Riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through the swamplands and bayous in the area around New Orleans is a fun and unique experience that can quickly turn deadly. Vehicles such as ATVs demand respect and, on occasion, riders, passengers or even bystanders can get seriously injured in an accident.

How ATV Accidents Occur

Due to the conditions that ATVs are often used in, there are a variety of factors that may contribute to a an accident, including:

• Weather: Poor weather conditions can impede vision and cause a rider to misjudge distances and miss hazards in the road.
• Environment: Mud and slippery trails are commonly deceptive, which may cause a rider to incorrectly gauge how fast to travel through an area, resulting in an accident.
• Riding with a passenger: Adding a passenger to an ATV (especially if it’s only built for one) can dramatically change its handling, making the ride dangerous for all parties involved.
• Defective product: All products are prone to defects, but not all can seriously harm you. If there is a product design or manufacturing defect in an ATV, it might break down at high speeds or while a rider is in a hazardous situation, resulting in serious injuries.

Steps to Take After an ATV Accident

If you’re involved in an ATV accident, you may be unsure of what steps to take next. Here’s a quick rundown of what you should do after you’ve been injured:

• Seek medical attention: If you plan on pursuing legal recourse, you need documentation of your condition. Seeing a medical professional as soon as possible ensures you head on the right path for recovery, and also leaves behind a paper trial for your case.
• Collect information: Gather important information such as names, numbers, and addresses to all involved in the ATV accident. Write down any witness testimonies and the make and model of the ATVs involved in the crash.
• Don’t talk about the accident: Avoid posting about the accident on any forms of social media. In addition, if any insurance adjusters call you, be wary of any low early settlement amounts they may try to offer you.
• Contact an attorney: Consult with an attorney after you’re injured. They can help you collect evidence, talk to insurance companies and get you the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

If you have been injured in an accident, please contact our New Orleans personal injury attorneys at The Womac Law Firm today! Call (504) 470-3935 to speak with a lawyer.