Determining Liability in an ATV Rollover Accident
ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, can be a fun way to explore areas that aren’t accessible by road and regular four-wheel vehicles. Unfortunately, ATVs lack many of the safety features provided by cars and trucks. Because of this, ATV accidents can cause serious injuries, especially if the accident involves a rollover.
ATV rollover lawyer Lynn C. Harris understands the physical, emotional, and financial damages associated with an ATV accident. He will work to determine liability in ATV rollover accidents so that our Salt Lake City, UT, and Provo, UT, clients can be justly compensated for the full extent of their losses.
Who Is At-fault?
Despite being called accidents, most ATV crashes are completely preventable. It is important to determine liability after an ATV rollover so that responsible parties can be held accountable for the damages they cause. The following questions can help attorney Harris and our team determine liability for our clients:
- Were other drivers involved? If an ATV rollover involves more than one vehicle, it is important to determine if the other driver was responsible for the accident. If people are driving drunk or operating their ATV in ways that are not safe, they are likely liable for the crash.
- Was there a design defect? Design defects are not uncommon, and they can significantly compromise the safety of an ATV. Unfortunately, many manufactures neglect to recall unsafe parts or vehicles. It is important to determine if a design defect may have contributed to an ATV accident.
- Was proper training provided? If an ATV vehicle is rented, the rental company must provide appropriate training and safety education, along with necessary safety gear. A failure to do so can lead to an accident, in which case, the rental company may be held liable.
- Were proper warning signs in place? Many ATV vehicles are meant to carry just a single passenger. However, without proper signage, an inexperienced driver may not know this. If proper warning signs are not in place, and this contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Was the vehicle properly maintained? ATV vehicles must be properly maintained to continue to operate safely. If a private owner or rental company failed to regularly inspect and maintain a vehicle, that person or party may be held liable if a mechanical failure caused the accident.
Helping to Prove Liability
To prove liability for an ATV rollover, attorney Harris must recreate the accident. The more information he has about the rollover, the more effectively he will be able to do so. Our Salt Lake City clients can do their part to help prove liability by taking the following actions after an accident:
- Get the information of any involved drivers
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, including involved vehicles
- Take photos of any vehicle damage and injuries, if possible
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Contact Us
If you have been involved in an ATV rollover accident, an attorney can be invaluable when it comes to determining liability and getting you the compensation you are due for damages. To learn how attorney Lynn C. Harris and his legal team can assist you with your case, contact us at your earliest convenience, or call (801) 521-3200. We serve clients in Salt Lake City, Provo, and surrounding areas.
