Can I Pursue Compensation for Injuries in an ATV Accident?

 Posted on July 30, 2022 in Personal Injury

Wisconsin residents and visitors to the state can enjoy many outdoor activities during the summer, including riding ATVs on trails in state parks or on private property. While this can be a great form of recreation, it can also be dangerous, and multiple types of accidents involving ATVs can occur. In fact, there have been nine fatal ATV accidents in Wisconsin so far in 2022. Following these types of accidents, injury victims or the surviving family members of those who were killed will need to determine who was responsible, and they may be able to pursue financial compensation from negligent parties who were liable for an injury.

Causes of ATV Accidents

In some cases, ATV riders may be injured due to their own errors or negligence, such as by taking unnecessary risks or failing to follow the proper safety procedures. However, there are a variety of situations where other parties may be partially or fully responsible for an accident. Victims of ATV accidents may be able to pursue compensation in situations involving:

• Dangerous trails - ATV riders who are using trails on public land or private property may expect these trails to be safe, but there may be hazards that could put them at risk. If riders were not warned about potential dangers, or if hazards were not corrected, a property owner may be liable for injuries that occur as a result.

• Faulty or improperly maintained equipment - A defectively-designed ATV may malfunction, leading to rollover accidents or other dangerous situations. In other cases, the owner of an ATV may have failed to ensure that it was safe to use, and a person who rented the equipment may be injured as a result.

• Negligence of other ATV users - People on foot may be struck by an ATV that is operated unsafely, or negligent riders may collide with other ATVs and cause injuries. Passengers may also be injured if the driver of an ATV or UTV fails to operate the vehicle safely.

• Collisions with motor vehicles - While ATVs are generally prohibited from traveling on roadways, they may need to cross roads or use bridges. If drivers do not take care to notice ATVs on or near the road and drive safely around them, they may strike an ATV and inflict serious injuries.

ATV users can take steps to protect themselves as much as possible, including by wearing helmets, operating vehicles at safe speeds, staying on trails, and following any other applicable safety procedures. However, even when a person takes all necessary precautions, they may be injured due to the negligence of others, and in these situations, they may be able to receive compensation for the damages they have suffered.

Contact Our Milwaukee, WI ATV Injury Lawyers

While ATV accidents can be devastating, victims can take steps to ensure that those who were responsible are held liable, and by receiving compensation, they can make sure they will have the resources they need to make a full recovery. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, LLP, we can help accident victims determine their best options for pursuing compensation. Contact our Milwaukee ATV accident attorneys today at 414-271-1440 to get the legal help you need.

Sources:

https://widnr.widen.net/s/rbsvgqbfxr/atv2022

https://wi-dnr.widencollective.com/portals/put020pz/RecreationalVehicles