Utah ATV Accident / Side-by-Side / Recreational Injury Attorney – Jake Gunter (801) 373-6345
Utah is arguably one of the outdoor capitals of the world. With steep mountains perfect for skiing and high deserts for summer mountain biking, it’s a playground for recreational activities. From boating on Lake Powell or Utah Lake to rock crawling jeeps in Moab, Utah is the destination for adventure. But with adventure comes risk. If you’re injured due to someone else’s carelessness while skiing, boating, or jeeping, call Utah ATV accident attorney Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for legal help.
Common Utah Recreational Accidents Requiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Public Playground Injuries
All public and private playgrounds must be maintained for safety. Injuries caused by negligent maintenance, open dangers, or defective designs are recoverable under homeowners’ or city liability insurance.
Skiing and Snowboarding Collisions
Skiers have the right to be free from injuries caused by reckless skiing or collisions. Lift malfunctions or other equipment failures at ski resorts are often grounds for compensation.
Rental Company Negligence: Zip Lines, Trampolines, Indoor Rock Climbing
Recreational rental companies for zip lines, trampoline parks, or indoor rock climbing must operate safely. If negligence occurs, liability insurance can cover injuries sustained due to faulty equipment or negligent supervision.
Swimming Pool Drownings
Swimming pool accidents, particularly drownings or severe brain injuries, are tragic and often avoidable. Whether caused by a lack of parental supervision or lifeguard negligence, there are legal avenues for compensation.
Boating and Jet-Ski Accidents
Collisions involving motorboats, jet-skis, or Ski-Doos can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Utah law requires these vehicles to have liability insurance, ensuring compensation for injured parties.
Determining Fault in Utah An ATV Accident
Negligent Supervision
Parents should not allow young or inexperienced children to operate ATVs or Side-by-Sides without proper supervision. Injuries resulting from reckless supervision may hold the responsible adult liable.
Faulty Equipment or Maintenance
ATVs, much like cars, must be properly maintained. Faulty equipment or improper maintenance could result in injury, and rental companies may be liable.
Passenger Claims
As a passenger, you are not at fault for ATV accidents. The driver’s ATV insurance or your own ATV insurance may cover your injuries.
ATV Intersection and Road Collisions
If you’re driving a street-legal ATV in places like Moab, you are subject to the same road laws as cars. Your attorney should have a strong understanding of the Utah Traffic Code, 41-6a-101 (2021) to properly assess fault.
ATV Insurance Issues
Most ATVs in Utah require insurance. Make sure your recreational injury attorney reviews all relevant insurance policies, including homeowners’ insurance, which may apply if the accident occurred on private property.
How to Choose the Best Utah Personal Injury Attorney for Recreational or An ATV Accident
If you’re from out of state, choosing a Utah personal injury attorney for your accident case can be difficult. Here’s what to consider:
- Specialization: Look for attorneys who exclusively handle personal injury and criminal defense cases, like Jake Gunter. Specialized attorneys are more efficient and experienced with recurring legal issues.
- Trial Experience: Ensure your attorney has substantial trial experience, not just settlements. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take cases to trial, and they tend to offer better settlements to those with a reputation for litigation.
- Experience: Law is an experience-based profession. Attorneys with over 10 years of experience, like Jake Gunter, can achieve better outcomes due to their familiarity with complex cases and jury trials.
- Financial Capability: Choose a law firm that can afford expert witnesses for trial. Many small firms lack the financial resources needed to hire top-tier experts, which could limit your case’s value.
About Utah Personal Injury Attorney Jake Gunter
Jake Gunter, of Howard Lewis & Petersen, PC, has nearly 20 years of courtroom experience in criminal defense and personal injury cases. His law firm, established in 1950, has 11 attorneys ready to help. If you’ve been injured in a recreational accident such as an ATV or boating collision, contact Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Utah ATV Accidents
- Defective Design or Equipment
- Driver Error
- Drunk or Drugged Driving
- Faulty Maintenance
- Poor Trail Signage
Each cause of an ATV accident requires expert evaluation. Hiring a qualified Utah ATV and recreational injury attorney can make the difference in securing compensation for your injuries.