Eau Claire ATV Accident Lawyers

ATV Accident Injury Claims in Eau Claire

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular recreational vehicle for many people in Wisconsin. They are also used for work purposes and can be found on farms, logging operations, and other job sites. As fun and useful as ATVs are, they can also be dangerous. When an ATV accident occurs, the consequences can be severe.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident in the Eau Claire area, you need to know what your rights are. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The Eau Claire ATV accident lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (534) 202-5404 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of ATV Accidents

An ATV can be dangerous if not operated properly or if safety precautions are not followed, leading to accidents that may result in serious injuries or fatalities. Here are several common causes of ATV accidents:

• Reckless Driving: Operating an ATV at high speeds, performing stunts, or driving carelessly increases the risk of losing control and crashing.
• Lack of Experience: Inexperienced riders may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to handle the ATV safely, leading to accidents.
• Riding on Paved Roads: ATVs are designed for off-road use, and riding them on paved roads can be dangerous due to the vehicle's instability and difficulty in handling on hard surfaces.
• Overloading the ATV: Exceeding the weight capacity of an ATV, either by carrying too many passengers or heavy cargo, can make the vehicle unstable and prone to tipping over.
• Underage Riders: Children or teenagers who are not mature or experienced enough to handle the ATV properly may be more likely to cause an accident.
• Alcohol or Drug Use: Operating an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
• Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance or manufacturing defects can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failure or steering issues, causing accidents.
• Rough Terrain: While ATVs are built for off-road use, extremely rough or uneven terrain can still cause the vehicle to flip or lose control.
• Lack of Protective Gear: Not wearing helmets, gloves, and other protective gear increases the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
• Weather Conditions: Wet, muddy, or slippery conditions can reduce traction and make it difficult to control the ATV, leading to accidents.

Who is Liable for an ATV Accident?

Liability for an ATV accident can involve the following parties, depending on the circumstances of the incident:

• The ATV Driver: The driver can be held liable if they were operating the ATV recklessly, under the influence, or without proper experience. Liability arises if their negligent actions directly caused the accident.
• The ATV Owner: If the ATV owner allowed an unqualified or impaired person to operate the vehicle, they could be held responsible for any resulting accidents. Liability may also apply if the owner failed to maintain the ATV properly, leading to a mechanical failure.
• Parents or Guardians: Parents or guardians may be liable if they allowed a minor to operate an ATV unsupervised or in unsafe conditions. Their responsibility increases if the child’s actions contributed to the accident.
• Manufacturers or Distributors: Manufacturers or distributors can be held liable if a defect in the ATV, such as faulty brakes or steering, caused the accident. They may also be responsible if they failed to provide adequate safety warnings or instructions.
• Property Owners: Property owners might be liable if an ATV accident occurs on their land due to dangerous conditions they failed to address. Liability arises if they did not warn riders of hidden hazards or obstacles.
• Rental Companies: Rental companies can be held responsible if they rent out defective ATVs, fail to maintain the vehicles, or provide them to unqualified riders. Liability also applies if they don’t supply necessary safety gear or instructions.
• Other Riders or Drivers: Other riders or drivers may be liable if their actions contributed to or caused the ATV accident. This could involve another ATV rider, a motor vehicle driver, or even a pedestrian.
• Event Organizers: Event organizers could be held liable if an ATV accident occurs during an organized event due to inadequate safety measures or supervision. Their responsibility includes ensuring the safety of participants and providing proper instructions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident in Eau Claire, our skilled legal team at Bye, Goff & Rohde can help. We have extensive experience handling all types of ATV accident cases and have a proven track record of success.

Contact us at (534) 202-5404 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Eau Claire ATV accident lawyers.