Minnesota ATV accident Lawyers

Trusted, Local Minnesota ATV
Accident Lawyers

Riding off-road vehicles is an incredibly popular sport and pastime in Minnesota. While mainly fun and exciting, this activity also presents serious risks to riders. Every year, more than 81,000 people sustain injuries in accidents involving all-terrain vehicle (ATVs), and many of these victims are younger than 16 years old.  

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in an off-road vehicle accident, it is crucial to understand the legal options available to you. We recommend contacting a local attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the accident, victims may be entitled to receive compensation for their injuries, and a compassionate personal injury attorney will be able to help their clients navigate the complicated claims process.

When you trust the skilled lawyers at Nicolet Law Office with your case, we will immediately begin working with you to find the cause of your accident and determine liability. We will do everything in our power to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. 

Common ATV Accidents and Tips for Avoiding Them  

There are an infinite number of ways an ATV accident may occur, many of which may be prevented by taking proper precautions. Because we believe that knowing common pitfalls is one of the best ways to mitigate the risk of being in an accident, we’ve collected a few of the leading causes of ATV and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) accidents. 

• Driver inexperience or error: Inexperienced off-road vehicle riders are at an increased risk of being in an accident. In Minnesota, all riders born after July 1, 1987 are required to take an ATV Safety Course before riding on public lands. 
• Reckless driving: Performing tricks or stunts on an ATV can be as dangerous as it is thrilling. It is critical to always exercise caution while driving and supervise riders under 16 years old. 
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s motor functions, situational awareness, and reaction time—all of which are necessary for operating an off-road vehicle. 
• Riding with too many passengers: Most ATVs are designed for one passenger, and all UTVs have passenger limits as well. Carrying more than the recommended number of people, or the family dog, makes a vehicle more difficult for the driver to control. 
• Equipment failure: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for off-road vehicles to have design or manufacturer defects, such as defective brakes or defective steering systems. These types of issues often lead to serious accidents. 
• Driving in unfamiliar terrain: Drivers who are not familiar with the terrain are more likely to be caught off-guard by things like sharp turns, fallen trees, or muddy spots, which may lead to an accident. 
• Failing to follow state laws and local ordinances: All riders have a duty to follow state and local regulations. Those who do not put themselves and others in danger. 

While it is not possible to avoid all accidents, there are a number of precautions off-road riders can take to prevent the worst from happening. The ATV Safety Institute offers the following recommendations: 

• Always wear proper safety gear 
• Avoid driving on paved roads
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
• Do not ride with more passengers than the recommended limit
• Supervise all riders younger than 16
• Ride a vehicle that is age appropriate for you
• Only ride on designated trails 
• Complete an ATV Safety Course and carry your certification on every ride 

Top-Rated Legal Representation for ATV Accident Victims 

Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided. At Nicolet Law Firm, we are committed to helping ATV accident victims through every stage of their case. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. 

Most ATV and UTV accident claims are grounded in the concept of negligence, or a failure to exercise proper care. In other words, if another driver failed to take reasonable care while operating their vehicle—such as by driving while under the influence—the victim may be able to sue the other driver for negligence. 

At Nicolet Law, our trusted attorneys represent clients who have been seriously injured in off-road vehicle accidents that involve: 

• Rollovers: One of the most common, and dangerous, off-road vehicle accidents, rollovers frequently result in riders being thrown off or pinned down by the vehicle.
• Equipment failure: Poor manufacture or design may result in equipment failure, such as faulty brakes.  
• Collisions with other vehicles: ATV and UTV collisions with other vehicles tend to result from reckless driving behaviors, including speeding, performing dangerous tricks, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• Dangerous conditions: If hazardous conditions on a park or trail are responsible for a victim’s injuries, the property owner may be held liable. 

Whether your accident resulted from the negligence of another person or the vehicle’s manufacturer, the skilled attorneys at Nicolet Law are ready to help you with your claim. Our firm will investigate your accident to bring hard facts to insurers, so that you can focus on what really matters—your health and well-being. 

Contact Nicolet Law for a Free Consultation Today

At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we believe that ATV accident victims should not have to worry about their personal injury or liability claim. When clients trust us with their cases, they can rest assured we will do everything we can to guide them successfully through the claims process. 

We also understand that many of our clients are concerned that they cannot afford legal representation. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we offer initial consultations free of charge to allow our clients the opportunity to explore the full extent of their legal options. What’s more, we deliver our legal services on a contingency basis, which means that our clients don’t pay us unless we win their case.

Schedule your free initial consultation by calling us toll-free at 1-855-NICOLET or by filling out our secure online form. If you have sustained an injury that prevents you from visiting our office, we can make arrangements to meet you in your home or at the hospital.