Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Helping victims of a boat, ATV, snowmobile, and other recreation accidents

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For people who love outdoor adventure and recreation, Maine can be a four-season playground. In the warm months, boats and personal watercraft abound on the state’s lakes, rivers, and on the Atlantic Ocean. Personal recreational and utility vehicles including all types of ATVs, dirt bikes, and more are gaining in popularity. And in the winter, Maine’s trails are a haven for snowmobiles.

Accidents are often caused by other operators or motorists who fail to respect operators of recreational vehicles and/or fail to follow applicable operating rules. Also, as more people use recreational vehicles, and as manufacturers churn out new models that can go faster and further than ever before, the risks go up.

The consequences of a recreational vehicle accident can be tragic. Because these vehicles usually offer little physical protection, riders face a much higher risk of severe injury in the event of a collision.

To learn more about snowmobile accidents in Maine and your legal rights, see our blog article.

For the best results, you need the best recreational vehicle accident lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Maine involving a personal recreational or utility vehicle, and someone else’s negligence caused your injury, contact us and speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We handle all types of injury claims, with a particular focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases.

Having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine. We have recovered $1.35 billion for our injured clients.

Hold manufacturers accountable when they put consumers at risk

In many accidents involving an ATV, snowmobile, personal watercraft or other types of recreational vehicle, the fault clearly rests with another operator or motorist.

But in some cases, the manufacturer of the vehicle could be at fault. The markets for recreational and utility vehicles are highly competitive, and manufacturers often don’t fully consider consumer safety in the race to release newer, faster products. Unreasonably dangerous products, design defects, faulty parts, and the lack of proper warnings or instructions can all contribute to serious injury or death.

If you have been injured as a result of a defective product or a product that is not safely labeled you have the right to receive compensation under Maine law. Our lawyers have the skills, expertise, resources, and experience to make sure you can be fully compensated.

You focus on recovery. We take care of the rest.

After an accident, your attention can be pulled away from the one place where it should be on your health and recovery. Instead, you face the pressure of creditors, employers, and insurance companies that often try to place the blame on you, the victim.

We have helped countless victims who have been harmed in accidents and we understand the challenges you face. We realize that beyond the physical struggles, the emotional and financial impacts can be overwhelming.

We can turn the tables in your favor. While our personal injury lawyers aggressively work to maximize your financial award, our caring and responsive staff can help reduce stress in your recovery process. We take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved.

A Law Firm That Listens

Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.

Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.

Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.

Case Study - Snowmobile Failure

Get Peace of Mind

It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.

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    Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.

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    The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.

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    Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.

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    You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.

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    You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.

$8.5 Million

Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine

$2.5 Million

Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident

$800,000

Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist

$715,000

Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck

$5 Million

Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer

$1.2 Million

Significant Head Injury Car Accident

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  • How common are ATV accidents?

    All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents are not exceptionally common. Each year, roughly 135,000 people are injured nationwide, and 300-400 are killed. Children are the most affected, with one-third of all deaths occurring in those 16 and younger.

    In Maine, ATV use is popular due to the state’s robust network of multi-use trails through scenic recreation and wildlife areas. While numerous safety measures and legal requirements provide some protection, serious injuries and deaths from ATV accidents still occur.

  • What causes most fatal boating accidents?

    The most common cause of boating accidents is operator inattention. Serious injuries and death can result from collisions, improper speed management, and failure to adjust to changing conditions. This type of negligence can lead to passengers slipping and falling or even going overboard.

    In fatal boating accidents, drowning accounts for 79 percent of all deaths. Eighty-six percent of those who die are not wearing life preservers. The known leading factor contributing to fatal accidents is alcohol use. Secondary factors include improper lookout, operator inexperience, and excessive speed.

  • What does RV insurance usually cover in an accident?

    Recreational Vehicle (RV) insurance coverage varies depending on the type of plan. Basic coverage generally includes protection for:

    • Bodily injury liability.
    • Property damage liability.
    • Collision.
    • Comprehensive.
    • Uninsured motorist protection.
    • Underinsured motorist protection.
    • Medical payments.

    Optional add-ons include roadside assistance, towing and labor, vacation liability, safety glass replacement, replacement cost, and scheduled personal effects.

  • What should I do after an accident with an RV?

    If you’re involved in a Recreational Vehicle (RV) accident, the first thing to do is call 911. Ask for a police officer to come to the scene so you can file an accident report. If you or any of your passengers are injured, also request an ambulance. We also recommend seeking medical attention even if you do not believe you are injured, as the stress of the accident can often mask symptoms.

    Once you have taken the preliminary steps to report your accident and injuries, we strongly suggest contacting an experienced personal injury attorney. If you plan to sue, it’s best to investigate an accident is right away. Witness statements, surveillance footage, tire tracks, and other forms of critical evidence are often only available for a short time after the accident. The sooner you contact a personal injury law firm to work on your behalf, the sooner your attorney can collect and preserve all time-sensitive documentation.

    Another reason to act quickly in contacting a personal injury law firm is that the legal process can be extremely time-consuming. Getting started quickly can speed up the overall timeline, allowing you to receive the compensation you deserve without undue delay.

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