ATV Accident Lawyers Lethbridge
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Although riding a dirt-bike, quad, or other all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is not a uniquely Albertan pastime, residents of this province do seem to engage in this recreational activity at a disproportionately high rate. Despite making up just 12% of the country’s population, Albertans own nearly a quarter of the country’s off-highway vehicles.
This fun, high-octane, recreational activity has never been more popular. Sales of off-highway vehicles have skyrocketed in recent years. Both experienced and novice ATV riders are enjoying nature trails, scenic getaways, and rural terrains in the Lethbridge area from atop their off-highway vehicles.
Despite the fact that riding an ATV can be an exciting pastime, operating these dangerous vehicles is not all fun and games. Without caution, alertness, and consideration of others’ safety, ATV riding can be dangerous. Accidents involving ATVs can even lead to the tragic loss of life.
Each year, approximately 6000 off-highway vehicle operators are hospitalized in Alberta because of injuries they sustained as the result of ATV accidents. Many ATV accidents that lead to injuries or fatalities are single-vehicle events. People can be seriously injured or killed when their ATV accidentally rolls over, collides with a stationary object, or forcibly ejects its rider.
But many ATV accidents in and around Lethbridge are also caused when negligent operators of off-highway vehicles collide with another rider or trail-user. People involved in ATV accidents caused by a negligent rider could lose their lives, or face years of physical, emotional, and financial distress as a result of the injuries they have sustained.
In this province, anyone who operates an off-highway vehicle is required to carry liability insurance. That means that, if their wrongful actions lead to an accident in which another party is injured, the victim’s injury-related costs should be covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
That said, insurance companies do not always make it easy for injured ATV accident survivors to get the compensation they are fairly owed. They might contest an accident vicitm’s claim, offer unfairly low settlement amounts, and even try blaming the injured accident survivor for the collision.
Our Lethbridge ATV accident lawyers believe that no one should be forced to pay for someone else’s negligence. Off-highway vehicle operators owe a duty of care to other ATV riders and trail-users. Failing to uphold this duty of care by engaging in reckless, careless, or otherwise unsafe actions could be considered negligence. If it can be proven that the at-fault ATV rider’s negligence was responsible for the injury-causing collision, they may be responsible for compensating the person or persons who were injured as a result of their wrongful conduct.
Common forms of negligence that are frequently responsible for injury-causing ATV accidents near Lethbridge include:
- Riding under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Speeding
- Carrying passengers on single-rider vehicles
- Riding an ATV inappropriate for the operator’s age, weight, and experience level
- Straying from trails
- Operating the off-highway vehicle on highways
- Failing to use headlights while riding at night
- And more
By taking advantage of a cost-free, no-obligation first meeting with our ATV accident lawyers serving Lethbridge, you will have the opportunity to review the circumstances of your collision and learn about options for financial recovery that might be available to you. To learn more about working with our Lethbridge ATV accident lawyers, contact us today and book your cost-free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Call Our Offices to Learn More
Our ATV accident lawyers serving Lethbridge are passionate about providing crucial legal services to members of the local community whose lives have been unfairly affected by the negligent actions of others. If you were injured by a negligent off-highway vehicle rider and would like to learn more about options you might be entitled to pursue, contact our Lethbridge ATV accident lawyers today and receive a free initial consultation on your case.
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Commonly Asked ATV accident Questions
Here are our most asked questions on ATV accident claims.
What are some common causes of ATV accidents?
Driving in a dangerous manner is the most common cause of ATV accidents. While there are fewer motorists on trails than on the roads, the terrain is less consistent and more dangerous. Further, drinking and driving on ATVs is also common and may lead to accidents.
What type of injuries can arise from an ATV accident?
ATV accidents often lead to serious injuries. These vehicles offer less protection and can lead to broken bones, concussions, and soft tissue injuries.
Who can sue for an ATV accident?
If you are injured as a passenger, you likely have a valid claim against the driver. If two ATVs collide, either or both drivers may have a good claim.
What should I do if I am in an ATV accident?
Take photographs of the condition and location of the ATV right after the accident. Seek medical attention and follow their advice. Contact a lawyer.
What evidence is required to support an ATV accident claim?
Photographs at the scene and your statement of the circumstances of the accident are central to who is at fault for the accident. Medical records, employment records, and tax records assist in outlining the value of the claim.
How is liability determined in an ATV accident claim?
Liability is determined by assessing the evidence and determining the circumstances of the accident. Once the facts are determined, the roles of each party and their actions will be assessed based on what would have been reasonable in the circumstances. It is possible that multiple parties are partially responsible for one accident.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me with an ATV accident claim?
Lawyers can help gather evidence, analyze faults, tell your story, and navigate the court system. For serious claims, the action should be brought in the Court of the King’s Bench. It is advisable to have counsel to take the appropriate steps in civil procedure.
What kind of compensation is available for an ATV accident?
Compensation depends on your injuries and the impact on your life. The typical heads of damage for ATV accident claims include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Past wage loss;
- Future wage loss;
- Out-of-pocket expenses; and
- Expected future care.
Is there a time limit to file an ATV accident claim?
Generally, you have two years to sue for an ATV accident.
Does the amount of gear I wear impact the compensation I can claim?
Yes. The most important element of equipment is your helmet. Courts have found that if you do not wear a helmet and you sustain a head injury, you will likely receive less money.
What factors will impact the success of my ATV accident claim?
Whether the driver has insurance will impact how your claim will progress and your ability to recover damages. Securing evidence about the accident and injuries is key to having a successful ATV.
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