As exhilarating as ATVs are, they carry all the risks that every motor vehicle does. They are dangerous, especially when placed in the hands of an individual who drives recklessly and disregards traffic laws.
Therefore, if you own or enjoy riding ATVs, here is some information you’ll likely find very beneficial. This article explains in detail what steps you should take after being in an ATV accident in Illinois. The goal is to ensure you control the situation and can seek compensation if needed.
See a Doctor Immediately to Diagnose and Offer All Necessary Medical Treatment and Information
“The priority is your health; ensure that the accident hasn’t compromised your health and get help if it has,” says Attorney Michael McCready of McCreadyLaw Injury Attorneys. You may feel normal after an ATV accident, but you probably aren’t. ATV accidents cause a series of severe injuries, like spinal cord and brain injuries, that can lead to complications if not treated early.
Therefore, do not wait until you see symptoms, which may take days to appear, before visiting a doctor. The doctor will screen you for injuries, detect bleeding before it damages vital organs, and certify you as healthy or otherwise.
Get Video and Picture Evidence of the Accident and Surrounding Activities to Offer Context
After an ATV accident, you should take pictures of the crash site, showing your injuries, damage to the vehicle, and everything else. Refrain from discarding any detail as inconsequential; what you consider unimportant may be what you need to win your case.
You can also record videos of the scene to provide real-time evidence of the accident. Your attorney and insurance company can use this evidence to determine the cause of the crash and who is liable.
Get Witnesses’ Information By Discussing and Recording Testimonies and Information They Provide
If there was a collision between two ATVs, get the information of the occupant of the other ATV. If eyewitnesses are present, endeavor to obtain their information, including their names and contact details. In addition, ensure you get the insurance information of the other ATV’s driver, alongside their name, phone number, and ATV model.
Get a Lawyer Who Has Knowledge about ATV Accidents and Offer a Brief of Your Case
Alert your lawyer or consult one as soon as possible after an ATV accident. Ensure that the lawyer is local; you need professional legal counsel who understands how Illinois personal injury law works.
Moreover, your lawyer can help you gather evidence while you focus on recovery. Also, they can help you negotiate with insurance companies, protect you from manipulation, and represent you in court if necessary.
Do Not Sign Papers Until Your Lawyer Is Present and They Have Explained the Nature and Effect of Such Paperwork
It is risky to speak with an insurance company after a car accident in Illinois without your lawyer present. Many things could go wrong, including apologizing for the accident, which the insurer can take as an admission of guilt.
In addition, they may sweet-talk or gaslight you into signing papers, which likely means taking the blame for what happened. Only sign documentation once you speak with an Illinois personal injury attorney to avoid costly mistakes.
Say Nothing About the Accident to Anyone or Company, Regardless of How Sympathetic They Are to You
Only discuss the accident, especially on social media, once your case concludes. Aside from law enforcement officers and your ATV injury attorney, do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone. Do not discuss the incident or your injuries, do not talk to an insurance adjuster about it, and avoid social media if possible.
Conclusion
Worse than an ATV accident in Illinois is not being able to sue for damages afterward. Therefore, knowing what steps to take afterward is essential after an ATV accident. Your actions after the incident can make the difference between a successful personal injury case and an unsuccessful one.
