atv accident

The citizens of Denver are known for their love of the outdoors. In and around the Mile-High City, many people own ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and snowmobiles for both practical and entertainment purposes.

Unfortunately, being an experienced rider doesn’t always prevent you from having an accident that results in severe injuries. ATV and snowmobile accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Injuries from such accidents can be so severe that they may require lengthy and painful recovery periods including intense physical therapy or even result in permanent disability.

Many ATV and snowmobile injuries are caused by operator error. However, a significant number of these ATV and snowmobile accidents are caused by a defective design, which causes the ATV or snowmobile to fail to operate normally. In addition, it is important to note that riders are often injured through the carelessness and negligence of other drivers. Ultimately all of these causes lead to a serious accident that results in very serious injuries

If you have been injured or someone you love was killed as the result of an ATV or snowmobile accident, and you were not at fault, you may be able to file a claim to seek compensation to cover your economic and non-economic damages. We will explain these further in a moment.

Contact Our Lawyers to Help With Your Case

If you have been hurt in an ATV or snowmobile accident in Golden, Denver, or surrounding areas of Colorado that was caused by someone else, you should speak to one of our experienced ATV or snowmobile attorneys about your legal options and rights. Sean Olson at the Olson Law Firm, LLC will provide aggressive advocacy for you as an off-road vehicle injury victim. He will help you. vigorously fight for the full amount of the compensation you deserve.

Get help navigating the complex and overwhelming legal system pursuing just compensation for your injuries. Contact Sean Olson and the other experienced Golden & Denver ATV & snowmobile attorneys at Olson Law Firm, LLC today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

What Are Off-Road Vehicles?

For a vehicle to be classified as an off-road vehicle, it must provide means of transportation off of a paved surface. Frequently, off-road vehicles have a significant amount of ground clearance to avoid obstacles such as rocks and branches. In addition, off-road vehicles typically have a softer suspension and larger tires, so they are less likely to sink into softer ground materials such as mud or sand. And, many off-road vehicles have a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system for traction.

ATVs are classified as four-wheeled motorized vehicles with an overall width of 50 inches or less designed to operate exclusively on off-road terrain, typically for a single rider. ATVs are equipped with four low-pressure tires, handlebars for steering, and a seat that is straddled by the rider.

Snowmobiles (also known as motor sleds or snow machines) are classified as one- or two-passenger vehicles with skis in front and an engine-driven single or double continuous track to propel it. Snowmobiles, which typically follow the basic design of skis have a fuel tank, engine, and seating for the driver, and are usually steered by handlebars. Acceleration and braking are controlled by throttle and brake controls, all on the handlebars.

Causes of ATV and Snowmobile Accidents in Denver

ATV and snowmobile accidents happen for a wide variety of reasons, including:

  • Negligence on the part of drivers of other vehicles
  • Manufacturing and design defects
  • Improper maintenance of the vehicle
  • Ice or water hazards
  • Dangerous terrain
  • Rider inexperience
  • Lack of training
  • Intoxication
  • Riding too fast for the conditions
  • Riding with a passenger on a vehicle not designed to have passengers
  • Reckless driving

No matter the cause of your ATV or snowmobile accident, the experienced ATV and snowmobile attorneys at Olson Law Firm, LLC are ready to aggressively pursue the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Off-Road Vehicle Injuries

Most ATV and snowmobile accident injuries include at least one of the following:

  • Severed limbs
  • Paralysis
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Frostbite, hypothermia, and other exposure injuries
  • Drowning and near-drowning

At the Olson Law Firm, LLC, we also can handle your wrongful death case involving off-terrain vehicles. Generally, ATV and snowmobile drivers are more unprotected and vulnerable than most other vehicle drivers. Therefore, ATVs and snowmobiles are more likely to suffer severe or fatal head injuries, even when wearing a helmet.

Damages Our Lawyers Will Fight For

As a victim of an off-road vehicle accident in Golden or Denver, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, including economic & non-economic damages as well as losses from the negligent party.

Compensation – Economic and Non-Economic Damages:

  • Economic Damages. These are damages to compensate you for all financial losses you have sustained as a result of the off-road vehicle crash, including but not limited to:
    • Loss of income
    • Medical expenses
    • Reduced earning capacity
  • Non-economic Damages. These are damages to compensate you for losses that are not easily quantifiable, which may include:
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Pain and suffering
    • Mental anguish

You may also be eligible to recover damages to compensate you for any permanent physical scars, disability, or disfigurement you may have suffered as a result of the accident.

Determining Liability in an ATV or Snowmobile Accident in Golden & Denver

Liability for an ATV or snowmobile accident depends on what caused the accident and how it happened. If the accident and resulting injuries were caused by faulty design or defective aspect of the ATV or snowmobile, the manufacturer of the vehicle will usually be held liable. This is categorized as a product liability claim. However, in order for the injured rider to file a claim against the manufacturer, the defective aspect or design must have caused or contributed to the accident.

Liability for an ATV or snowmobile accident can also fall to another driver who was operating their vehicle recklessly/negligently, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if they failed to see your ATV or snowmobile causing an accident that resulted in your serious injuries. If you were injured as a passenger on an off-road vehicle where the driver you were riding with was at fault (even if they were negligent in operating the off-road vehicle), you may still be entitled to pursue compensation.

To identify all parties who could potentially be liable for your injuries, it is important for you to hire an experienced ATV and snowmobile lawyer to investigate the accident and determine the liable parties as well as estimate the amount of compensation you should receive for the harm you’ve suffered. Our team at Olson Law Firm, LLC is ready to review the facts, listen to you, and thoroughly investigate your case in order to determine all potential sources of financial recovery.

Olson Law Firm, LLC Can Help After an ATV Accident in Denver

If you have been injured in an ATV or snowmobile accident and you believe it was someone else’s fault, it is important that you don’t try to “go it alone”. The key to a successful outcome is speaking to and working with an experienced off-road vehicle attorney. The knowledgeable and compassionate team at the Olson Law Firm, LLC will answer your questions and explain the legal process involved in successfully pursuing your claim. We will discuss all of your legal options and make sure you understand your rights. We will be with you every step of the way.

Olson Law Firm, LLC is committed to ensuring that you have the best client experience possible – from start to finish and we are dedicated to ensuring your story is heard. We will fight tirelessly, advocating on your behalf to hold the at-fault parties responsible. We will be there beside you through every step of the legal process. Our attorneys will do everything they can to fight for your rights and help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Time isn’t on your side. The statute of limitations may run out. It’s important to contact the team of experienced ATV & snowmobile at Olson Law Firm, LLC today. Sean Olson and his knowledgeable and compassionate team immediately for a free and confidential consultation and case evaluation.