New Haven ATV Accident Attorney
ATV accidents frequently give rise to complex legal questions regarding liability and compensation. These incidents often involve issues of negligence, equipment failure, or hazardous conditions. Accidents can occur for many reasons, including driver errors, mechanical problems, or surrounding environmental dangers. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury or damage from an ATV accident, consult with a knowledgeable New Haven ATV accident lawyer today.
How Sorrentino Legal Can Help
At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, we’ve helped many clients receive compensation for accident-related injuries. In one case, we won a $500,137 court award for a scooter rider who was hit by a driver who ran a stop sign. Our accomplished attorney is ready to help you fight for what you deserve.
In the U.S., there are between 800 and 900 ATV-related deaths each year. From 2018 to 2020, 1,643 deaths were associated with ATVs. To determine if you can claim liability and prove that negligence was involved in an ATV accident, consult with a dedicated attorney at Sorrentino Legal. -Injury & Accident Law.
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Common Causes of ATV Accidents
While stores like New Haven Motorsports sell ATVs across the country, ATV accidents often happen because of loss of control, rollovers, and collisions. Speeding, difficult terrain, and reckless driving can cause loss of control. Rollovers are common, especially on slopes or sharp turns. Collisions with trees, rocks, or other vehicles are also significant factors.
Other contributing factors to ATV accidents include inexperience, impairment, lack of safety gear, and defective ATVs. It is important to understand how different causes of accidents can impact your chance of claiming liability, as it can help establish who is at fault and potentially negligent.
Liability in ATV Accidents
Connecticut mandates that ATV owners maintain liability insurance that meets or exceeds the specified minimum coverage amounts for both bodily injury and property damage. Liability in ATV accidents can be complex, involving factors like negligence, defective products, or improper operation. If an accident occurs due to another party’s negligence, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed to seek compensation for injuries and damages.
Possible liability parties include:
- Other ATV drivers. If an ATV driver’s negligence (e.g., drunk driving, reckless operation) causes an accident, they can be held liable.
- Manufacturers/retailers. If a defective ATV or its components (brakes, tires) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or retailer could be liable.
- ATV owners. An ATV owner who allows an underage or unqualified person to operate the vehicle can be held liable.
In some cases, multiple parties may be partially liable for an accident. In Connecticut, liability is typically “several,” meaning each party is responsible for their assigned percentage of fault. If found liable, parties may be responsible for covering medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Types of Damages Recoverable
In ATV accidents, victims can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills. Includes the costs of emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, ongoing treatment, and any future medical care related to the accident
- Reduced earning capacity and lost wages. Compensation for lost wages from the injury, as well as any reduced ability to earn a living in the future
- Property damage. Covers the cost of repairing or replacing the ATV and any other damaged property
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical pain experienced due to the injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Compensates plaintiffs for the inability to participate in activities and hobbies due to the injury
- Emotional distress. Includes psychological trauma, mental anguish, and anxiety resulting from the accident
- Disability and disfigurement. Covers permanent physical impairment or visible scars resulting from the accident
Statute of Limitations
Connecticut law requires personal injury claims from ATV accidents to be filed within two years of when the injury occurred. Waiting beyond this deadline may result in losing your right to seek compensation
Given the complexities of legal deadlines, it’s essential to speak with a skilled New Haven ATV lawyer as soon as you can after an ATV accident to ensure you understand your rights and the relevant statute of limitations. Missing the two-year deadline can mean losing the right to sue for damages related to the accident.
Importance of Legal Representation
ATV accidents often involve complicated legal and insurance issues that make having a lawyer important. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and work toward getting you fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Legal professionals know how to communicate with insurance companies, protect your interests, and present your case effectively, which often leads to better settlement amounts than handling things on your own.
While it might be tempting to handle an ATV accident claim on your own, seeking legal representation from an experienced attorney is highly recommended to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. ATV accident cases often involve unique factors like property liability, vehicle defects, and unclear rules of operation, requiring extensive knowledge.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, don’t navigate the complex legal and insurance challenges alone. Contact Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law today for experienced, dedicated representation. With Brad Sorrentino’s proven expertise and the firm’s deep knowledge of personal injury law, including complicated ATV accident claims, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. Reach out to Sorrentino Legal now for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
FAQs
A: Homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover ATV accidents, especially if they occur off your property or involve third-party liability. While some policies may offer limited liability coverage for accidents on your property, it’s generally insufficient for ATV-related incidents. ATVs are considered recreational vehicles and usually require a separate insurance policy for adequate coverage.
A: Yes, insurance can cover ATV accidents, but it depends on the type of insurance and specific circumstances. Standard auto insurance policies typically don’t cover ATVs, especially for off-road use. You’ll likely need a separate ATV insurance policy that offers coverage for accidents, injuries, and property damage.
A: If you were partially at fault for an ATV accident, you may still be able to recover some damages. Connecticut follows a system called “modified comparative negligence.” This means your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. However, if you are found to be more than 51% at fault, you will be barred from any compensation at all.
A: Yes, it is possible to sue the ATV manufacturer if the vehicle was defective and caused an injury. Connecticut provides protection for consumers who are injured by defective products. To successfully sue the manufacturer, you’ll need to demonstrate that the ATV was defective and the defect caused your injury, as well as that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate instructions or warnings about the ATV’s potential risks.
Contact a Premier New Haven ATV Accident Attorney
After an ATV accident, a skilled attorney can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurers, and help you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact Sorrentino Legal today for quality support and advocacy. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
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