Every year in Canada, approximately 500 adults and 450 children are injured in off-road vehicle accidents, including all-terrain vehicles known as “four-wheelers” (ATVs). Of those accidents, more than 160 are fatal. Many of these accidents are caused by unpredictable and hazardous terrain, lack of standard road safeguards, and the absence of motor vehicle safety features like seat belts and airbags. ATVs are a lot like motorcycles: they can be just as fun and just as dangerous.
The basic requirements for the use of ATVs in Ontario should be well-known but are often ignored:
  • Drivers and passengers must wear approved motorcycle helmets;
  • Riders must have at least a valid G2 or M2 driver’s license to operate on-road and must have a valid driver’s license (i.e. minimum G1) to directly cross a road
  • All ATVs must also be insured when operated off of the vehicle owner’s private property
  • Any ATV being operated on a road must have the same insurance as a passenger car.
  • The same laws regarding impaired operation (drugs or alcohol) apply to ATVs as to cars.
To snowmobile legally in Ontario, you must have:
  • A valid driver’s license
  • Proof of snowmobile ownership
  • Registration complete with current validation tag
  • Insurance
  • Helmets
An Ontario Trail Permit is required to travel on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails. Many of the same rules that apply to car drivers are also the rules of the trails for snowmobilers.

The laws relating to the use of ATVs are complex. And when an accident involving an ATV results in serious injuries, the claims can also be complex. In those cases, injured accident victims need lawyers who are experienced in dealing with the legal and factual issues that are special in ATV or off-road vehicle claims. The lawyers at McNally Gervan are experienced at helping people who have suffered serious injuries in ATV accidents across Ontario. They have years of experience in managing complex claims and in helping accident victims get access to the insurance and other benefits they are entitled to so that they can get their lives back on track. Compensation for serious ATV accidents often includes damages for pain and suffering, compensation for past and future losses of income, and the recovery of past and ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs.

The lawyers at McNally Gervan LLP understand the system and are here to help accident victims get the support they need and the benefits they deserve.

ATV and Off-Road Vehicle Accident Articles

ATV Laws are Changing

ATV Laws are Changing

Jun 12, 2015 |

For many years most of ATVs and recreational vehicle operators have not been permitted to use public roads. Starting on July 1, 2015, the province is making changes to permit certain types of vehicles to use the shoulder of public roads and they have implemented...

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Court of Appeal Lays Down the Law on ATVs

Court of Appeal Lays Down the Law on ATVs

Jul 22, 2014 |

The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled that an ATV is not a farm implement within the meaning of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and therefore has to be insured if used on a public road. A Perth cattle farmer, Arthur Matheson, used his Honda ATV to travel from...

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