All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, have surged in popularity across the nation, especially in the Eastern Texas backcountry. However, ATV accidents in Round Rock aren’t uncommon. Hundreds of ATV accidents have been recorded in the Lone Star State over the past few decades.
Riders and passengers involved in these accidents can suffer catastrophic injuries that result in significant medical bills, lost wages, long-term disability, physical disfigurement, and emotional distress.
When you’re injured in an ATV accident in Round Rock, TX, it’s important to evaluate your legal rights, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Common Causes of ATV Accidents in Round Rock
Most Round Rock ATV accidents are caused by avoidable acts of negligence, including:
- Operator distraction
- Performing reckless or dangerous stunts
- Riding on dangerous terrain
- Speeding
- Drug and alcohol use
- Operator inexperience
- Poor ATV maintenance
- Riding on a paved surface
However, not all ATV accidents are caused by rider errors. Many ATV accidents are related to defects with the vehicle itself. Common defects affect the electrical system, brakes, tires, suspension, frame, and fuel system. If a part of the ATV fails, it can cause the vehicle to malfunction and lead to an accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Round Rock ATV Accident
When you’ve been involved in an ATV accident in Round Rock, Texas, it’s important to:
- Report the accident to the local Round Rock police department and/or the owner of the property where the crash occurred
- Document the crash by taking pictures of damaged property, physical injuries, and the scene of the accident
- Gather evidence that might be beneficial to a legal claim for damages
- Seek prompt medical treatment to ensure that any injuries sustained in the ATV accident are diagnosed and treated
- Contact your insurance company
- Keep track of your medical bills, out-of-pocket costs during recovery, lost wages, and other evidence of financial losses
- Contact an experienced Round Rock ATV accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.
The sooner you call an attorney about your ATV accident in Round Rock, the better. Dow Law Firm has team members standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Understanding Liability in Texas ATV Claims
In Texas, anyone who contributes to an ATV accident can be liable. This can depend largely on who’s involved in the crash, where the ATV accident takes place, and what caused the accident in the first place.
Potentially liable parties can include:
- ATV operators
- Property owners
- ATV manufacturers
- ATV passengers
- Government agencies
Liability is proportionate to fault. The more a party bears responsibility for an ATV accident, the more they’ll be liable for damages. At the same time, shared fault will adversely affect an injured rider’s ability to recover compensation. Damages can be awarded on a reduced basis on long as shared responsibility isn’t greater than 50 percent.
How to File an ATV Claim in Round Rock, TX
When you get into a single-vehicle ATV accident and have ATV insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance company to get benefits for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and suffering.
If you get into an ATV accident and someone else is at fault, you can file a claim with their insurance company or seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit. The claims process can be challenging, and mistakes and missteps can cost you. Many times, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced Round Rock personal injury lawyer to file your ATV claim for you.
Why Work with a Round Rock ATV Accident Attorney
ATV accidents can be catastrophic and cause painful injuries, physical disfigurement and scarring, and life-long pain and suffering. The related costs can be overwhelming. It can be important to seek compensation to help you get back on your feet, especially if someone else is at fault.
Hiring an experienced ATV accident lawyer puts a skilled and knowledgeable legal advocate in your corner, giving you the freedom to focus on your recovery and well-being. You can concentrate on getting better while knowing that you’ve increased the odds of winning your ATV claim and getting the compensation you deserve.
Dow Law Firm has helped injury victims in Texas win millions. Call our ATV accident attorneys in Round Rock at (512) 240-9951 to discuss the details of your ATV accident claim today. Your first consultation is free.