Fresno County, California — A 15-year-old boy died in a Fresno County ATV crash on Sunday evening. The incident has sparked urgent concerns about ATV safety and legal protections for victims and their families.
Incident Details
On Sunday around 6:30 p.m., two 15-year-old boys rode an ATV near the San Joaquin Riverbed, where San Mateo Avenue ends north of Highway 180. The driver lost control, ejecting both teens into the water.
The passenger, who was not wearing a helmet, was pinned under the overturned ATV. Rather than being taken immediately to a hospital, the injured boy was transported to a family member’s home in Mendota. He was later airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center due to severe pain but tragically passed away at the hospital.
Authorities confirmed that drugs or alcohol were not involved. The ATV driver and his family fully cooperate with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.
ATV Accidents and the Law: What Families Should Know
ATV crashes are alarmingly common among youth riders. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that between 2018 and 2020, there were 2,448 deaths related to off-highway vehicles (OHV), with over two-thirds involving ATVs. Almost 300 of these victims were under the age of 16.
Here are other essential factors families should know about regarding ATV-related incidents:
- California law requires helmets for minors: It is illegal for anyone under 18 to ride or operate an ATV without a helmet in California.
- Parents or guardians may face legal consequences: Negligence—such as allowing unsafe riding conditions—can result in civil liability.
- The ATV crash raises legal questions: The lack of helmet use and delayed medical care may warrant an investigation into possible wrongful death or negligent supervision claims.
- Victims’ families may be entitled to legal action: Depending on the circumstances, families can pursue compensation for emotional, medical, and financial damages.
Free Consultation for ATV Crash Victims and Families
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young victim affected by the Fresno County ATV crash. If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a similar incident, our award-winning personal injury lawyer in Fresno offers free consultations to help you understand your legal options.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and the financial support your family needs. Contact us today to speak with a legal professional who can guide you through your next steps.
