In 2016, over 275 ATV accident victims were treated for injuries in US emergency rooms on a daily basis. That’s more than 100,000 in a year.
Considering there were 10.5 million all-terrain vehicle owners in the US during that same period, that’s a relatively low number. The takeaway is that most ATV owners are responsible for their vehicles.
However, there are many reasons you could end up a statistic. In the following article, we’ll cover everything you need to do if you find yourself caught up in ATV rollover accidents or mishaps.
Start your engines!
Assess Damages
Obviously, the first thing you need to do is see how bad the accident is, from both a personal health and property position.
If it’s just damage to your ATV, feel fortunate. That report noting the 275 injuries mentioned above: it also tells you there were about 430 fatalities annually from 1982-2016.
If you’re personally okay, take pictures of the accident. Gather names of any other participants and witnesses. Don’t talk about the accident, and sign nothing.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Will auto insurance cover ATV accident damages? That’s a commonly asked question among owners dealing with their first accidents, and it’s an understandable one.
After all, all-terrain vehicles are something you drive, not live in. That’s why it may seem surprising to find it’s usually your homeowner’s insurance policy that picks up the slack.
Of course, with an ATV accident, no insurance will be more comprehensive than a separate ATV insurance policy. Regardless of which coverage you have, call your insurer immediately after assessing the damages.
Be honest about what happened. Answer each question yes or no unless more explanation is required. In those cases, choose your words carefully but be honest.
See a Doctor
If you require ATV accident urgent care, then an ambulance is your best bet. But for less immediately-threatening injuries, you may wish to consider an urgent care clinic specialized in the treatment of sprains, strains, and fractures. It can save you money and time while still getting you timely care.
Take Future Precautions
Many ATV accident cases are the result of some form of negligence on the part of the user. You aren’t strong enough to handle the vehicle and the terrain. You (or the people you allow to use the ATV) aren’t old enough.
The recreational nature of an all-terrain vehicle also lends itself to environments of drinking, partying, and the use of other behavioral-impairing substances. Don’t get us wrong, you should definitely have fun with your ATV
But once you’ve had an accident, remind yourself constantly to take proper precautions and avoid anything that might interfere with your ability to safely operate the vehicle. Doing so will save you insurance costs, medical expenses, and maybe even your life.
Learn from Your ATV Accident
ATV accident injuries are just some of the many serious traumas that we treat at State Urgent Care.
If you want critical care for emergency situations but don’t want to wait hours for help and pay exorbitant costs, give us a call, contact us online, or stop by our Starkville location today.