Arizona ATV Accident Lawyer

Our Arizona ATV Accident Lawyer Can Help

Being in an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) accident is not unusual if you enjoy chopping up the desert. Millions of people flock to Arizona each year to experience its natural magnificence and to enjoy its otherworldly landscapes. Arizona is home to some of the most remarkable landmarks and breathtaking vistas in the world. There are seemingly endless off-road trails for tourists and outdoor fanatics to drive side-by-sides, quads, or any other manner of all-terrain vehicles.

Unfortunately, ATVs and other utility task vehicles (UTVs) can be dangerous. Often, these vehicles lack sufficient safety features, matched that with their capacity to run at high speeds over rough terrain it makes the potential for injury high. When crashes do happen, injuries can be severe, life-altering, or even cause death.

Because ATVs are not treated the same as other motor vehicles, it is important to choose lawyers that have a proven track record handling ATV accident case. Our firm has decades of experience doing just that. We have helped our clients settle ATV injury claims all across Arizona. Our ATV accident lawyers, can tackle even the most complex ATV/UTV accidents.

What should I do after an ATV accident?

Immediately after the wreck, get a safe distance away from the crash. Then call 911 to dispatch EMTs and police- to write a report. Take photographs of the wreckage, the area around the wreck, and any visible injuries. Listen to the EMTs and go to the hospital if necessary. Once you are safe and your injuries are stable, call us. We can help you start a claim so you can focus on recovering.

Do I need an ATV accident lawyer?

Yes. ATV accidents frequently cause serious, life-altering injuries that lead to physical, emotional, and financial problems. It is important to hire an experienced Phoenix ATV accident lawyer before speaking with the insurance companies. Insurance companies try to trick you into settling your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. Gage Mathers Law Group has a team of experienced attorneys who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Are The Most Common Causes of an ATV Accident Injuries?

Hiring an experienced ATV accident lawyer with access to top notch experts can help identify when an accident is caused by negligence versus some other cause.  Recreational vehicle crashes are usually caused by:

• Failure to keep a lookout
• General negligence
• High-speeds
• Improperly inflated wheels
• Improper maintenance of the vehicle
• Inexperience
• Intoxication
• Lack of safety features
• Old or worn tires

What can an ATV accident lawyer do for me?

Our ATV accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process, including:

• Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
• Negotiating with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
• Negotiating with health care providers and other lien claimants.
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary.
• Representing you in court.
• Helping you get the compensation you deserve.

How long do I have to sue after an ATV accident?

In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of your ATV accident to take legal action to seek compensation. However, your deadline to act drops to 180 days if a state or local entity is responsible for your accident. For example, if you are hit by a police car or poor maintenance by the State, City, or County. There are some exceptions for minors and disabled people. We always recommend hiring an experienced lawyer early because it can take time to investigate your claim, gather evidence, review documents, interview witnesses, and consult with experts, if needed.

What type of compensation can I get after being hurt in an ATV accident?

Arizona allows injury victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses–essentially, anything that can be calculated to a specific dollar amount.
• Non-economic damages cover aspects of your injuries and damages that do not normally have an assigned dollar amount, like pain, suffering, disfigurement, disability, discomfort, loss of enjoyment of life, interference with familial relationships, and the general nature and extent of your injuries.

How do I recover money for my injuries from an ATV accident?

ATV insurance is often offered by the same insurance companies that provide automobile insurance. Arizona requires every motor vehicle operated on roads in the state be covered by liability insurance. The law requires minimum insurance policies for ATVs and UTVs that are driven on public roads and freeways. If an ATV or UTV is never driven on public roads or freeways, then the owner may not be required to carry insurance.

If I am injured on someone else’s property and the ATV doesn’t have insurance, will the property owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy cover my injuries?

While each case varies, there are circumstances in which the property owner’s homeowner’s insurance may cover your injuries. However, it depends on the policy and to what extent the insurance cover’s injuries of this type.  That’s why it is vitally important to contact our office as soon as possible. We will help you figure out if there is insurance available to cover your injuries. That way you can be sure that your right to recover is protected and all avenues for compensation are pursued.

Important Safety Reminders for ATV Riders

• All ATV occupants should wear properly fitted helmets every time they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from an ATV crash.
• ATV drivers are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When driving an ATV on trails, you are expected to observe similar etiquette.
• ATV occupants should keep their body and limbs inside the passenger compartment at all times.
• ATV owners should increase their visibility to drivers by having headlights, taillights, fluorescent reflectors on the side, and a flag pole.  These measures will ensure you are visible day, night, and during dusk and dawn.