During the very early hours on Tuesday, a man lost his life in an ATV accident in southwest Missouri. The accident happened in Pineville, approximately four and a half hours from St. Louis. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and reported that 49-year-old Jeffrey W. Hackett was operating an all-terrain vehicle, ATV, and collided with a house on private property at around 2 a.m. Unfortunately, the McDonald County assistance coroner, John Garwacki, pronounced Hackett dead at the scene of the accident. The accident is under investigation.
ATVs are used by thousands of individuals, mostly for recreational purposes. Tragically, every year ATV accidents are responsible for several injuries and deaths, and like all auto accidents, most ATV accidents are preventable. Speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, lack of training, dangerous roadways, and design flaws are all common causes that lead to an ATV accident. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATV accidents claimed the lives of 426 individuals in 2013, and a quarter of those deaths were to children under the age of 16. While the laws do not require a driver’s license to operate an ATV, the vehicle is dangerous and should be handled with proper care. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an auto accident, you should seek the legal guidance of an experienced ATV accident attorney.
The St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have represented thousands of clients and have recovered over $350 million in compensation for their damages. Our attorneys will use their experience, skill, and resources to successfully handle your case. Contact us today to receive a free no-obligation consultation.