Phoenix UTV / ATV Accident Lawyer

Utility & All-Terrain Vehicle Accidents in Arizona

Arizona has ample space for off-roading, and various utility and all-terrain vehicles have become a popular choice for both recreational and occupational purposes. As with any motor vehicle, however, these machines pose substantial risks of injuries to those who ride them – especially when others are negligent.

At MayesTelles PLLC, our attorneys represent victims of ATV, UTV, and ROV accidents throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas of Arizona. If you or someone you love have been injured in any type of utility vehicle accident due to another’s negligence or wrongful acts, our firm is available 24/7 to discuss your rights and options, as you may be entitled to compensation.

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Types of Utility & Off-Road Vehicles

Off-road vehicles come in many shapes and sizes, but they all pose the potential for serious accidents and injuries. These risks typically increase when riding on sand dunes, dirt roads, mountains, and other dangerous terrain often traversed by utility vehicles.

Although utility and off-road vehicles are referred to by many different names interchangeably by consumers, they are not always synonymous depending on the manufacturer and vehicle model. For example:

• UTVs: Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) are four-wheel off, off-road vehicles that fit anywhere from 2 to 4 riders. Many UTVs have roll cages for occupant protection, as well as cargo boxes in the backs of vehicles, making them highly useful for people who need to carry equipment, haul supplies, and perform other similar work-related tasks. Although they can look very similar to ATVs, UTVs are made specifically with workers in mind, are more powerful than ATVs, and can handle upwards of 1,000 pounds, depending on the make and model. UTVs may also be called side-by-sides (SxS).
• ATVs: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are perhaps the most recognized type of off-road vehicle. Designed more for leisure, motor sports, and outdoor activity, ATVs cannot handle the same amount of weight as UTVs, and are more likely to be found on sand dunes and other open spaces where campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and hobbyists can put them to the test. ATVs may be called Quads, Four Wheelers, or other similar recreational vehicle acronyms (ROVs, MUVs, etc.).
• ROVs: Recreational Off-Road Vehicles (ROVs) are a common catch-all term used by many to describe all types of three- or four- wheeled off-road motor vehicles. In addition to UTVs and ATVs, they may also be called Recreational Utility Vehicles (RUVs), Multi-Use Vehicles (MUVs), or Utility Vehicles, though their function and purpose may vary depending on the manufacturer.

ATV & UTV Accidents & Personal Injury Lawsuits

Victims of preventable accidents have the right to hold at-fault parties liable for financial damages arising from their harm and losses. As with any personal injury claim, victims seeking compensation will need to prove another’s negligence (or wrongful acts) caused them harm that could and should have been reasonably avoided.

When it comes to ATVs, UTVs and other types of Recreational Off-Road Vehicles, injured victims and families may pursue personal injury lawsuits for various reasons, including:

• Operator Negligence: When ATVs and ROVs are used in locations popular for off-roading, there are risks for crashes involving two or more vehicles. In these cases, victims may have the opportunity to seek compensation from at-fault operators who fail to use their ROVs in a reasonably safe manner. Examples include operator inattention or distracted driving, dangerous speeds, failures to yield, and failures to use flags, headlights, or other means of vehicle recognition.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): UTVs and ATVs are both used widely by consumers for off-road recreation, often at popular campgrounds and outdoor recreation areas. Just as with other forms of outdoor recreation, alcohol is commonly used. When intoxicated UTV or ATV riders cause drunk driving accidents, they can be held liable for damages victims suffer.
• Defective Products: Over the years, many UTV and ATV makers have been sued by consumers who allege their vehicles, or components of their vehicles, were defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed. Polaris, Yamaha, Honda, and other ROV manufacturers have faced product liability suits over ROV fires, defective brakes, faulty fuel lines, tire blowouts, seatbelts, roll-over risks, and other hazards that could have been prevented.
• Unsafe Premises: Depending on where ATVs or UTVs are being used, victims may have potential claims against landowners who failed to address hazards on their property they knew or should have known about. Known as premises liability, property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps in keeping a safe premises, whether that means addressing defective roadways or unreasonable hazards on property where workers use UTVs, or outdoor enthusiasts use ATVs.
• Rental & Tour Companies: Many companies offer ATV and UTV rentals or ATV / UTV off-road tours. As service providers, these companies have a duty to take reasonable measures in keeping their customers safe, including adequate maintenance of their vehicles, proper protective gear, and proper instruction about safe operation and risks. Victims who suffer preventable injuries in accidents may have potential claims against these companies.

Have a Case? Call (602) 428-7104 For a FREE Consultation.

MayesTelles is comprised of highly experienced, award-winning attorneys who are dedicated to helping injured victims and their families seek compensation following serious injuries or wrongful death. If you have a potential accident case involving a UTV, ATV, or any other ROV, our team can help you better understand your rights and whether you may have a viable personal injury claim during a free and confidential consultation.

Call (602) 428-7104 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer.