Former Missouri Sheriff Killed in ATV Rollover Accident
By Jim Greene
Published on January 19, 2010
The former sheriff of Bollinger County, Mo., was killed recently when his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) overturned. Terry Wiseman, 43, was using the ATV on his property in Wappapello, in neighboring Wayne County, at the time of the accident.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Wiseman's 2007 Honda ATV first slid sideways, then overturned, throwing him clear. The patrol said the accident occurred at about 11:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7. Wayne County Coroner Cary Umfleet declared Wiseman dead of injuries at the scene.
Wiseman's successor, Sheriff Leo McElrath, said, "It brings real meaning to the words 'be careful; those things are dangerous.'"
Off-road Vehicle Danger Old Topic
The danger of ATVs and other off-road vehicles (ORVs) has been the subject of debate since their introduction to the American outdoor recreation market. Most early models resembled powered tricycles with a solid rear axle, and were steered by leaning out of the turn, an unnatural maneuver that frequently contributed to accidents.
The first generation of four-wheeled ATVs look like motorcycles on four wheels. They allow a more intuitive driving technique, but some designs are still criticized as being unstable, often because of being top-heavy or too narrow, or both.
Some Consider Newer Models No Less Dangerous
Honda, Yamaha, and others have expanded their ORV lines to include models with side-by-side seating for the driver and a passenger. These are referred to as utility vehicles and look like powerful off-road golf carts. They are wider, but also quite a bit taller, than ATVs. The Yamaha Rhino has been singled out in numerous lawsuits, alleged to be particularly unstable, leading to rollover accidents that have caused injury, dismemberment, and death.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a rollover or other accident while using an ATV or a utility vehicle like the Yamaha Rhino, you should contact an experienced defective products/personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to financial compensation to help with medical bills, repair bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
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