ATV Accidents - 3/31/08 4 pm: ATV crash kills girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SveHDIlYM3E

Iowa and ATVs have been in the news. Recently ATV’s were recalled. The Iowa Attorney General got involved with the manufacturers of ATV’s obtaining from them restrictions on how they were being sold. Safety and the number of child deaths was the issue.

Iowa has had more than 100 deaths from ATV accidents.

These cases are so numerous and deaths so expected that attorneys have created legal websites claiming to be specialists. In essence they are simply putting advertising dollars together and some have very little expertise. Claims of knowing what to do with these cases is different than knowing what to do and having experience in trial work. KCCI Channel 8

An 11-year-old female passenger, Morgan Leslie McFarland, was injured from an ATV rollover collision-accident near Red Oak, Iowa. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause. The driver, Courtney Marie Lemine also of Red Oak was killed when she lost control of the ATV, as reported by the sheriff. These accidents are preventable and predictable. Youngs Miss Leming did not have to die. There is no report of the type of ATV that they were driving although it’s reported that neither girl was wearing a helmet. This isn’t the only death in Iowa of lately.

On March 22, 2009 a 42-year-old man from Victor, Iowa died as a result of an ATV accident.

There is an ATV Safety (having to do with death and injury from ATV’s) page by the government where you can learn about the ATV safety issues, report injuries, find a training course, learn about ATV recalls, use ATV links and read ATV news. Initially the man was not identified. Officials later identified the man as Gregory DeBower of Victor. The Des Moines Register reported on the accidental death. More coverage here, here, here and here.

The make of ATV in the news is the Yamaha Rhino ATV. These have had a number of rollover issues. A citizen’s report of utility terrain vehicles or UTV hazards can be obtained. February 26, 2009. (67 pages)

STATE OF IOWA ATV DEATHS:

Reviews of news reports indicate 18 IOWA deaths from 3/31/2009 to 04/13/2009 of which 3 were children under 16. Iowa has 112 reported deaths from 1982 to 2007.

State Laws:

All ATVs must be registered and titled if used on public lands, except for those used solely for agricultural purposes.
All registered ATVs are to receive one numbered sticker; renewal is once every year.
No one under 12 can operate an ATV unless on private land.
No one under 18 can operate an ATV on public lands unless they possess a safety training certificate.
No passengers are allowed on the ATV unless it is designed to carry more than one person.
ATV use on highways is prohibited, except to cross these roads and for agricultural purposes and then only during daylight hours.
ATVs operated during hours of darkness shall have lighted head lamp and tail lamp.

State ATV Deaths
Total Reported Deaths (1982-2007): *Data collection for 2005-2007 is incomplete	112
Reported Deaths (1982-2004):	87
Reported Deaths (2005-2007): *Data collection for 2005-2007 is incomplete	25
Reported Deaths (1982-2004): Children under 16	21

If we at the Lombardi Law Firm can assist you to find an ATV injury lawyer outside of Iowa or if we can assist you in Iowa please contact us. Lombardi Law Firm, Three Fountains Office Park, 4200 Corporate Drive, Suite 112, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Toll Free: 800-383-0331 or Phone: 515-222-1110

Part of what we do is help you find the right lawyer; so your case is properly litigated.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. If you or an interested person are in a collision and you would like the crash analyzed you'll need to contact Attorney Lombardi. This may or may not result in an attorney-client relationship and simply asking for a review does not in and of itself create such a relationship. If you ask and Mr. Lombardi thinks you have a case he will say so and provide an agreement for representation that then creates an attorney-client relationship. The bottom line is that Mr. Lombardi has to agree to take you on as a client; the first step of course is asking him. You've got two ways: telephone 515-222-1110 or email sent to sdlombardi@aol.com.

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our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death. We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law. Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

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