After an ATV accident, you should prioritize your safety and seek medical attention right away. This can be a frightening and confusing time, but taking these initial steps can protect your well-being and your rights.
Once you’re safe, consider what happened and what information you might need to gather. Managing your ATV accident claim while you recover can be overwhelming, but an Atlanta ATV accident lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need.
Your Next Steps Can Ensure Your Health and Protect Your Rights
After an ATV accident, you should follow these basic steps. If your injuries prevent you from doing something, prioritize your health and safety:
Ensure Your Safety First
Immediately after an ATV accident, move to a safe location if you are able. Avoid staying near traffic or in a position where further injuries could occur. Your safety is the top priority.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health needs to be next. Go to the emergency room or schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Where such injuries as broken bones and road rash are easily visible, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. These injuries could include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
Your doctors can order tests and screenings to discover such obscured injuries.
Additionally, keep records of all medical visits and treatments, as they will be important for your claim. Seeing a doctor as quickly as possible helps tie your injuries to the accident.
Document the Accident Scene
If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, including the ATV, any visible injuries, and surrounding areas. Collect contact information from witnesses and make notes about the incident while details are fresh in your mind.
Report the Accident
Inform local authorities about the accident so they may generate a police report. This report will serve as an official record of the incident and can be crucial for your case.
When you report the accident, don’t make assumptions about motives, make accusations, or add commentary. Try to stay calm and only present what you remember from the accident.
Preserve Evidence
Begin a case file and keep all evidence related to the accident, including damaged gear, clothing, and the ATV itself. Do not attempt to repair anything before documenting its condition.
You can also start a journal on your injuries and recovery. Note dates and times of doctor’s visits, treatments, and how you feel. Your journal can also be used when you file a personal injury claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Provide them with the necessary information, but be cautious about giving detailed statements without legal advice.
Do not take the blame for the accident. Do not say you are sorry to anyone in the accident. In fact, avoid even discussing the accident with anyone other than an attorney. You should also stay off social media for the time being.
Insurance companies can take anything you say or post and use it against you to justify delaying, reducing, or even denying your claim.
Consult an ATV Accident Lawyer
An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you through the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
How a Lawyer Can Assist After an ATV Accident
If you have been in an accident with an ATV, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you and your family deserve. They can provide legal advice tailored to your specific situation. They help you understand your rights and the potential legal avenues you can pursue. Here’s what they can do for you:
Investigation of the ATV Accident
Lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Police reports
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Witness interviews
This evidence is used to prove negligence, which generally has four elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
In addition to establishing the who and the how of your ATV accident, we will also assess what damages you may pursue in your claim. Damages reflect the economic and non-economic losses you have experienced. Your damages may include any of the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Medical expenses
- Long-term healthcare costs
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
If you lost a loved one in an accident, an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family seek the justice and compensation you need.
Negotiation with the Liable Party’s Insurer
Working with insurance companies can be daunting. Lawyers handle all dealings with them to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer for your injuries and damages.
Representation in Civil Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an ATV accident lawyer will represent you in court. They present your case effectively, advocate on your behalf, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome.
Providing Peace of Mind
Navigating the aftermath of an ATV accident can be overwhelming. A lawyer alleviates stress by managing legal complexities, allowing you to focus on recovery and healing.
You Have a Limited Amount of Time After an ATV Accident
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including ATV accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident, per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This statute also covers wrongful death lawsuits. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to pursue legal action.
It is crucial to act promptly to ensure all legal deadlines are met. With timely action, a personal injury attorney can file your lawsuit before the expiration and preserve evidence in your case.
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Get the Support You Need From Kaine Law Today
Kaine Law is here to assist you after an ATV accident. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. With our dedicated support, you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you during this challenging time.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
