Minnesota ATV Accident Lawyers
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles are used extensively throughout Minnesota for both pleasure and work. For farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and people who work outdoors, ATVs are extremely practical and save them enormous time and energy. For those who use them recreationally, an ATV or snowmobile is powerful and exciting, and usually appeals to their inner daredevil.
In most cases ATVs are driven on private property and require no skill, certification or experience to operate. All of this comes together to make ATVs extremely dangerous machines, demanding respect and caution to avoid accidents and bodily harm. Any list of dangerous recreational activities lists ATVs at or near the top of the list.
Whenever and wherever you operate an ATV, we urge you to exercise extreme caution and use every safety measure available – MOST IMPORTANTLY WEAR A HELMET!
ATV Accidents – What To Do!
If you have been in an ATV crash, we recommend the following steps:
- Seek professional medical help immediately. Do not let your ego or embarrassment get the best of you. Even if you do not believe you have been injured, see a medical professional anyway. The types of injuries common to ATV accidents can take several days to surface, and even minor injuries can turn into major problems. In addition, seeking professional medical assistance will begin the documentation process should you decide to proceed with the legal process.
- Gather information about the accident. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone involved. Do the same for anyone who witnessed the accident. Make note of the precise location of the accident and get the year, make and model of the ATV. If any reports are filed by law enforcement or anyone else, make sure you get copies.
- Talk only to law enforcement officers about the accident. Anything said to insurance investigators or representatives could make it harder for you to settle your claim. Do not sign anything without consulting a personal injury attorney first.
- Contact the attorneys at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. A competent and knowledgeable attorney will protect your rights, shelter you from possible liability and make sure things are done right. A lawyer will also make the process much easier for you by dealing with insurance companies and guiding you through the legal process.
An ATV can be loads of fun and a genuine joy. But it needs to be treated with respect, and safety must be paramount. Should an accident occur, immediate action must be taken. If you have been involved in an ATV or snowmobile accident in Minnesota or the Midwest, contact our attorneys at Bennerotte & Associates, P.A.