Recreational Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Experienced Hamilton Auto Accident Law Firm
Recreational Vehicle Accident Lawyers
It’s arguably one of the worst times to get into an accident — when you are enjoying some free time and recreation. Unfortunately, recreational vehicle accidents happen quite often.
While jet skis, boats, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and others provide a thrilling experience, they are also powerful machines. If they are used unsafely, it can result in disaster. In many cases, recreational vehicle accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant damages, and in some cases, they may even cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
What Are Recreational Vehicle Accidents, and How Do They Happen?
Recreational vehicle accidents can involve a number of vehicles, including ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, dirt bikes, boats, and electric bicycles. They can happen due to several reasons, many of them resulting from the wrongful or negligent conduct of another party, through no fault of your own. For example:
- Another recreational vehicle driver who is unfamiliar with operating their vehicle may crash into yours
- The driver of a car may not employ safety best practices on the road, striking your recreational vehicle
- Another driver may be speeding, not following the rules of the road, or failing to check their blind spots properly
- Another driver may be distracted, fatigued, or even driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing an accident
- The accident may happen as a result of unsafe conditions on the property, such as an unmarked hazard on a trail
- The recreational vehicle may malfunction or cease to work properly, causing a collision or other accident
What Should You Do After a Recreational Vehicle Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a recreational vehicle accident, there are several steps you should take in order to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the care and help you need:
- Find safety and call the authorities. At the scene, move to a safe place and call authorities to report the accident immediately.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your personal injuries, and any damage to your recreational vehicle or other property.
- Collect personal information. Get contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident, and if possible, take their statements down, so that you have a written record of what happened. Obtain the other party’s full contact information and insurance information.
- Get the medical care you need. Err on the side of going to the hospital or calling an ambulance and getting checked out—there are many injuries in a recreational vehicle accident that do not manifest until much later. Continue receiving medical care as needed throughout your recovery.
- Do not say anything about fault or liability at the scene. It is possible that a statement you make can be admissible against you in court or reappear during settlement negotiations.
- Keep meticulous records. This includes any correspondence, reports, or documents that have to do with your accident. Also keep track of your medical and other expenses that are associated with the accident, including any bills or invoices.
- Seek legal help. Contact an experienced and knowledgeable recreational vehicle lawyer and discuss your rights, your options, and the potential next steps to take in your case.
- File a claim. Working with your attorney, file a claim for compensation, so that you can recover for the damages you have incurred as a result of the other party’s negligence.
What is the Process of Recovering Compensation in a Recreational Vehicle Accident Claim?
If someone else’s negligence caused your recreational vehicle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you have incurred as a result of your injuries. Those damages may include repairs or replacement of your recreational vehicle or expenses associated with other personal property. They may also include your medical bills, doctor and specialist visits, hospital stays, the costs of prescription medications, and the expenses associated with therapy and rehabilitation. Lost income or wages can also be factored into your damages if you are unable to work as a result of the accident. Moreover, you may be able to recover from your pain and suffering, and the overall decline in your quality of life.
Generally, to recover compensation for a recreational vehicle accident, you will need to file a claim for negligence. This means you will need to prove both damages, as discussed above, and liability: that your injuries resulted directly from the negligent conduct of the other party.
For example, if you are hit by a car while enjoying a recreational vehicle, you may be able to file suit against the driver. If you are hit by another recreational vehicle user who fails to share the road safely, you may be able to recover damages from that user. And, if your injuries are a result of an unsafe circumstance or property, you may be able to sue the parties at fault for that unsafe condition.
A recreational vehicle accident claim can quickly turn complicated. The other party may contest the issue of liability, leading to an acrimonious and lengthy exchange. In the likely chance of insurance companies being involved, you will be going up against the company, which typically has significant resources and legal help at its disposal.
A personal injury lawyer who is experienced in recreational vehicle accidents can be extremely helpful: they can negotiate with the insurance company and the other party towards a fair and reasonable settlement, and they can represent your interests in court. They will research the laws applicable to your claim and compile the evidence needed to present a strong case on your behalf.
How Can Derek Wilson Personal Injury Law Help?
A knowledgeable recreational vehicle accident lawyer can be invaluable to your claim. We will negotiate with the insurance company and the parties responsible, handling all communications and striving for a fair and reasonable offer of settlement. We will file your claim in the appropriate court, preserve important evidence, and prepare a strong case to present on your behalf.
At Derek Wilson Personal Injury Law, we have decades of experience working on personal injury accident claims and pride ourselves on doing our best for our clients. For a free consultation with Ontario recreational accident lawyer Derek Wilson, call us at 855-769-0418 or fill out an online request form.
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