Injuries suffered in all-terrain vehicle accidents in Tennessee can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an ATV accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side who will fight for the compensation you deserve. The Nashville, Tennessee lawyers at Tennessee Accident Law have extensive experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including those involving ATV accidents.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, you may be wondering what caused it. Here are the five most common causes of ATV accidents in Tennessee.
1. Driver Inexperience
One of the most common causes of ATV accidents is driver inexperience. Many people underestimate how difficult it is to drive an ATV. Even if you have driven a car or motorcycle before, driving an ATV is a completely different experience. Before driving an ATV, make sure you understand the basics of how to operate it and have practiced driving it in a safe area.
2. Speeding
Another common cause of ATV accidents is speeding. Just like with any other vehicle, driving an ATV too fast increases your risk of losing control and crashing. Drive at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions and your level of experience.
3. Alcohol Use
Many people enjoy drinking alcohol while riding their ATVs. Unfortunately, this can often lead to accidents. Alcohol impairs your judgment and makes it more difficult to operate an ATV safely. If you are going to drink alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver who can operate the ATV for you.
4. Poorly Maintained Roads
Poorly maintained roads are another leading cause of ATV accidents. When roads are not properly maintained, they can become full of potholes and other hazards that can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash. Always be aware of the condition of the road before operating an ATV on it.
5. Defective Equipment
Finally, defective equipment is one of the leading causes of ATV accidents. From faulty brakes to defective tires, when any part of your ATV isn’t working properly, it increases your risk of being involved in an accident. Make sure to regularly inspect your vehicle and have any necessary repairs made before driving it again.
Common ATV Accident Injuries
All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, can be a lot of fun. They’re versatile vehicles that can be used for a variety of purposes, from farming and ranching to recreation and leisure. However, ATVs also come with a unique set of risks. Because of their design and the way they’re operated, ATVs are more likely than other vehicles to roll over or tip over. When this happens, riders can be seriously injured or even killed.
There are some things you can do to stay safe while riding your ATV. First, always wear a helmet. Second, don’t ride on paved roads. Third, avoid alcohol or drugs before operating an ATV. fourth, take an ATV safety course. And finally, know the terrain you’ll be riding on and plan your route accordingly.
Most Common Injuries Sustained in an ATV Accident
ATV accidents can cause a variety of injuries, some of which are more common than others. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in an ATV accident:
1. Head injuries
Head injuries are one of the most common injuries sustained in an ATV accident. This is due in part to the fact that many riders do not wear helmets while operating an ATV. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Wearing a helmet can help reduce the risk of sustaining a head injury in an ATV accident.
2. Neck injuries
Neck injuries are also common in ATV accidents. These types of injuries can occur when the rider is ejected from the vehicle or when the vehicle rolls over onto the rider. Wearing a helmet can help reduce the risk ofneck injury by protecting the cervical spine (neck).
3. Back injuries
Back injuries are another common type of injury sustained in an ATV accident. These types of injuries often occur when the rider is ejected from the vehicle or when the vehicle rolls over onto the rider. Wearing a helmet and protective gear can help reduce the risk of back injury by providing support and cushioning to the spine during a fall or rollover.
4. Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are serious injuries that can occur in an ATV accident if the backbone (spine) is damaged in any way. This type of injury can lead to paralysis or even death if not treated immediately. Wearing a helmet and protective gear can help reduce the risk of spinal cord injury by preventing impact to the spine during a fall or rollover.
5. Broken bones
Broken bones are another common type of injury sustained in an ATV accident.. This type of injury often occurs when the rider is ejected from the vehicle or when the vehicle rolls over onto the rider.. Wearing protective gear (e., armor) can help reduce the risk of fractures by absorbing impact during a fall rollover.
About ATV Accident Claims
If you or a loved one have been involved in an ATV accident, you may be wondering how to make an ATV accident claim. This blog post will provide you with information on what to do if you are involved in an ATV accident in Tennessee. We will also provide a few tips on how to maximize your chances of success with your claim.
What to Do After an ATV Accident
The first thing you should do after being involved in an ATV accident is to seek medical attention, even if you do not think you are injured. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should then contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in ATV accidents. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better chance you have of securing the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies will often try to lowball victims of ATV accidents by offering them a settlement that is much less than they deserve. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to fight these insurance companies and get you the full value of your claim.
In addition to hiring a personal injury lawyer, there are a few other things you can do to increase your chances of success with your claim. First, it is important that you do not sign any documents provided to you by the insurance company without first consulting with your lawyer. Insurance companies will often try to get victims of accidents to sign away their rights without them fully understanding what they are doing.
Another thing you can do is to keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical bills and police reports. This documentation will be invaluable when it comes time to file your claim.
Who is Responsible for My ATV Injuries?
In Tennessee, there are a few different parties who could potentially be held liable for your injuries. Here’s a look at some of the most common scenarios:
The Manufacturer
If you were injured because of a defective ATV, the manufacturer could be held liable. For example, if the ATV had a design flaw that made it susceptible to flipping, the manufacturer could be held responsible. To prove that the manufacturer is liable, you would need to show that the defect was present at the time of purchase and that it directly caused your injuries.
The Dealer
If you purchased your ATV from a dealer, they could also be held liable for your injuries if they failed to disclose a known defect. For example, if the dealer knew that the brakes were faulty but sold the ATV to you anyway, they could be held responsible if you were injured in an accident as a result of the brakes failing.
The Property Owner
If you were injured while riding on someone else’s property, they could be held liable if they knew about a dangerous condition and did not do anything to fix it or warn visitors about it. For example, if there was a large hole in the ground that was not marked and you rode into it on your ATV, injuring yourself, the property owner could be held liable.
Another Rider
If another rider hit you while on their own ATV or caused you to crash because they were driving recklessly, they could be held liable for your injuries. You would need to prove that they were acting negligently to hold them responsible. For example, if they were speeding or weaving in and out of traffic, they could be considered negligent.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About ATV Accidents?
Tennessee law requires that all ATVs be registered with the state. The registration fee is $26 for two years. You must be at least 12 years old to register an ATV, and anyone under the age of 18 must have parental consent.
In Tennessee, it is illegal to operate an ATV on public roads or highways. This includes paved and unpaved roads. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, you may operate an ATV on a public road or highway if you’re crossing it at an intersection, using it to access hunting or fishing areas, or if the road or highway is specifically designated as an ATV trail by the state.
ATVs are also not allowed on sidewalks in Tennessee. The only exceptions to this rule are if you’re using the sidewalk to cross a street or highway at an intersection, or if you’re using an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter that meets certain requirements set forth by the state.
Some other general rules apply to ATV use in Tennessee. For example, all riders must wear helmets, and it’s illegal to operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you violate any of these laws and are involved in an accident, you may be held partially or fully responsible for any resulting injuries or damages.
How Long Do I Have to File an ATV Accident Lawsuit?
In general, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you were injured by a defective product, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a product liability lawsuit. And if you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you have two years from the date of death to file.
The statute of limitations can be extended in certain cases, such as if the person who was injured was a minor at the time of the accident. But it is important to note that extensions are rare and usually only apply in very specific circumstances.
One final thing to keep in mind is that if you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you may be barred from doing so altogether. So if you have been injured in an ATV accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe.
Don’t Talk to Anyone on the Other Side Before Speaking with a Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an ATV accident in Tennessee, the first thing you need to do is call a lawyer. Here’s why.
1) You Need an Advocate on Your Side
When you’re dealing with an insurance company—or, worse, the other person’s insurance company—you need someone in your corner who is looking out for your best interests. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to deal with insurance companies and get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.
2) The Insurance Company is Not Your Friend
No matter what the insurance adjuster says, their goal is to pay out as little as possible on your claim. They will try to trick you into saying things that will damage your case or talk you into accepting a low settlement offer. Don’t fall for it! Let your lawyer handle the negotiations.
3) You Might Need to Go to Court
If you’ve been seriously injured, you might need to take your case to court to get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies know this and will try to take advantage of people who don’t have legal representation. If you have a lawyer, the insurance company will know that you mean business and are more likely to offer a fair settlement. If not, they will lowball you and drag out the process as long as possible in hopes that you’ll give up and go away.
How are We Different from Other Firms?
What Sets Us Apart?
There are a few things that set us apart from other firms. First and foremost, we believe in complete transparency with our clients. We believe that it’s important to work side-by-side with our clients so that they understand what we’re doing every step of the way.
We also have a team of experts in a variety of different fields. This allows us to offer our clients a comprehensive marketing approach. Whether it’s social media, video production, or web design, we have a team of experts who can help our clients reach their goals.
Finally, we pride ourselves on being a results-driven firm. We don’t just want to produce good work, we want to produce work that gets results. That’s why we focus on data-driven decision-making. We use data to track our progress and to make sure that we’re always moving in the right direction.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an ATV Accident Case?
What are the Circumstances of Your Case?
One of the main factors you’ll want to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer is the circumstances of your case. For example, if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, then you’ll likely need to hire a lawyer to help you recover damages. However, if the accident was caused by your negligence, then you may not need a lawyer.
Another factor to consider is whether or not there are any disputed facts in your case. If there is no dispute over who was at fault or what damages were incurred, then you may be able to resolve your case without the help of a lawyer. However, if there is a dispute, then you’ll likely need a lawyer to help prove your case.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider whether or not you have a valid claim. Even if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may not have a valid claim if the damages incurred were minimal. Conversely, even if the accident was caused by your negligence, you may have a valid claim if the damages were significant.
What are Your Chances of Success?
Even if you have a valid claim and decide to hire a lawyer, there’s no guarantee that you will win your case. Your chances of success will depend on many factors, including the strength of your evidence, the skill of your attorney, and luck. If you have a strong case and an experienced attorney, then your chances of success will be higher than if you have a weak case and an inexperienced attorney.
How Much Do We Charge?
In most cases, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we recover money for you. If we don’t win your case, then you don’t owe us anything. As for how much we charge, it depends on the particular case, but our usual contingency fee is one-third of the total recovery.
For example, if we help you recover $30,000 through a settlement or verdict, then our fee would be $10,000. If we don’t win your case, then you don’t owe us anything. That being said, some expenses need to be paid regardless of whether you win or lose your case—things like court filing fees and expert witness fees. In those cases, we advance those costs on your behalf and get reimbursed at the end of the case.
Where Do I Start This Process of Pursuing a Recovery for My Loss?
The first step is to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you as to whether you have a claim. If you do have a claim, the attorney will also be able to tell you how much your case is worth and what you can expect in terms of a settlement or jury verdict.
The second step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. This can be done by either filing a complaint with the court or by serving the defendant with a summons and complaint. Once the lawsuit is filed, the parties will engage in discovery, which is the process of exchanging information about the case.
The third step is to go to trial. If your case does not settle during discovery, it will go to trial, where a judge or jury will hear evidence and decide who should prevail.
Conclusion:
No matter what causes an ATV accident, if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced lawyer on your side who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Tennessee Accident Law to receive a free case evaluation today!
