ATV & UTV Accidents

Have You Or a Loved One Suffered Injuries in an ATV Accident or UTV Accident in Spokane, Washington?

Spending a weekend riding an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or a UTV (utility terrain vehicle or utility task vehicle) is a blast — they offer a thrilling way to explore the outdoors — until someone is unexpectedly hurt. Using these vehicles involves a high risk of serious injuries, or even death. If you have been in a UTV/ATV accident, our Spokane UTV & ATV accidents attorney can help you to understand your rights and learn more about the compensation that may be available to you.

Understanding the inherent risks is essential for anyone who rides or operates ATVs, UTVs, or Side-by-Side vehicles (which are sometimes abbreviated as SxS). Unfortunately, operators of these vehicles are sometimes careless with these vehicles in social situations involving other drivers or riders, and the consequences can be deadly. Taking precautions like wearing protective gear, avoiding risky behaviors, and properly maintaining the vehicle can help reduce the likelihood of accidents when using a Side-by-Side/ATV.

Contact an experienced ATV & UTV accident lawyer at Albrecht Law PLLC today if you or a loved one have suffered an injury due to another person’s negligence in coordination with these vehicles. We will answer your questions during a free consultation.

Types of UTV/ATV Accidents

When a UTV/ATV accident occurs, the injuries to all parties involved may be serious. Types of accidents and subsequent injuries include:

• Falling off the UTV/ATV: If a person isn’t holding on properly, takes a turn too fast, attempts to stand up, etc., they may fall off the UTV/ATV.
• Single-vehicle collisions with objects: Improper operation can lead to single-vehicle crashes where the UTV/ATV runs into a stationary object, such as a tree.
• Multi-vehicle collisions: If two or more UTVs/ATVs are riding in a group, the chance of a multi-vehicle collision exists. These crashes can be especially injurious.
• Rollover crashes: One extremely serious type of UTV/ATV crash is a rollover crash. A rollover crash may happen when a driver takes a turn too quickly, when two vehicles collide, or when the vehicle tips when traveling downhill.

Utility Task Vehicle accidents and All-Terrain Vehicle accidents are often preventable. When they do happen, it is often due to someone’s negligence or carelessness. Given the serious nature of many injuries associated with these crashes, there is often cause for legal action.

If you or someone you love has suffered such an injury contact us today at Albrecht Law PLLC to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Injuries Caused By ATV & UTV Accidents

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for ATVs and other vehicles like utility task vehicles to lead to accidents which cause a variety of catastrophic injuries that can place the injured rider in critical condition. You have probably heard many reports of people whose ATV rolled when they were riding in a forest, on a dirt road, or in an open field. The majority of ATV rolls and other accidents involve the dirt road and open field conditions for which all-terrain vehicles are designed when the accident occurred,

The following are some of the common types of injuries that can occur during an ATV or UTV accident:

• Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding: These can occur due to the force of impact during an accident, potentially causing damage to vital organs.
• Dislocated or fractured bones: The force exerted during a crash can easily dislocate joints or fracture bones.
• Bruises, burns, and cuts: These are often due to being thrown from the vehicle or being trapped under it. Bruises and cuts are common with nearly any type of collision or fall involving a vehicle. In the case of a fiery ATV crash in which the vehicle burst into flames, a rider may suffer severe burns from a gas-fueled fire.
• Head Injuries: These can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Helmets can help reduce the risk, but they can’t eliminate it completely.
• Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. The risk is especially high in incidents where the ATV or UTV rolls over.

The potential for catastrophic injuries or death in ATV and UTV accidents is unfortunately high. These types of accidents can lead to life-threatening conditions such as:

• Neck and back injuries: These can lead to long-term pain and disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to permanent paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injury: This can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

These injuries are costly and may cause long-term disabilities, complications, or even death. Contact us today at Albrecht Law PLLC if you or a loved one have been injured in an ATV accident or a UTV accident caused by someone else’s carelessness.

Understanding The Scope of Life Implications Following Injuries From an ATV Accident or a UTV Accident

The short-term and long-term implications of serious injuries from an ATV or UTV can be devastating and life-altering, particularly with spinal cord injuries that are common with ATV rolls and collisions.

Short-term Implications of ATV and UTV Injuries

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, victims may experience significant physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden due to medical expenses. The immediate medical costs can include emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, and initial rehabilitation services. Initial treatments like imaging tests, medications for pain management, and surgical interventions, if required, add to these costs.

Long-term Implications of ATV & UTV Injuries

The long-term implications of serious ATV or UTV injuries are much more extensive. For spinal cord injuries, individuals may need ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and potentially, long-term nursing care. They may also require modifications to their homes and vehicles to accommodate mobility impairments.

Furthermore, individuals may have to contend with chronic pain and the potential for secondary health complications such as pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and respiratory complications.

The financial burden extends beyond direct medical costs. There may be a loss of income if the individual is unable to return to work or can only work in a limited capacity. Furthermore, they may require assistance with daily activities, adding the cost of personal care assistance.

The non-economic costs can be equally as devastating. Victims may suffer from a decreased quality of life, including limitations on recreational activities, social engagement, and personal relationships. They may also experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Spinal cord injuries from ATV or UTV accidents can have severe and long-lasting impacts on an individual’s life. Whether your accident occurred when your ATV rolled or when you collided or were thrown from the vehicle will significantly impact the nature of your injuries. It is crucial for riders to understand these risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Seeking Damages for Injuries Suffered in an ATV Accident or a UTV Accident in Spokane, Washington

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accidents and Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant financial burden. In Spokane, Washington, victims of such accidents have the right to seek compensation for their losses if they are caused by someone else’s negligence.

You may be able to seek the following damages in an ATV or UTV accident lawsuit:

1. Medical Expenses — Victims can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed. Many times, these accidents place riders in critical condition, which often leads to extensive medical bills.
2. Lost Wages — If the victim has been unable to work due to their injuries, they can claim compensation for lost wages. This also includes loss of earning capacity if the victim’s ability to earn a living has been permanently affected.
3. Pain and Suffering — This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the victim due to the accident. It can include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological effects.
4. Property Damage — If the ATV or UTV was damaged in the accident, the victim could seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
5. Wrongful Death — In the unfortunate event that the accident leads to death, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

It’s important to note that Washington state operates under a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if the victim is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, although their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Seeking guidance from an injury attorney experienced with ATV and UTV accidents is invaluable when navigating the complexities of these cases and seeking appropriate compensation.

Who’s Liable for an ATV/UTV Accident in the State of Washington?

Determining who should pay for the damages of a victim of a UTV/ATV accident can be complicated, especially if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured. Typically, the party whose negligence caused the crash is responsible for damages. This is likely the driver.

However, other factors may lead to accidents, too, including machine defects/equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions on a property, and more. When you hire our law firm, we’ll investigate your case and work hard to determine who should be held responsible and how you can seek the compensation you need.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Spokane UTV/ATV Attorney Today

Being involved in a UTV/ATV accident is the last thing that anyone expects to happen when they go out for a fun day of recreation in Spokane, but ATV rolls and collisions are unfortunately very common. We help people who have been injured in unexpected accidents every day, and we are prepared to guide you in seeking compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a serious UTV/ATV crash, our experienced accident attorneys at the office of Albrecht Law PLLC can help you to understand your options and the right strategies to seek the settlement that you need. For a free consultation with an aggressive Spokane UTV/ATV accident attorney, call us today or send us a message online.

To learn more, call (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 today or send us a message using our online form. We are here to serve you.

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