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.
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 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.
Seek HELP from The Trusted and Experienced Attorneys at Lebovitz Law Group.
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.