Austin ATV Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in an ATV accident, the attorneys at Hilliard Law will fight to ensure you obtain the best possible resolution. We are dedicated to working tirelessly on behalf of those harmed by negligence.

Texas is home to various enjoyable outdoor activities thanks to the state’s consistently warm weather. Popular activities include hunting, fishing, and camping.  All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) play a vital part in outdoor leisure, and with an abundance of open areas for off-roading in Texas, riding an ATV is a fairly common activity.

While using an ATV with loved ones may be a fun way to spend time outside and enjoy nature, ATVs can also be dangerous, leading to serious injuries when an accident or collision occurs. If you’ve been hurt in an ATV accident, filing a claim can be overwhelming. Consulting with an experienced lawyer can help. 

Contact our dedicated team of ATV accident attorneys today by calling (361) 882-1612 for a free and confidential consultation.

Liability in Austin ATV Accidents

A successful personal injury claim must establish that another party is liable for your damages. Establishing liability shows that the other party violated their duty of care, directly leading to your accident and injuries. Depending on the specifics, the following parties could be held liable for an ATV accident:

• The ATV driver
• The ATV’s owner
• The seller or manufacturer of the ATV
• The supplier of the ATV’s parts
• The party responsible for the ATV’s maintenance

The driver of the ATV may have contributed to the collision by driving recklessly. Legal liability for the collision may be imposed on the owner if they permitted children or inexperienced drivers to operate the vehicle, or failed to address any known issues with the ATV. Evaluating all the pertinent details surrounding the accident is key to any investigation.

Losses You Can Recover From an Austin ATV Accident

If you’ve been hurt in an ATV accident, you’ve likely also suffered financial losses, emotional distress, and life changes due to your injury. Every victim is affected by an accident differently, so despite these experiences occurring often, the settlement you may receive can only reflect your unique circumstances.

Depending on the financial and emotional toll the accident has had on you, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses from your ATV personal injury claims, including the following:

• Income you’ve lost missed work
• Medical expenses you’ve incurred while treating your injuries
• Pain and suffering you’ve endured as your injuries may have made your life more difficult
• Replacement or repair of property that was damaged in the accident

As the victim of someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be held financially liable for what happened. You may be able to successfully assert your right to fair compensation by working with an experienced ATV accident lawyer.

Which Laws Apply to ATV Use in Austin?

ATVs are considered off-highway vehicles and are subject to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ Unique Vehicles laws and Transportation Code Title 7 Chapter 363. ATVs cannot be registered, but the TxDMV must title them. ATVs can have an Off-Highway Vehicle license plate from the county’s tax assessor-collector’s office.

The Transportation Code mandates that drivers and passengers wear helmets and eye protection approved by the US DOT when on public land. TxDMV mandates that an off-highway vehicle has the following before it can be used on public off-highway vehicle land:

• A brake mechanism
• A muffler system
• A spark arrester certified by the U.S. Forest Service
• A taillight and a headlight
• A sticker for an off-road vehicle issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife

Additionally, an ATV must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem when traveling at 25 mph or less on public roads. On the back of the ATV, the emblem must be displayed at least six feet above the ground, and both the headlights and the taillights of the vehicle must be on. Understanding the laws that govern ATV operations may be helpful for anyone attempting to establish liability while pursuing compensation for losses resulting from an ATV accident.

Speak With an ATV Accident Lawyer in Austin About Your Case

Although ATVs are marketed as being incredibly practical, they have the potential to be quite unsafe and cause significant injury and damage. Anyone who negligently causes an ATV accident should be held responsible for the outcome. Consult an attorney with extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving ATVs and an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws.

Work with a highly qualified attorney from Hilliard Law, to help ensure you obtain the best possible settlement. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys strive to provide our clients with effective, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation.

At Hilliard Law, our personal injury lawyers have been helping accident victims since 1985. We know how to fight for you.  If we take your case, we will work on a Contingent Fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win.

Call us at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form.