Utah ATV Accident Lawyer
All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, can be a great source of entertainment for riders in Utah. However, as fun as they are, these vehicles can also be dangerous. Drivers, riders, people on other ATVs, and innocent bystanders can all get seriously hurt.
If you’ve been injured in an ATV accident caused by another party’s negligence, you deserve to seek compensation. At Feller & Wendt, LLC™, our Utah ATV accident attorneys can provide trusted legal guidance, help you understand your rights, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Feller Wendt, LLCTM, as Your Utah ATV Accident Lawyer
An accident involving an ATV can result in life-altering injuries and substantial damages. You may be facing significant losses and a long road to recovery. An experienced attorney can take the burden of handling a claim off your plate so you can focus on your recovery. A lawyer will also know the relevant laws and insurance companies that might handle your claim.
At Feller & Wendt, LLC™, we have an excellent track record with ATV and off-road accident claims. Our firm has won over $85 million for injury victims across Utah and beyond, with a 97 percent success rate.
We provide unmatched client service while fiercely protecting our clients’ rights. We serve clients throughout Utah, with offices in Salt Lake City, Layton, and St. George.
While many clients are reluctant about the idea of going to court, it’s not our first course of action. In fact, around 95 percent of our cases are settled before they reach trial. However, we are always ready to advocate for your interests in court if we believe pursuing this route will secure you the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Testimonials from our Utah Clients
We’re a highly skilled, top-rated Utah personal injury law firm with numerous client testimonials to back us up. When it comes to safeguarding your rights, we follow the motto “Our Family Protecting Yours.”
Understanding Utah ATV Laws
- Licensing requirements: Riders under 18 must complete a state-approved education course.
- Helmet laws: DOT-approved helmets are mandatory for riders under 18.
- Where you can ride: ATVs and OHVs can be used in designated areas only. Many trails are restricted.
- Impaired driving: It is illegal to operate an ATV or OHV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Lights: Lights must be used between sunset and sunrise.
- Insurance and registration: These are mandatory when riding on public trails or roadways, but not always required on private land.
- Rental liability: Rental companies must provide a safe, well-maintained vehicle and inform renters of trail rules.
What Are Common Causes of ATV Accidents?
While ATVs can be fun to ride and useful for many activities around a large property, they can also lead to serious injuries or even death when not properly maintained or operated. Common causes of ATV accidents in Utah include:
- Inexperienced or underage drivers
- Speeding and reckless operation
- Dangerous riding trail conditions
- Equipment failure or lack of maintenance
- Riding with more passengers than the vehicle was designed to carry
- Improper or no training for the ATV operator
- Operating an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Negligence by rental companies or tour operators
Injuries or deaths caused by an operator’s negligence, or that of another party, may entitle accident victims or their families to seek reasonable compensation.
What To Do After an ATV Accident
Taking the right steps immediately following an ATV crash protects your rights and can significantly improve the chances of a successful claim:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt, prioritize your health and create a record of your injuries by seeking immediate medical attention.
- Preserve evidence: Take photos, collect contact information from other drivers and witnesses, and make a note of any accident details.
- Report the incident: File a report with the local authorities if possible, so there is further documentation of the accident.
- Avoid speaking with insurers: While it’s recommended that you report the accident to the insurance company promptly, don’t give a statement or admit fault before consulting with a legal professional.
- Contact a Utah ATV accident attorney: Reach out to a Utah ATV accident lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim for My ATV Accident?
The Utah personal injury statute of limitations is generally four years from the date of the accident, with some exceptions based on the nature of the claim. For example, defective products and wrongful death cases have a two-year deadline.
It’s important to consult with a skilled ATV accident attorney as soon as possible, as you can’t file a claim if you miss the deadline. Taking action immediately can help your legal team gather evidence while it is still fresh and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Our Utah Office Locations
169 W 2710 S Cir. #202-A
St. George, UT 84790
(By Appointment Only)
Who Is Held Liable in an ATV Accident?
Who can be held liable in an accident involving an ATV will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for the resulting losses.
Some of the parties that could be held responsible include:
- Another negligent rider
- ATV rental company or tour operator
- Defective part manufacturer
- Property owner
- Government entity
Like a car accident case, recovering just compensation after an ATV crash requires proving fault. Our ATV accident lawyers in Utah can investigate the matter and build the strongest case possible by collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and explaining how to protect your rights.
When it comes to accident cases, insurance companies try to minimize their liability by placing outsized blame on victims. That’s because, according to Utah’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50 percent responsible for the ATV accident, but your total award would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance Coverage for ATV Accidents in Utah
ATV insurance is important after an accident because it can provide the financial compensation you need and deserve if you’ve been injured through no fault of your own. Utah is a no-fault state, so even if you are not responsible for what happened, you may still recover compensation by filing a claim through your own auto insurance company.
Having adequate insurance also complies with the state’s legal requirements. If you own an ATV, the Utah Insurance Department suggests that you check with your local agent to ensure you have adequate coverage for the risk of various exposures. You may also want to make sure you are covered if you borrow, rent, or haul an ATV.
Some auto or homeowner policies may provide minimal coverage for a trailer or ATV, but that doesn’t mean the coverage is adequate. Although an ATV liability policy isn’t necessarily mandated by Utah law, it is generally required for ATVs operated on public roads or state lands. For example, street-legal ATVs are treated the same as motor vehicles and must be properly insured.
What Damages Can I Recover in an ATV Accident?
An ATV accident in Utah can result in injuries that are often costly for the victims and their loved ones. Recovery could require expensive medical care over an extended period. If you were injured in an incident with an ATV, you may seek compensation for several different types of damages:
Product Liability Compensation
If your accident was caused by a defective ATV product or part, you may pursue the designer, manufacturer, or seller for compensation. For example, if a faulty tire exploded or a poor design caused the handlebars to fail, this could be a product liability case.
Personal Injury Compensation
If another party’s negligence or reckless behavior caused your ATV crash, such as if an impaired ATV driver strikes you, or a reckless driver causes you to run off the road, you have the right to pursue fair compensation for your damages.
You can seek compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
ATV Accident FAQs
Can I File a Lawsuit if I Was Injured on a Rented ATV?
You may be able to file a lawsuit if you were injured while riding a rented ATV. While rental companies often have liability waivers, many of those agreements aren’t enforceable if the rental company was negligent.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an ATV Accident Case?
Technically, you don’t need a lawyer for a vehicle accident case, but we advise that you have one. Insurance companies have skilled lawyers and adjusters whose goal is to minimize payouts. Having an experienced Utah ATV accident lawyer on your side can level the playing field and improve your chances of a positive outcome.
What if My Child Was Injured in an ATV Accident?
If your child was injured by an ATV due to the negligence of another party, you can file a personal injury claim for damages. This will hold the responsible party accountable and provide your family with the compensation you need and deserve.
What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Utah’s comparative negligence law allows injury victims to pursue compensation for accidents for which they are partially at fault. However, you cannot recover anything if your percentage of liability is the same as or greater than the other party’s.
Injured in an ATV crash in Utah? Let Feller Wendt, LLCTM, Fight for You
Our Utah ATV accident attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you were injured or lost a family member in an ATV accident, call 801-499-5060 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
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*This information provided by Feller & Wendt, LLC™ is for informational purposes only and should be in no way construed as legal advice.
