For the avid rider, few days are as perfect as those spent on a four-wheeler or all-terrain vehicle. Whether it’s recreational riding on open pastures or desert trails, many Arizonians enjoy their time spent on ATVs. However, those happy trails can quickly turn dangerous if you are involved in an ATV accident.
While ATV accidents are not as common as car accidents, they do happen frequently: in Arizona alone, there were nearly 200 ATV accidents reported in 2021, according to data from the state’s Department of Transportation. When an ATV accident happens, it can result in serious, sometimes catastrophic injuries, or even death — in fact, one study found that the dangerousness of ATV accidents was comparable to those involving motorcycles.
According to the ATV Safety Institute, “An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.”
While ATVs are undoubtedly a fun recreational vehicle to ride in Arizona, they are associated with certain types of accidents, many of which can cause serious injuries. For example, a person may be injured by falling off an ATV, or could suffer crushing injuries if the ATV rolls over and lands on them. ATV accidents also occur when the rider is not familiar with or not properly trained on their usage, driving on busy, public roads, or hauling heavy loads.
Speeding, racing, and distracted driving or riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also cause ATV accidents in Arizona. In some cases, an ATV accident is the direct result of another party’s negligence — whether it be another driver who is using the roads or trails recklessly or an unreasonable danger on someone else’s property that causes an ATV rider to crash.
An ATV accident can leave its victim with some significant injuries. The following are some examples:
After an ATV injury, the victim may incur significant financial losses. These can include both out-of-pocket costs and general damages. These might include:
In some cases, the cause of an ATV accident can be attributed to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, which means you may be able to bring a claim against that party. For example, if your accident was caused by another driver who failed to follow the rules of the road, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Or, if your accident was caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may be able to bring a claim against the owner in order to recover compensation.
Immediately after an ATV accident, you should take the following steps in order to protect your legal rights and preserve important evidence in your case:
After the accident, and within the following few days, take the following steps:
An ATV accident can result in serious injuries, and if your accident was the direct result of someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Many of these cases can quickly become complicated, however, often involving important issues regarding liability and damages.
It is important to speak with an attorney who will not only research the law and investigate the facts involved, but also negotiate with the other parties and their insurance companies toward a fair and reasonable resolution.
If you’re involved in an ATV accident in Arizona, there are many different variables that can affect your resulting claim, and there may be various parties involved who are responsible for your injuries. You need an attorney by your side who has the knowledge and experience necessary to investigate the facts of your claim thoroughly, preserve important evidence, assess the full value of your damages, negotiate with the other party and their insurance provider, and present a strong case on your behalf.
At Torgenson Law, we understand the significant impact of a serious injury on a person and their family. We aim to take care of the details of your case so that you can focus on getting your life back on track after your accident.
If you’ve been involved in an ATV accident in Arizona and suffered personal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact Torgenson Law. We are conveniently located in downtown Phoenix, near the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Gardens. Give us a call today at 602-726-0747 for a free case evaluation.