Zanesville ATV/Side-by-Side Accident Attorneys

Ohioans of all ages drive ATVs and side-by-sides for recreation and work. Farmers often use ATVs or side-by-sides to cross fields and inspect crops, herd livestock, and perform necessary maintenance. Construction workers use ATVs and side-by-sides to haul equipment and materials. Many people also ride ATVs and side-by-sides as a hobby, embarking on adventures across Ohio’s beautiful trails.

Unfortunately, ATV and side-by-side riding come with serious risks. Even the most cautious driver may find themselves facing severe injuries as a result of a collision. In 2024 alone, 83 fatal incidents due to off-highway vehicles were reported in Ohio, including ATVs and side-by-sides.

If you have sustained injuries caused by another driver’s negligent conduct, our Zanesville ATV/side-by-side accidents attorneys may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Serving clients in Zanesville, Cambridge, Muskingum County, and across Ohio, you can contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Common Reasons for ATV/Side-by-Side Accidents

Across the United States, off-highway vehicle crashes remain a major safety concern. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported an estimated 578,700 emergency department-treated injuries associated with off-highway vehicles from 2020 through 2024. That’s an annual average of about 115,700 injuries. Those vehicles include ATVs, recreational off-highway vehicles, and utility-terrain vehicles.

Driver error is a leading cause of collisions, but it is not the only issue. In an Ohio ATV accident claim, Graham Law looks carefully at how the crash happened, who had control of the vehicle or property, and whether any safety rules were ignored.

Some of the most commonly reported causes of ATV and side-by-side accidents include:

• Inebriated driving, including driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, or other drugs
• Speeding or operating too fast for the terrain, weather, or visibility
• Reckless driving, including attempts to perform tricks, sudden turns, or unsafe hill climbs
• Driving in the dark without proper lighting or visibility
• Allowing a minor or inexperienced person to drive an adult ATV (known as negligent entrustment)
• Overloading the vehicle or carrying passengers in unsafe locations
• Failing to use seat belts, helmets, doors, nets, or other available safety equipment
• Neglecting to heed the weather or other environmental concerns
• And more

To mitigate risks and increase your chances of safe ATV or side-by-side operation, you may wish to take the following actions:

• Seek training in how to operate your vehicle
• Familiarize yourself with state law on ATV and side-by-side vehicles
• Wear a helmet and protective clothing while riding
• Never entrust an adult vehicle to a child
• Do not ride your ATV or side-by-side on any state highway

While taking reasonable precautions may reduce your risk of involvement in an ATV or side-by-side accident, you unfortunately cannot control the actions of other road users or manufacturers. If you have been involved in an accident and would like to learn more about your options, contact our Ohio personal injury lawyers today.

Ohio ATV and Side-by-Side Laws That May Affect a Claim

Ohio law uses the term “all-purpose vehicle” for many ATVs and similar off-highway vehicles. Operators of ATVs and side-by-sides are required to follow strict precautions meant to preserve both their own safety and that of their fellow road-users. These rules can matter after a crash because a violation may help explain how negligence occurred.

Ohio Revised Code Section 4519.40 generally prohibits operating a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle on a state highway, on private property without permission, on certain state-controlled land where operation is not posted as permitted, on railroad tracks or rights-of-way, and after sunset without required lights. The same section also applies Ohio traffic-law provisions in Chapters 4511 and 4549 to the operation of those vehicles, with listed exceptions.

Ohio Revised Code Section 4519.44 also requires a valid driver’s license, motorcycle operator’s endorsement, commercial driver’s license, probationary license, or valid out-of-state license before operating an all-purpose vehicle on any street or highway, public land, public waters, or right-of-way in Ohio. Because facts matter, you should speak with an ATV accident attorney in Ohio before assuming a traffic citation, licensing issue, or location issue will definitively decide your claim.

The Impacts of an ATV/Side-by-Side Accident on Zanesville Victims

Injuries associated with ATV and side-by-side accidents can range in severity from mild to life-altering, or even fatal. Depending on the speed and angle of impact, an injured accident survivor may face any of the following injuries:

• Broken bones
• Cuts
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Torn ligaments
• Dislocation
• Brain trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• And more

Trauma to the head and spine can lead to severe damage, including paralysis, cognitive changes, chronic pain, quadriplegia, paraplegia, or other permanent physical limitations. An injured accident survivor may no longer be able to engage in work or other day-to-day activities in the same way as before. In some cases, recovery may take months if not years. In other cases, the injured accident survivor’s life may never be the same.

Medical bills, rehabilitative treatments, prescription medication, adaptive equipment, travel for appointments, and other necessary costs may add up. At the same time, the injured person may be facing income loss. Financial stress may contribute to anxiety, depression, or a range of other psychological disorders.

When injuries are catastrophic, Graham Law works with medical providers, vocational experts, and life-care planners through our catastrophic injury practice in Zanesville to document the full impact of the crash.

Who May Be Liable For an ATV or Side-by-Side Crash in Ohio?

ATV and side-by-side accident claims are often more complicated than standard car accident claims in Zanesville. Liability may involve more than one person or company.

Depending on the facts, a claim may involve:

• A negligent ATV or side-by-side operator
• A vehicle owner who allowed an unsafe, intoxicated, unlicensed, or inexperienced person to operate the vehicle
• A property owner or event organizer who failed to address a dangerous condition
• A rental company that provided a poorly maintained vehicle or inadequate instructions
• A manufacturer, distributor, or repair shop if a defect or negligent repair contributed to the crash
• An employer or workers’ compensation issue if the crash happened while the rider was working. Graham Law can also evaluate related Ohio workers’ compensation concerns.

Ohio’s comparative fault rule may also affect the claim. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33, an injured person’s compensation may be reduced by their share of fault, and recovery may be barred if their fault is greater than the combined fault of the other parties. Insurance companies may try to use this rule to blame the injured rider, which is one reason early legal guidance from a Zanesville ATV/side-by-side attorney can be important.

What To Do If You Have Been Injured in an Ohio ATV/Side-by-Side Accident

The first and most important step after any accident is to ensure that you receive the medical attention you need. This may mean receiving first aid at the accident site, calling 911, or going to the emergency room for immediate care. Because ATV and side-by-side rides often involve remote locations, it is wise to ride with a charged phone, location-sharing capability, and emergency supplies at all times.

Make sure your medical care provider makes a record of your injuries, as a formal medical assessment may be essential proof in a potential personal injury claim later down the line. If you are able, take photos and videos while you are still at the scene. Capture the vehicles, terrain, skid marks, lighting, trail or road conditions, warning signs, helmet or seat-belt use, and visible injuries. Record the names and contact information of other drivers, passengers, property owners, and eyewitnesses.

Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster or signing a release before you understand your rights. Your next step may be to contact our ATV/side-by-side accident attorneys in Zanesville. We will guide the conversation to better understand your case and see how we may be of service to you, no matter where your accident happened in Ohio.

Compensation That May Be Available After An Ohio ATV Accident

Through a personal injury claim, also called a lawsuit, an injured rider may be able to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The value of any case depends on the evidence, the severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, and the long-term impact on the person’s life.

Potential damages may include:

• Emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment
• Future medical care and rehabilitation needs
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash
• Funeral expenses and family losses in fatal crash cases, which may involve our Zanesville wrongful death attorneys.

In most Ohio personal injury cases, a lawsuit for bodily injury must be filed within two years after the claim accrues under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. Some situations can involve shorter notice requirements or different deadlines, so it is best to ask for legal help as soon as possible.

How Our Zanesville ATV Accident Attorneys Can Help

Graham Law helps injured people in Zanesville, Cambridge, Muskingum County, Guernsey County, and throughout Ohio. Our ATV/side-by-side attorneys in Zanesville and Cambridge can investigate the scene, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, review medical records, evaluate available coverage, and build a claim that explains how the crash changed your life.

We also understand that these crashes often happen during work, family recreation, or rural property use. Our role is to give you clear guidance while protecting your rights during a difficult time.

Contact Graham Law and Book a Free Case Review With Our Zanesville ATV/Side-by-Side Accident Attorneys Today

Injuries associated with ATV and side-by-side accidents can be severe. There may be financial help available to support you with the costs of medical treatments, lost income, and more. Contact Graham Law today at (740) 454-8585 or reach out through our contact page to speak with our ATV/side-by-side accident attorneys and learn what we may be able to do for you.

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