DUMMER, Queen County, N.H., Oct. 11, 2026 — A New Hampshire man was injured on Saturday afternoon, October 10, when his ATV pinned his leg on a trail in Dummer, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. The agency was notified of the crash on Black Camp Road at about 3:30 p.m.
New Hampshire Fish and Game said the rider, identified as Brian Gaetano, 37, of Beacon Falls, Connecticut, was turning his ATV around on the trail at low speed when he put a foot down and his leg became trapped under the machine. Other members of his riding party reportedly reached him immediately and began an emergency response before rescuers arrived.
The response drew the Milan Fire Department, Milan Emergency Medical Services, a New Hampshire State Police trooper, and a Fish and Game conservation officer, the agency said. Milan Fire Department crews used a UTV to bring Gaetano out of the woods to a waiting ambulance, which took him to Androscoggin Valley Hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released.
Fish and Game said Gaetano was an experienced rider wearing appropriate protective gear at the time of the crash. Investigators identified inattention as the primary contributing factor.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Who Gets Hurt Most Often in ATV Trail Crashes
Most people injured on ATVs are the riders themselves, not bystanders or other vehicle occupants, because the machines offer little protection beyond a helmet and riding gear. A rider's legs, arms, and torso are exposed on all sides, so even a low-speed mishap like a tip-over or a foot catching under the frame can cause real injury.
Experience does not fully offset the risk. Seasoned riders are hurt in trail accidents regularly, often during routine maneuvers such as turning around or navigating tight terrain, because a moment of inattention matters more than skill level in these situations. Younger and less experienced riders face their own elevated risk from unfamiliarity with handling and terrain judgment.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATVs were involved in 92 percent of off-highway-vehicle injuries over the five years summarized in its safety data in 2022. That figure reflects how much of the off-road injury burden falls on ATV riders specifically, compared with other off-highway vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm injured in an ATV accident? Stop riding, check for injuries, and call 911 if medical help is needed. Even minor-seeming leg or joint injuries should be evaluated, since swelling and nerve damage can appear hours later.
What are the most common injuries in ATV crashes? Leg and ankle injuries, including fractures and crush injuries, are common, along with wrist, shoulder, and head injuries when a rider is thrown or pinned.
How does speed affect the severity of an ATV crash? Even low speeds can cause serious injury on an ATV because the rider's body has no enclosed protection. Higher speeds increase the force involved in tip-overs and collisions, raising the risk of broken bones or head injury.
What to Do After an ATV Accident in Dummer, New Hampshire
If you or someone with you is hurt in an ATV accident, get to a safe spot off the trail if possible and call for emergency help right away. Riding partners should stay with the injured person and keep them still, especially if a leg or joint injury is suspected, until EMS arrives.
Afterward, see a doctor even if injuries seem minor. Trail injuries involving trapped limbs can cause swelling or nerve damage that is not obvious right away. It's also worth noting which agency responded (local fire, EMS, or Fish and Game) in case you need records later for insurance or registration purposes.
