All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have the potential to be dangerous. According to data from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 100,000 people are hurt in off-highway vehicle accidents each year. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we are committed to fighting for the rights of victims. Here, our Wisconsin ATV accident attorney explains five steps to take after a crash.
What You Need to Do After an Accident On an All Terrain Vehicle in Wisconsin
Step #1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Any Injuries
Health comes first. After a serious accident on an ATV, your health and well-being are always the absolute top priority. Nothing else is more important than getting immediate medical attention for any physical injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the most common ATV accident injuries in Wisconsin—from back pain to head trauma to internal damage—may not be obvious right away. What seems likely to be a relatively modest injury may actually be incredibly serious. Getting checked by a doctor ensures that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated before they worsen.
Step #2: Contact the Relevant Local Authorities
ATV accidents should be reported without any unreasonable delay. If the ATV accident resulted in injuries or significant damage, you should contact local authorities as soon as possible. Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, state or local law enforcement officers and/or conservation officers may document the scene and write an official crash report. That report may be essential if you need to pursue an insurance claim or legal action.
Step #3: Exchange Information With Everyone Else Involved in the Incident
In the aftermath of an ATV accident, clear and respectful communication is key. Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with everyone involved, including other riders, passengers, or property owners. If there are witnesses, try to get their names and phone numbers as well—they may be able to provide valuable insight into what happened. The more information you have about the ATV accident in Wisconsin, the better positioned you will be to get justice.
Step #4: Document the ATV Accident
ATV accidents in Wisconsin are fault-based cases. To hold another party liable for an ATV crash, you must prove negligence—unless it is a strict liability case against the manufacturer. Documentation is key. Memories can easily fade—and small (but important) details may become unclear over time. If you are physically able, take photographs of the ATV, your injuries, the surrounding area, and any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the accident. You should write down exactly what happened, including the time, location, and weather conditions.
Step #5: Seek Professional Legal Representation
ATV accident claims are complicated. You do not have to take on a negligent defendant or an insurance company alone. The right attorney can help you get justice and compensation for your damages. A top-tier Wisconsin ATV accident lawyer can answer your questions, investigate the accident, and help you gather all of the documents, records, and information you need.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for an ATV Accident
In Wisconsin, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for intangible losses. Unfortunately, defendants and insurance companies cannot be trusted to look out for what is best for injured victims. Even when liability is clear, they want to pay out less in settlement negotiations. Our Wisconsin ATV accident lawyers fight for justice and the maximum compensation for victims. You may be able to recover for:
- Property loss, including ATV repairs/replacement;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;
- Long-term disability and physical scarring; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
You Can Trust the Wisconsin ATV Accident Lawyers at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler
Hurt in a bad ATV accident? You need strong, experienced legal representation. Do not take on the claims process alone. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we have a proven record of verdicts and settlements in complex cases. With millions recovered for clients, our Wisconsin ATV accident lawyers are always prepared to invest personalized time, energy, and resources into every case.
Contact Our Wisconsin ATV Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin ATV accident lawyer has the professional expertise you can trust. Have questions about your rights? Give us a call now or connect with us directly online to set up your no cost, no strings attached case review. With offices in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Onalaska, we handle ATV accident cases all across the wider region in Wisconsin.