What to do if Injured on an ATV/UTV?

What comes to mind when you hear ” ATV”? Perhaps, you think of some towering hills, adventures, excitement, and fun. You may also think of the people trailblazing via muddy terrains and hollering with joy. But you hardly think of a mishap like an ” ATV accident.”

According to a 2018 survey, ATVs cause approximately 100,000 injuries and 700 deaths in the United States every year. Most injuries occur when an ATV rolls over and a person is either thrown from the ATV or a part of a person’s anatomy (usually an arm or leg) is caught under the ATV’s rollbar.

No matter how fun-filled and thrilling an ATV/UTV ride may seem, thousands of riding enthusiasts meet an ATV accident every year. ATV, which stands for ” All-Terrain Vehicle”, is not just for thrill-seekers and joy rides only. From ploughing farms to transporting materials, people use ATVs for several reasons.

You must educate and protect yourself before getting on an ATV. Without sufficient knowledge about ATVs, the risks and hazards riding them, as well as insurance coverage and the ways to protect yourself legally, you might aggravate the catastrophe for yourself. To help you out in situations like these, we have outlined some necessary steps to take if injured on an ATV/UTV.

First and foremost, purchase liability insurance for your ATV. Check to see if coverage is available for just off-roading, or for driving on public roadways as well. If available, you should also purchase UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured) coverage. Liability insurance will cover you if you cause injury to one of your passengers or to people riding another ATV. UM,/UIM coverage will protect both you and your passengers should someone else cause injury to you and they happen to be uninsured, or underinsured.

Always wear your seatbelt/harness and a helmet. Arizona is a state of comparative negligence, meaning that should someone else cause your injury, your potential recovery could be reduced by whatever percentage of negligence for your injuries can be attributed to you.

Don’t carry more passengers than your ATV is equipped to carry and don’t drink and drive.

If anyone is seriously injured, phone Emergency Medical Services and remain calm. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, to confirm that there are no serious injuries or problems that might develop or worsen later. 

If possible, call the police involved so there is an official record of the accident. It may take a long time for the police to arrive, but remain patient and wait as long as it takes.

Take photos of any involved ATV’s before they are moved. While the police should assist you in appropriately documenting the necessary information, you should do your best to obtain descriptions of vehicles, license plates, insurance company names and policy numbers, as well as names of other drivers, passengers, police officers, and contact information of independent witnesses as they may be needed to validate your version of events.

DO NOT:

• Admit fault,
• Sign papers (except police forms/documents when applicable),
• Allow the other driver to photograph your registration or license,
• Discuss the incident with anyone other than the police, or
• Leave the scene before the police arrive or before other involved parties have left the
  scene.

If injured as a result of an ATV/UTV collision or rollover, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel no symptoms at the scene, or within a few hours of the incident, many symptoms manifest 24 or 48 hours later, so do yourself a favor and at least get checked out at your earliest convenience.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, do not delay in contacting the trusted and experienced personal injury attorneys at Lebovitz Law Group.  A serious injury can be a life-changing event.  You must speak with a lawyer before talking to the insurance companies.  Our attorneys and staff have years of experience handling a wide variety of injury claims, and that’s all that we do.  Focusing exclusively on injury claims, you can trust that LLG provides competent, aggressive representation and superior customer service.

LLG prides itself on being trustworthy and dependable.  At an incredibly difficult time for you, LLG will relieve the burden of navigating the legal process to recovery.  We make sure you are treated fairly, and your injuries are taken seriously.  Let Lebovitz Law Group fight the insurance companies, their adjusters and lawyers, while you focus on your recovery.

At Lebovitz Law Group, we offer free, no-obligation consultations.  If we accept your retention of our firm, we will finance your case costs.  We handle all communications with the insurance companies, their adjusters and lawyers.  We only get paid when we obtain a favourable settlement or verdict in your case, and we stand by that promise.  If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, please contact LLG immediately!  Schedule a FREE consultation and case evaluation by calling (602) 975-5550.