The crash occurred on August 31st, 2024, at 6:52 PM at 212 Siesta Circle. 57-year-old Rona L. Welsch was operating a 2021 Kawasaki Utility vehicle and attempting to back up to concrete retaining wall. Meanwhile, 67-year-old Kevin S. Christian and 66-year-old Bonnie S. Christian were standing behind the vehicle, guiding Rona Welsch backwards. Welsch then suddenly accelerated in reverse, causing the UTV to strike both Kevin and Bonnie Christian. Kevin Christian sustained serious injuries and was taken via MU Air 2 to Columbia University Hospital. Bonnie Christian sustained moderate injuries and was taken via Mercy EMS to Lake Regional Hospital. The Kawasaki UTV was undamaged and was not covered by insurance.
Due to their relatively small size, many people may not be as concerned about safety while around vehicles like UTVs and ATVs as they would be around larger motor vehicles. However, these types of vehicles can certainly be dangerous, evidenced by the approximately 94,700 treated injuries across the U.S. associated with them in 2022 alone (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). Frequently, these vehicles do not carry liability insurance. A possible route to recovery for an injured party is a product liability claim against the manufacturer. The AW Smith Law firm has successfully handled several claims like this against manufacturers of off-highway vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in an incident involving an offroad vehicle, do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to apply its specialized knowledge to best serve your needs.