ATV – Quad Accident Lawyers
The repercussions of being hurt in an accident involving an off-road recreational vehicle, like an ATV or jeep, can be serious. Although engineers frequently add design features to improve safety for vehicles used in rocky, hilly, and wet terrain, these vehicles offer less protection to occupants than cars. When these protections do not work as intended, you may have grounds for a claim against the manufacturer or another driver.
Choose a personal injury law firm with experience in auto defect cases if you believe a vehicle fault or design flaw contributed to your injuries or the death of a loved one in an ATV accident. Our California ATV accident lawyers have experience handling these types of claims.
5 Things That Should Be Done Following An ATV Accident
ATVs are quick and enjoyable to drive but can also be unstable and dangerous. Driver error, defective products, or poor vehicle design can all lead to ATV accidents. These incidents can result in serious injuries.
If you were involved in an ATV accident, you should:
- Medical Help Immediately: A person might sustain several injuries in a four-wheeler crash, so seek medical help as soon as possible. While waiting for authorities or emergency responders, consider calling an ambulance. Avoid leaving the scene until it is appropriate to do so. Even if you feel physically okay, it may still help to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for examinations or imaging tests in case injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Gather Information: Because each ATV accident is different, it can be important to gather information that may help support a claim. If other drivers were involved in the crash, collect their names, addresses, and driver’s license numbers when possible.
- Take Pictures: Document the ATV crash and debris after it occurs. This may provide useful information about what happened. Take pictures of the four-wheeler, any involved vehicles, and the surrounding area, including road conditions, weather conditions, and warning signs.
- Report a Collision: Reporting an ATV and a car accident shares many similarities, but there are also some distinctions. Not all states require four-wheeler insurance; California does not mandate ATV insurance. However, many owners choose to carry ATV insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to begin the claims process and provide a factual account of what occurred.
- Contact an ATV Accident Lawyer: If you or your child suffered serious injuries in a four-wheeler collision, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your legal options. Personal injury cases are often handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees may depend on the outcome of the case. You can contact our offices to request a free case evaluation.
Typical ATV- Quad Accidents
ATVs frequently roll over due to their design and the fact that they are commonly driven on rough or uneven terrain. Accident victims have sustained multiple injuries after being crushed or thrown from a four-wheeler.
Some common causes of ATV accidents, in addition to faulty vehicle parts or design, include:
- Rollovers
- High-speed collisions
- Tire-Blowouts
We are available to answer questions about your legal rights and options. Call 800-333-0000 to request a free case consultation.
What Are The Most Common ATV Accident Injuries?
ATV accidents can be serious, even though ATVs are smaller than most cars. Because ATVs provide limited protection, riders may face a greater risk of being thrown from the vehicle or struck by another object. An accident involving a quad can result in a variety of injuries.
Common ATV crash injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI:According to Brainline.org, there were more than 2.8 million emergency room visits due to head trauma in one year. Symptoms from traumatic brain injuries may appear immediately or develop later. Riders who do not wear helmets may face a higher risk of severe brain injury. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, confusion, or other neurological issues.
- Broken Bones: Riders can be thrown from the vehicle during an ATV accident. Depending on the speed and circumstances, fractures or other bone injuries may occur.
- Internal Bleeding: Symptoms may include bruising, chest pain, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or other signs of trauma. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Do I Need Insurance For My ATV?
California is one of many states that does not require ATV users to carry all-terrain vehicle insurance. But just because something is optional does not mean it may not be beneficial. Insurance for ATVs operates similarly to auto insurance.
In the event of a collision, ATV insurance may help cover your expenses and the expenses of your passengers. You may be able to obtain liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for your four-wheeler from insurance companies.
Filing An ATV Accident Claim
Contact your insurance company to submit a claim once you have sought medical attention for your injuries. It is generally advisable to describe the facts clearly when speaking with an insurance representative and avoid assigning blame during early conversations about the collision.
Some insurance providers may attempt to limit the value of a claim or encourage you to accept responsibility for the accident. These situations may include offering a quick settlement, presenting incomplete information about your rights, or discouraging you from seeking legal guidance.
Compensation That Can Be Expected
Recovering from a four-wheeler accident can involve medical treatment and other financial challenges. Seeking legal guidance may help you understand your rights and determine what compensation may be available under the law.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they may evaluate whether compensation could include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of mobility
The amount of compensation available will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries involved.
Who Can Be Liable For An ATV Accident?
An accident involving an all-terrain vehicle may include multiple parties. The manufacturer of the ATV may be liable for the crash if a component is defective. ATVs from many manufacturers, including Artic Cat, Baja, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, have previously been recalled due to vehicle defects.
Manufacturers have a duty of care toward their customers. This means the designer or producer of a product is responsible for making reasonable efforts to ensure the safety of their products for end users.
Sometimes the vendor, not the manufacturer, may be responsible for an ATV accident. For example, if a store improperly stores four-wheelers or fails to maintain them before sale, mechanical issues could occur that contribute to an accident.
ATV users have also sustained injuries while operating vehicles at resorts. A resort may be responsible for damages if it fails to maintain equipment or follow appropriate safety procedures for riders. Riders may sometimes be asked to sign waiver forms at resorts to limit liability for accidents. Because laws can vary depending on the location of the resort, determining liability can be complex.
California ATV Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Our California ATV accident lawyers can help explain your legal rights and options throughout the legal process. Handling claims involving insurance companies or manufacturers can sometimes be complex.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can assist by communicating with insurers and other parties on your behalf.
Our all-terrain vehicle accident lawyers can help you understand the legal process and available options at each stage of your claim.
Call us today to request a free case evaluation over the phone at 800-333-0000.
