Chicago ATV Accident Lawyer

Financial Compensation for Victims Injured in All-Terrain Vehicle Accidents

Chicago ATV accident lawyer representation is available at Chicago Injury Center for those seriously hurt in all-terrain vehicle crashes across Illinois. Whether your injuries were caused by unsafe terrain, a negligent operator, or a defective vehicle, our attorneys are here to help you pursue financial compensation.

Accidents involving ATVs often lead to life-changing injuries and steep medical expenses, especially when they involve spinal cord damage or amputation. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and protect the rights of those injured in these preventable incidents.

ATV Accident Settlement Example Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Chicago Injury Center, we have successfully handled serious ATV, motorcycle, and vehicle injury cases across Illinois. With decades of experience, we’ve recovered substantial settlements for clients suffering from traumatic injuries, wrongful death, and other losses caused by someone else’s negligence.

In one of our cases, Ethan, a twelve-year-old boy, was thrown from an ATV operated by a family friend during a weekend trip. He suffered a brain injury with permanent cognitive damage. Our law firm brought claims against the homeowner’s insurance and the ATV manufacturer, citing operator negligence and design flaws.

We helped settle the case for $4.5 million to support his long-term care and recovery.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, our top Chicago ATV accident attorneys have recovered millions for victims of serious accidents involving all-terrain vehicles across Illinois. We’re recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—honors awarded to the nation’s best personal injury attorneys.

Clients choose us because we deliver results, provide aggressive representation, and never charge a fee unless we win. If you need trusted legal help, we’re here to fight for you.

Types of ATV Accident Cases We Handle

Our top-rated Chicago personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases involving both adult and youth riders. We represent clients injured as passengers, operators, and those hurt by defective ATVs or unsafe property conditions.

Cases often involve rollovers, high-speed collisions, or crashes on poorly maintained trails. Whether your accident happened on private land, public trails, or during a recreational event, our law firm is prepared to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of ATV Accidents in Chicago?

All-terrain vehicle accidents in Chicago are often caused by a combination of operator negligence, unsafe terrain, and vehicle defects. Common causes include speeding, reckless driving, lack of supervision for minors, and riding without proper safety gear.

Accidents may also occur due to poor trail maintenance, hidden hazards, or defective parts such as brakes or steering components. In some cases, alcohol use or overloading the vehicle contributes to the crash. Each of these factors can lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with ATV Accidents?

Accidents involving ATVs often lead to severe injuries due to the vehicle’s high speeds and lack of protection. Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and amputations. Riders may also suffer from internal bleeding, crushed limbs, or facial trauma from being thrown or pinned.

Even with helmets and safety gear, the force of an ATV crash can result in long-term physical pain, emotional injuries, and permanent disability. Many victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

What Damages Can ATV Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Victims of ATV accidents in Chicago may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, and costs for rehabilitation or long-term care. Victims may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In cases involving extreme negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may also apply.

Our Chicago ATV accident law firm works to recover full and fair compensation for every aspect of your injury and recovery.

What Is the Average ATV Accident Settlement in Chicago?

Based on recent case outcomes involving ATV accidents, the average settlement for an amputation injury is approximately $5.18 million, while the median settlement is around $500,000. Reported payouts range from as low as $12,500 to as high as $110 million, depending on the specifics of each case.

This broad range reflects how serious ATV-related injuries can be—particularly when they involve limb loss—and how various legal and medical issues can significantly affect settlement values.

Key factors that influence settlement amounts following all-terrain vehicle accidents include:

• Severity of the injuries (e.g., spinal cord injuries or amputation)
• Long-term medical needs, including surgeries, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and attendant care
• Lost income and reduced earning potential due to permanent disability
• Emotional injuries, such as pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life
• Clear evidence of negligence, including drunk driving, unsafe terrain, or lack of supervision
• The insurance coverage available through the operator, property owner, or vehicle manufacturer
• Liability disputes, especially when multiple parties may share responsibility

Example ATV Accident Cases

Man Catastrophically Injured in Drunk Driving ATV Crash

Michael Wojcik, 24, suffered brain injury, spinal damage, and permanent disabilities after being ejected from an ATV driven by a friend under the influence of alcohol. The crash occurred in the Pocono Mountains when the vehicle hit a pothole at high speed.

Wojcik, who was set to start a teaching job, now lives with severe impairments. A judge entered a $15 million default judgment against the driver, though insurance coverage remains uncertain.

Child Blinded in ATV Crash at Family-Owned Preserve

Nine-year-old Thomas Stewart V was blinded in both eyes after crashing an adult-sized ATV at his grandfather’s hunting preserve. The handlebar pierced his eye socket after he lost control near a kennel. His family sued multiple parties, including two companies owned by his grandfather, citing negligent supervision and improper ATV access.

The case settled for $6,010,000, covering past medical bills, life care costs, and future lost earnings. The structured settlement ensures lifetime support for Thomas, who now lives with permanent vision loss.

Man Injured by Hidden Ditch on His Own Property

Michael Boyd suffered a brain injury, a fractured neck, and permanent disabilities after hitting a hidden ditch while riding his ATV on his property. The ditch was dug by Green Briar Development without his permission during nearby construction. Boyd sued, claiming the ditch created a dangerous condition.

A jury awarded $4,745,767, later reduced to $3.78 million. Green Briar denied responsibility, arguing Boyd knew about the ditch. The jury found no fault with the third-party defendant, Boyd’s father-in-law.

Why You Need an ATV Accident Lawyer

Hiring a Chicago ATV injury lawyer is essential because these cases often involve complex liability issues, disputed facts, and insurance companies that aggressively fight claims. Proving fault may require accident reconstruction, medical experts, and a thorough investigation.

If your case goes to trial, it may be heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County, where strong legal representation is critical. Our attorneys know how to build strong cases, handle local procedures, and fight for the full compensation injured clients deserve.

How Common Are ATV Accidents in Chicago?

Per the latest IDOT crash report, Chicago reported 16 accidents involving ATVs, of which one ended up fatal, and eight resulted in injury.

Where Do ATV Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Accidents involving ATVs in the Chicago area often occur on private properties, undeveloped land, and construction sites in neighborhoods like Back of the Yards, South Deering, and parts of West Englewood. Riders are also injured near railroad tracks, vacant lots, and in areas around I-55 or Lake Calumet, where off-road activity is common despite restrictions.

Many crashes involve unauthorized use, poor trail conditions, or unsafe operation near businesses or industrial zones. These areas present serious hazards that often lead to life-changing injuries.

What Personal Injury Laws Govern ATV Accident Claims in Chicago?

ATV accident claims in Chicago are governed by Illinois state law, including 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1, which outlines where and how ATVs may be legally operated. Violations of this statute may support a claim for negligence in injury cases.

A notable case, Wojcik v. Mastorio, involved a passenger who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an ATV crash. The court awarded a $15 million default judgment, highlighting the severe risks of reckless ATV operation.

How Long Do I Have to File an ATV Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?

In Chicago, you generally have two years from the date of an ATV accident to file a lawsuit under the Illinois statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202). If the accident involves a minor, the timeline may be extended.

Failing to file within this period can permanently bar your claim. It’s essential to speak with a Chicago ATV injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.

Who Is Legally Liable for ATV Accidents in Chicago?

Legal liability for accidents involving ATVs can fall on several parties depending on how the crash occurred.

The ATV operator may be liable for reckless driving or alcohol use. Property owners can be responsible for unsafe terrain or hidden hazards. Manufacturers may be held accountable if a defect in the ATV caused the crash. In some cases, employers or event organizers may be liable if the accident occurred during work or a supervised activity.

Each case depends on the facts and available evidence.

Common Defenses in Chicago ATV Accident Cases

In Chicago personal injury cases involving ATV accidents, common defenses include claiming the victim assumed the risk of injury, shared fault through comparative negligence, or was operating the vehicle illegally. Insurance companies may also downplay the severity of injuries or dispute liability altogether.

Our ATV injury lawyers challenge these defenses by presenting medical records, expert testimony, and evidence showing the actual cause of the crash. We work to prove the defendant’s negligence and fight to secure full and fair compensation for our clients.

How to Strengthen Your ATV Accident Case in Chicago

To strengthen your ATV accident case in Chicago, start by seeking immediate medical treatment and following all care instructions. Document the scene with photos, gather witness names, and keep records of all medical expenses and lost wages.

Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer. Preserve the ATV, helmet, and any gear involved. Contact an ATV injury attorney as soon as possible so evidence can be secured and your rights protected throughout the legal process.

How a Chicago ATV Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Chicago ATV accident attorney plays a critical role in building and pursuing your case. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to prove the full extent of your injuries.

Our law firm handles all communication with insurance companies, calculates your damages—including medical costs, lost income, and long-term care—and fights for fair compensation. If a settlement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Chicago ATV Accident FAQs

How much does an ATV accident attorney cost in Chicago?

Our ATV accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if your case results in a settlement or verdict. Fees are typically a percentage of the recovery, agreed upon before representation begins.

Who can file an ATV accident claim in Chicago?

Anyone injured in an ATV accident due to someone else’s negligence—including passengers, bystanders, or property owners—can file a claim. Parents or legal guardians can file on behalf of minors. In fatal cases, immediate family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Does homeowners’ insurance cover ATV accidents?

In some cases, homeowners’ insurance may cover injuries from an ATV accident, especially if it occurred on the insured’s property. However, coverage varies by policy and location of the crash. An attorney can review the policy and determine if insurance applies to your case.

Book a Free Consultation with a Chicago ATV Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you’ve been hurt in an ATV crash, don’t wait to get legal help. Book a free consultation with Chicago Injury Center today. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Our attorneys are ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for what you deserve.