In the immediate aftermath of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident, getting treatment for your severe injuries was likely your first priority. Get—and keep getting—all the medical care prescribed in your treatment plan. Once you start your recovery, your next steps after an ATV accident in Georgia should include documenting your treatment plan, uncovering the cause of the accident, and identifying the at-fault party.
You may be entitled to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. You do not have to manage the legal aftermath of your ATV accident claim on your own. Atlanta ATV accident lawyers typically accept cases like yours on a contingency fee basis. You could also get a free initial consultation to learn more about the type of legal support you can get in your pursuit of financial compensation.
Stick to Your Treatment Plan and Track Your Related Expenses
The costs of treating your ATV-related injuries can start right at the scene of the accident with emergency medical first responders. Additional medical expenses can include:
- Emergency room fees
- Diagnostic testing
- Hospital admissions
- Rehab and therapy
- In-home medical support
- Treatment-related travel
- Prescription medication
Keep every bill or receipt you receive and start building your own case file. Collect these items from every medical professional and facility where you received care so your Atlanta personal injury lawyer can review them.
Capture the Financial Impact of Your Georgia ATV Accident
Medical bills are only one type of economic damage you can recover. They are typically accompanied by supporting documentation that makes assessing their monetary value simple. You are also entitled to compensation for the following:
- Current loss of income
- Future lost earnings
- Property damage
- Property replacement
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Your family can recover wrongful death damages for the loss of a loved one in an ATV accident. An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can clarify the types of damages you can recover, who can file a wrongful death action, and which family members can receive financial compensation.
You are entitled to compensation for a negligence-based recreational vehicle accident. Documenting the value of these damages can help ensure your compensation claim is not undervalued or underpaid.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Investigate the Cause of Your All-Terrain Vehicle Accident
To recover damages, you have to prove your accident was the result of another person’s or entity’s negligence. That means proving the four legally required elements of negligence under Georgia law, including:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party owed you a reasonable duty of care
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party breached their legal obligation
- Causation: A link between the at-fault party’s actions and the accident
- Damages: The injured party suffered negative financial consequences
Proving these elements is typically done by collecting evidence that tells the story of the accident. Some of the most commonly reported causes of ATV accidents in Georgia include:
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive maneuvers
- Driving under the influence
A careful investigation will uncover the exact cause of your accident and lead to the financial compensation you need to start putting your life back together after an accident.
Compile Comprehensive Evidence to Support Your Claim
Your representative and representatives for the at-fault party both rely on evidence to substantiate the version of events relayed by their client. The accumulated evidence will not only prove negligence, but it will also prove your recoverable damages.
Evidence of negligence can include:
- Official police report and any attachments
- Police-generated photos and video footage
- Accident scene reconstruction reports
- Medical first responder records and reports
- Lay and expert witness statements
The evidence you collect to prove the accident’s financial consequences can include employment and salary history records, recreational vehicle repair receipts or estimates, and ATV replacement values.
You can also obtain the at-fault party’s insurance policy information, which could include ATV insurance, auto insurance policy coverage, or (rarely) homeowners’ insurance policy coverage. An ATV accident attorney can identify and pursue the right insurance company.
File a Report with the Appropriate Authorities After Your ATV Accident
An official report is a valuable piece of evidence after an off-road vehicle accident. Obtain a copy of your accident report as soon as it is available. It will tell your lawyer important details about the accident, including:
- The accident’s date, time and location
- The at-fault party’s contact details
- The at-fault party’s insurance information
- Police-generated photos and videos
- Readily apparent physical injuries
- Accident causes and contributing factors
Where your accident occurred could influence where it was reported. Obtain a copy of your report from either a local office of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Your accident report can support your version of events. It will capture critical details that can protect you from allegations that you caused or contributed to the accident.
Ensure Timely Filing of Your ATV Accident Lawsuit
The statute of limitations in Georgia imposes a limit on the time you have to file your lawsuit after an ATV accident. According to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, you generally have:
- Two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit
- Two years from the date of a loved one’s demise to file your wrongful death lawsuit
Filing your lawsuit on time is mandatory. It can also be complicated since the filing deadline can change based on the liable party’s age and various other factors. If the filing deadline expires, you could be barred from filing your lawsuit altogether. A personal injury lawyer in your area can help you avoid this outcome by filing your lawsuit within the allotted time period.
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Discover How Our Attorneys Can Help You After an ATV Accident in Georgia
The extent of your injuries and the trauma of the accident can make it difficult to know what to do after an ATV accident in Georgia. What you do not have to do is manage your case on your own. Our law firm will provide the legal services you can rely on to get the financial compensation you need and deserve.
Find out how hard our ATV accident lawyers will fight to get you maximum compensation in your case from the negligent party. Contact our consultation team at Kaine Law to get your free case review today.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
