Minnesota ATV Accident Lawyer
In the past 20 years in Minnesota, the number of people riding All-Terrain Vehicles has more than doubled. People often underestimate potential dangers such as rollovers and driver ejections because ATVs don’t require a traditional driver’s license to ride off-road. If you have been injured in a Minnesota ATV accident, contact an experienced lawyer from Sieben Polk P.A. for help.
What Causes ATV & Recreational Vehicle Accidents in Minnesota?
In 2024, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recorded 253 off-road vehicle accidents, including 30 fatalities and 246 bodily injuries. Common causes of such accidents include:
- Speeding
- Inexperienced driving
- Reckless or thoughtless operator behavior
- Riding under the influence
- Defective vehicles or parts
Road and trail conditions may also contribute to recreational vehicle accidents in Minnesota. With 12 million acres of public lands where ATV drivers can ride, there are plenty of opportunities for an unexpected dip, bump, or obstacle to lead to an accident.
Even Minnesota’s notoriously variable climate poses a risk. Minnesota sees precipitation on approximately 100 days per year and an average of 47 inches of snow, almost double the national average. Wet weather and unpredictable surface conditions make the crash risk high, even for experienced riders.
Common ATV and Recreational Vehicle Injuries
Emergency departments across the country see approximately 100,000 off-highway vehicle injuries every year. Those injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Joint dislocations
- Facial trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
- Burns
- Limb loss
These injuries can be life-threatening, and many end in long-term disability, requiring years of treatment and rehabilitation. Some, such as TBIs and spinal cord injuries, can leave victims permanently disabled and in need of daily care. If you are dealing with the financial and emotional burden of an accident injury or wrongful death, a Minnesota ATV injury lawyer can help.
What To Do After an ATV Accident in Minnesota
Follow these steps to safeguard your well-being and protect your rights after an accident:
- Check for injuries: The well-being of those involved is the top priority. Call emergency services for any moderate or severe injuries, and schedule a timely appointment with a medical professional, even if you feel unharmed. Some injuries, including whiplash, may not show symptoms until hours or days after the incident.
- Report the accident: Call local law enforcement or conservation officers if the incident occurred in a state park. When an officer reports to the scene, explain what happened and encourage others to do the same. Request a copy of the officer’s report.
- Collect evidence: Documentation will be essential if you file a claim. Take photos of the scene, collect witness statements, and note any conditions that might have contributed to the accident.
- Contact a lawyer: Reach out as soon as possible, even if you haven’t decided to take legal action. A lawyer can help to protect your rights and advise you on potential next steps.
How Can an ATV Accident Lawyer in Minnesota Help You?
You need an ATV accident lawyer who understands Minnesota injury law if you’ve been injured. Our team of expert legal professionals has over 50 years of experience representing injured victims across the state and is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our skilled Minnesota ATV injury lawyers can help you file a claim and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers have a reputation for minimizing victim claims and attempting to reduce their costs with low offers, and a lawyer has the expertise to stand up for your rights.
If your insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement or someone else is at fault for your accident, an ATV accident lawyer in Minnesota can talk to you about the possibility of a lawsuit. Legal action is often the best way to maximize compensation for your injuries.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After an ATV Accident
Minnesota allows recovery of several types of damages in ATV accident lawsuits. Most fall into economic damages, including out-of-pocket expenses, and non-economic damages, which cover intangible losses such as pain and suffering.
Typical economic damages in ATV accident claims include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If you have an injury with predicted long-term effects, you can claim compensation for future costs, such as treatments or disability care.
Discussing your case with an ATV crash lawyer well-versed in Minnesota injury law is important. Our skilled personal injury team has successfully secured compensation for clients in ATV accident cases and can help you build your case.
Minnesota ATV Accident Statute of Limitations
Each state imposes deadlines on filing civil lawsuits, including personal injury cases. Missing this deadline, known as a statute of limitations, typically means relinquishing your right to sue.
Most claimants have six years to file an ATV accident claim in Minnesota. This is the standard personal injury statute of limitations in Minnesota, which applies in most vehicle accident cases.
Some exceptions exist, however. If you lost a loved one in an ATV accident, you must file your wrongful death lawsuit within three years of the date of death and six years of the original accident. If your claim involves vehicle manufacturing defects, your statute of limitations is four years.
Act quickly. Contact a trusted Minnesota ATV accident lawyer so you don’t lose your chance to file. Our skilled attorneys can guide you through the typical case timeline and help you file your paperwork promptly.
Why Choose Sieben Polk Law for Your ATV Accident Case?
Our firm has represented injured victims in Minnesota for over 50 years. Our skilled attorneys draw on 200 years of combined legal experience and a deep understanding of the Upper Midwest’s legal terrain, including its attorneys, judges, and laws.
Our strong track record of success includes numerous favorable settlements and verdicts for accident victims, including those involved in ATV and recreational vehicle crashes. We are committed to pursuing justice for survivors and providing personalized attention to every client, no matter the size of their case.
We combine the resources of a large firm with the genuine care and concern of a local practice. We stay in close contact with clients and enjoy having regular meetings to keep you up to date on the status of your case. In the words of Attorney John Sieben:
“Clients can trust us and can count on us to use all forms of communication. I personally, and our lawyers as well, like in-person communication — sitting down in our office or at your home. One of my favorite places to work is at a client’s kitchen table, just sitting down and getting to know them.” – J. Sieben
We are proud of what our clients say about our professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail. Our clients know that we move cases along as quickly as possible because we understand the difficulty of the legal process. We want the same things you want — to collect the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Contact Sieben Polk Law for Help With Your ATV Accident Case
At Sieben Polk, we are committed to providing superior localized service to injured victims across Minnesota. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an ATV accident, act now to secure your rights and get legal help today. Call (651)437-3148 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
- What Causes ATV & Recreational Vehicle Accidents in Minnesota?
- Common ATV and Recreational Vehicle Injuries
- What To Do After an ATV Accident in Minnesota
- How Can an ATV Accident Lawyer in Minnesota Help You?
- Compensation You May Be Entitled to After an ATV Accident
- Minnesota ATV Accident Statute of Limitations
- Why Choose Sieben Polk Law for Your ATV Accident Case?
- Contact Sieben Polk Law for Help With Your ATV Accident Case
