helping him get the compensation he deserved.
Common Injuries from Defective ATVs & Snowmobiles
A serious accident can leave victims with life-altering injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones, burns, and lacerations from exposed parts or defective guards
- Crush injuries and amputations due to inadequate stability features
- Chronic pain, paralysis, or permanent mobility impairments
Beyond physical harm, victims often suffer financial and emotional distress, including costly medical bills, lost wages, and psychological trauma. If you were injured because of a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Garmey Law Can Help Your Case
At Garmey Law, our team of experienced product liability lawyers has extensive experience in handling complex cases involving defective products that have caused serious harm to individuals. We understand that the consequences of using a dangerous product can be devastating, often resulting in life-altering injuries, chronic health conditions, or even loss of life. Our product liability and defective products lawyers have spent decades honing their skills and expertise, successfully representing clients suffering from a wide range of adverse effects.
Contact Garmey Law for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a poorly designed or manufactured recreational vehicle, contact Garmey Law for a free consultation, or call us at (207) 899-4644 for an appointment. We are nationally acclaimed personal injury lawyers committed to fighting for the rights of Mainers, working to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve from ATV accident injuries.